Matthew De Leon

Matthew's Experience at Humber

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

Humber College (Lakeshore) was instrumental in shaping my career path. I learned an incredible amount during my time as a CYC student there and still refer to materials used (personal class notes, books, PowerPoints) in my job now. I felt very supported and equipped by all the staff and faculty at my program and was well set-up to achieve success in my classes and exams. The best part of my time at Humber College were all the resources available between study rooms, lounge areas, the cafe, the amenities and other fun programs. It felt like my second home during my stay there, which is what I hope any student hopes to feel given that that’s where a lot of their time and energy is poured into for several years.

Please tell us about your experience since graduating.

Right out of graduating in 2019, I picked up a position as a full-time support staff at a day program for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in South Etobicoke. The focus is building on life, social, and vocational skills to work towards employment and/or independence. In 2021, I was promoted to full-time Program Director and now oversee the day-to-days alongside many other duties.

What do you find most satisfying about your career choice?

I love what I do. No one day is the same, and yet no one day is different. I am passionate about working towards long-term goals set by and for program participants and seeing them break barriers and watching all the daily and yearly victories. Simultaneously, I love being present in times of failures, grief, defeat, frustration or sadness. It’s all part of life. I’ve always wanted to be on the floor supporting people directly and my job allows me to do just that. I get to do life with the people I support and the people I work with!