PROspectives
Student Blog

Each summer, thousands of Ontarian students are employed by the parks and recreation sector. While many do not remain in the sector after graduation, they gain valuable leadership and professional development skills through these roles. Roles in lifeguarding and aquatics have taught me that my duties go beyond monitoring the swimming area or leading camp programming. Working in aquatics and camps involves creating safe spaces where people can build their self-confidence while

For twelve years, I worked as an Educational Assistant, spending the first four years in secondary school and the last eight in an elementary setting. After over a decade in the education sector, I knew it was time for a change. In January 2024, I took a leap and pursued the role of Youth Centre Assistant with the Township of Clearview . The following September I enrolled in the Recreation and Leisure Services Program at Georgian College . I am now in my second year of studi

Whether as camp counsellors, lifeguards, or fitness instructors, early-career parks and recreation professionals are looked to as experts in health, wellness, safety, and so much more. Why then do so many of us feel like we're imposters, faking it, or not 'good enough'?