Joanna Katsiliras

Joanna's Experience at Humber

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

One of the best aspects of Humber was the dedication of the professors. Many were genuinely invested in their students' success, going above and beyond to provide assistance. These professors took the time to help, displaying patience and passion in their teaching. The field of study at Humber is challenging, attracting individuals driven by a desire to make a difference. Whether their motivation stemmed from personal goals, the well-being of loved ones, a commitment to their community, or a desire to support those affected by the field, these students and professors shared a common purpose. Success in this demanding field requires a great deal of patience, hard work, and love. At Humber, the supportive environment created by the professors played a crucial role in nurturing these qualities. Their willingness to invest time and effort into their students' education exemplified the supportive culture at Humber, making it a place where aspiring professionals could thrive and work towards making meaningful contributions.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

Graduating was initially a discouraging experience for me, but looking back, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and that one should never give up on their dreams. The journey required immense patience, numerous applications, and many tears, but it ultimately led me to where I am meant to be today. There were times when the setbacks felt overwhelming and the path forward seemed unclear. However, each challenge taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve. The disappointments and rejections were difficult to endure, but they pushed me to persevere and keep striving toward my goals. Over time, I learned that resilience and determination are crucial in achieving one's aspirations. The process of repeatedly applying and facing rejection helped me develop a thicker skin and a more focused vision of my career. These experiences, though painful at the time, were instrumental in shaping my journey. Today, I am grateful for the trials I faced because they prepared me for the opportunities I now have. My journey reinforced my belief in the importance of persistence and the idea that setbacks are often stepping stones toward success. This perspective has been essential in my personal and professional growth.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

The most satisfying part of my career is the opportunity to help others. We provide programs to individuals who have been in conflict with the law or are at risk of such conflicts. Our goal is to make Toronto safer through initiatives focused on crime prevention, intervention, and reintegration. We specifically work with federally sentenced adult males on supervised release from federal institutions.

The paramount goal of these programs is to increase public safety by assisting with the successful reintegration of these clients. Our staff collaborates closely with Correctional Services Canada (CSC) to effectively manage risk by addressing key "need areas." These areas are crucial for stabilizing clients in the community and helping them lead productive, pro-social lives.

Our work is impactful in several ways: we make a positive change in the lives of those affected by crime, manage public risk, and achieve meaningful successes. By helping individuals reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending, we contribute to the overall safety and well-being of our community. The tangible outcomes of our efforts, both in individual lives and community safety, are what make this career so fulfilling.