Brittany Green always knew she wanted to pursue a career in youth justice, and seeing an advertisement for Niagara College at just the right time moved her one step closer.
Now, with convocation here, we catch up with Brittany to reflect on the role NC has played in solidifying her goals for the future, and how she plans to reach those goals.
Brittany Green
Hometown: St. Catharines
Age: 24
Academic Achievement: Dean’s Award Winner, School of Justice and Fitness, Community and Justice Services (96.0% average)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I am extremely surprised and honoured. I was happy with my marks throughout my program, but I never expected an award like this.
To what factors do you attribute your academic success?
Determination and obsession with grades!
What inspires you to succeed?
I enjoyed the program and everything I was learning which made it easier to be motivated and interested in learning. After finishing the first term on the Presidents Honour’s List, I was determined to finish every term with an average in the 90s.
What led you to study at NC and to your program, specifically?
I graduated from Brock and was finding it difficult to find jobs in my field. I knew I wanted to be in the youth justice field, but I didn’t really have any experience. I think an ad came up for Niagara College and from there I browsed and found the Community and Justice Services program. It was such a random and quick decision that I made to attend school again, but it was definitely the right decision.
List any other post-secondary credentials (diplomas, degrees) you have achieved:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Brock University, 2019
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
My ultimate goal is work in youth probation. Throughout my time at Brock, my career choices changed and that’s when youth probation started to interest me. My goal for the next five years or so is to be in youth justice, preferably youth custody, and to work my way up to probation. My program most definitely is helping me achieve my goal. I had some amazing professors who had so much knowledge to share with us, and a certain professor who really shared her experience and knowledge with me and has prepared me for what I should know and expect when it comes to the youth justice field.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program? What do you feel you gained from the experience?
I did mine at Pathstone Mental Health in their Supervised Parenting Program. I gained so much knowledge and experience from my placement. I was working in the office and getting a glimpse of the housekeeping that goes on behind the scenes and being on the front line, documenting the family appointments and working with families.
What have you been doing since completing your studies? What are your future plans?
I did get hired at Pathstone where my placement was, and I have another job (not in my field). But since finishing school I have been trying to enjoy life again. Since the last two years were taken from COVID-19, and I dedicated my time to focus on school, I am trying to live my 24-year-old life again. I do have some upcoming interviews for a youth custody job. Other than that, I am enjoying life!
