Agnes Erazo

Agnes's Experience at Humber

Please tell us about your time at Humber College. What was the best part of it?

As a student returning to post-secondary after 20 years, there was a steep learning curve. I found the faculty and my peers welcoming, supportive, helpful, and inspiring. The CYC program at Humber was instrumental in teaching theory, and the faculty in connecting it all to practice. I found the program practical through the content, peer groups, and the assessments. The best part for me was the diverse perspectives I had the pleasure of being exposed to. My peers and faculty offered a variety of experiences that enriched my learning and opened opportunities for me to expand my knowledge. We were the first cohort to experience the shift to online learning through the Covid-19 pandemic, and it was impressive how well we adapted as a unit. It was a time of patience, grit, and resilience. Most of all, there was a new kind of relationship building, which is the cornerstone of CYC practice. At Humber I made many connections that have shaped and guided the way I approach my practice and how I view the world around me. I was greatly inspired by everyone around me.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

After receiving my CYC diploma at Humber, I began working in the foster care system as a Family Support Worker at Bridgeway Family Homes. This was one of my field experiences at Humber, and I was hired after finishing my last semester. I very much enjoyed this role; however, I knew I wanted to make a bigger impact. I went on to attend Toronto Metropolitan University remotely. During my first semester, I was hired by the Halton District School Board as a CYC with a full-time full-year contract. I balanced my full-time career and full-time studies (and 3 children) for two years and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Youth Care from TMU with a minor in Psychology. Upon finishing, I was offered a permanent position as a CYC with HDSB. I have been supporting the same two schools in Georgetown since I first began.

I continued to the University of Ottawa and attended remotely to obtain a Master of Education with a concentration in Teaching and Learning. During this time, I was also hired by Sheridan College as a professor in their ECE department. Prior to becoming a CYC and my journey starting at Humber, I had worked as an ECE for 23 years. I feel that I have learned so much from my education and experiences in the last 5 years that my goal is to impact the next wave of educators with a more equitable and inclusive mindset. I currently still hold my full-time position at HDSB, and I am also teaching an Inclusion course at Sheridan twice a week. Both of my roles are amazing, impactful, and fulfilling, and I couldn’t imagine doing something else.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

I switched careers in my early forties, with the support of my amazing family. I feel I have always been a CYC at heart, and so applying to Humber was the best decision I ever made professionally. When I first started learning about anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practices, and the importance of relationship building, I knew I was in the right place. These are key aspects to both of my roles. I am able to make an impact for students in the face of systemic barriers every single day. I foster safety, inclusivity, and celebrate diversity. These are essential in this education system. When I see students happy and resilient it makes my heart sing. I get to advocate on various scales, from small student-educator communication to bigger systemic changes that need to be made. I get to teach others how to cope and make connections. I model respect, kindness, and connection for educators, so that we can support with a circle of care. There will always be low days, but the other days are filled with opportunities for success. I love every part of my role as a CYC, we make a difference, we build up, and we guide.