News

The thought of going to work each day brings a smile from ear to ear.

March 12, 2010
Kiefer Vincent, a 17-year-old Perth District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) co-operative education student, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County.

Co-op student smiles at thought of going to work
Posted Feb 4, 2010 By Marla Shook-Johnson

EMC News - The thought of going to work each day brings a smile from ear to ear.

Kiefer Vincent, a 17-year-old Perth District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) co-operative education student, loves attending his placement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County. He beams when he describes the In School Mentoring program he is involved with.

Student talkingKiefer Vincent, speaks to Lee Ann Eardley, site based program supervisor with BBBS recently. Vincent has thoroughly been enjoying his placement with the program, a non profit United Way agency.

Wanting to go into social work, the high school student was looking for a placement that would give him some practical experience in his sought out profession. When his teacher mentioned BBBS he jumped at the chance to work with young boys and youth.

"I want to focus on kids. That's our future," he said of why this type of work appeals to him. "This (BBBS) is a really positive organization."

Since September 2009 Vincent has been coming to BBBS as part of a full time placement with the nonprofit agency and said he is "never bored." The full range placement has afforded him the exposure to social workers, administrative duties, interacting with school receptionists, principals, teachers and students.

While he may be coming to the end of his semester and placement with the agency, he noted he is currently providing in school mentoring to 18 boys at four locations, including St. John Catholic Elementary, Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Stewart Elementary and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Schools in Perth and Smiths Falls.

"I am enjoying it a lot," he enthused. "It doesn't feel like work."

He points to one school he attends, where one of his young mentees makes a habit of going to the office before he gets there, asking if his mentor is there yet.

"They are always happy to see you," he said of his young charges.

Lee Ann Eardley, site based program supervisor with BBBS nodded, saying comments from the mentees (students in Grades 2 and 3, up to Grade 8) are all positive, "they can't wait for him to come."

Vincent recalls hating elementary school when he was younger, generally not wanting to go. He noted his mentees' teachers have told him his young charges look forward very much to his visit, almost as if it brightens their day.

"Every kid knows my name," Vincent observed of most of the students at the schools he attends.

And while Vincent may be mentoring 18 young boys, he is also receiving mentorship at the same time, through staff at the BBBS. Mentoring in the field he wishes to make his career.

"I pride myself on my work," Eardley charged. "This is a full range satisfying placement. He (Vincent) is not sweeping the floors."

While Vincent's placement is done soon, he plans on helping the agency with their upcoming major fundraiser Bowl for Kids. Set to take place in Perth, Carleton Place and Smiths Falls Feb. 27, this year's event marks its 30th anniversary. Those wishing to volunteer or sign up a team may call the agency at 613-283-0570.

Vincent hopes to get into Canadore College in North Bay, this Fall, in the social service worker program.

http://www.emcsmithsfalls.ca/20100204/news/Co-op+student+smiles+at+thought+of+going+to+work