It takes an incredible team of individuals to do the work we do.
Meet Shantae, one of Dragonfly Centre’s Child & Youth Counsellors. She shares with us what “a typical day in the life” of her role looks like, and much more!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is when I get to see the positive outcome of working with my students. Seeing them thriving and using the tools they’ve been given to continue to thrive.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your position?
The most important thing that I have learned in my position is to be patient and to listen. Asking my students how I can best support them is probably the best thing I could do for them.
What does the typical “day in the life” of your role look like?
Including my personal life, my days start out with getting my toddler ready for daycare while also getting myself ready for the day. My workday is filled with student after student, and any free time is spent catching up on notes or doing some research for ways to better help my students.
What do you love most about your role?
I love being able to support our youth in ways that most people have never been supported. I love when my students are looking forward to seeing me the day that I go to their school, it lets me know that I am making a difference in their lives.
Share a surprising or fun fact about yourself?
I am adopted! I was adopted from birth, and I have the best parents ever. I also know both my biological parents and have known them for most of my life. I have 2 siblings, a sister with whom I am 18 years older than who is with my biological father. And a brother with whom I am 13 years older than who lives with my biological mother.
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling?
My advice would be to never be afraid to ask for help and/or support. As humans we all struggle at least sometimes throughout our lives, and we all deserve to have help and support. There is nothing wrong with asking for a hand.