Meet Emmalyn, Student, Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours)

“I chose the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program because of my passion for working with children and the program’s versatility. It offers a wide range of career options after graduation and can be applied to fields such as education, healthcare, community services, youth justice programs, and many more. The diversity of potential career paths really drew me in. What also stood out to me was the program’s emphasis on practical experience, with a field placement in second year and a work term after third year, allowing me to gain direct experience while applying what I’ve learned in class.

One of the things that has impressed me the most is the level of personalized support and expertise from the professors. Coming from a larger university program, I was used to feeling like just another face in the crowd with 200 peers in one lecture hall. In contrast, the smaller class sizes in the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program have allowed me to build meaningful connections with educators who are genuinely invested in our success.

This program is very hands-on, and I think the best way to learn is through practice. For example, in our counselling course, we learn new skills like documentation, problem solving, and confidentiality, and then practice them in small groups by rotating through the roles of client, Child and Youth Care practitioner, and observer. These experiences have been incredibly helpful in building both my confidence and my skills.

One of the highlights of my time at Algonquin College has definitely been the Level 1 multi-night camping trip. It was a great opportunity to bond with my peers, and it was also my first time camping. I enjoyed the therapeutic activities and games, the reflections about who we wanted to be as future practitioners, the stargazing, shared meals, bonfire nights, and, of course, the s’mores.

If I had to describe my experience at Algonquin College in one word, it would be elevating. The program has challenged me, supported me, and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

After graduation, I’m considering pursuing a master’s degree. Right now, I’m especially interested in working in a children’s hospital, either in mental health or supporting children with exceptionalities. I’m also interested in policy work related to children’s rights and well-being.

For anyone thinking about taking the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program, I’d say go for it. The hands-on learning and real-world experience are incredibly valuable, and the diversity of career opportunities is a huge plus. It’s absolutely worth it if you’re passionate about working with children, youth, and families.”
-Emmalyn, Student, Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (Honours)