For Olivier Lapierre-Thomas, graduating from NC’s Social Service Worker program is the result of years of personal growth, self-discovery, and perseverance.
“My convocation day means the world to me,” he said. “It represents the amount of change I have made in my life and the amount of work I have been willing to put into myself.”
Born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Olivier chose NC because it felt like a place where he could grow both personally and professionally. Drawn to the Social Service Worker program through his interest in mental health, he found a field that connected deeply with his own lived experiences.
“My passion for social services, especially in mental health and substance use, comes from having seen and experienced how complex and deeply rooted these challenges can be,” he said.
Throughout his time at NC, Olivier balanced school while working, staying involved in his community, and navigating the realities of living as a low-income student. Along the way, he completed two placements, built meaningful relationships with classmates and community partners, and gained clarity about the impact he wants to make in the field.
“What stands out most is how the program helped me turn my lived experience into something purposeful,” he said. “It gave me the tools, confidence, and clarity to move forward in a way that feels authentic to who I am and the kind of impact I want to have.”
Following his NC convocation on June 9, Olivier is preparing for a move to Toronto to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University while continuing to work toward his goal of supporting youth through one-on-one work in mental health and substance use services.
Q&A with Olivier Lapierre-Thomas
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day? What does it personally mean to you?
I am extremely proud of myself and the people around me who have helped build me up and helped me see the person I can be. This program has not been a solo sport, it has been a team effort where my friends and I have lifted each other up.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
The reason I first considered Niagara College was because when I initially came to Open House and had a conversation with Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services (HWAS) and the Social Services professors, I was told that I would be able to access accommodations for my disabilities.
I chose to study at Niagara College because it felt like a place where I could grow both personally and professionally. I really valued the focus on hands-on learning and the supportive environment, which made it feel less intimidating and more aligned with the kind of student I am.
I was drawn to the Social Service Worker program because of my personal interest in mental health and substance use. These are issues that I’ve seen impact people in real and complex ways, and it made me want to understand them more deeply rather than just seeing them on the surface.
I realized that I didn’t just want to learn about these challenges, I wanted to be in a position where I could actually support people going through them. Choosing this program felt meaningful to me because it connects to my values of empathy, understanding, and helping others navigate difficult situations. It’s not just about a career path for me, it’s about doing work that feels real and has a positive impact on people’s lives.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
It’s given me a different perspective, I don’t just understand these issues academically, I understand what they can feel like in real life.
Because of that, I’m especially passionate about reducing stigma and meeting people where they’re at. I know how important it is to feel heard, understood, and not judged, especially when you’re going through something difficult. That’s what motivates me to be someone who can offer that kind of support to others.
For me, this field is more than just a career path. It’s about turning my experiences into something meaningful, using them to connect with people, build trust, and help others navigate challenges in a way that feels realistic and supportive.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program? Did it change since you started?
When I first enrolled at Niagara College, my goal was to complete my Social Service Worker diploma and go straight into the field, ideally working in case management. I was focused on gaining practical skills and starting to support people as quickly as possible, and at the time, that felt like the right path for me.
Since then, my goals have definitely evolved. Through my experiences in the program and learning more about the field, I realized I wanted to deepen my knowledge and expand my opportunities, which led me to continue on to a Bachelor of Social Work.
I’ve also found myself more drawn to direct, one-on-one work rather than primarily case management. Now, I’m especially interested in working closely with youth, building relationships, and supporting them in a more personal and consistent way. That shift feels more aligned with who I am and how I want to show up in this field.
So, while my initial goal was more focused on entering the workforce quickly, it’s grown into something more intentional and centered on the kind of impact I want to have.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
I found my program experience to be really meaningful, especially because of the placement opportunities and the connections I built along the way.
My placements were definitely a highlight, they gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in real situations and build confidence in my ability to support others. Being in those environments helped me better understand the realities of the field and figure out the kind of work I’m most drawn to, especially when it comes to working directly with people.
Another big part of my experience was the social connections I made. I built strong relationships with classmates who shared similar goals and values, which made the program feel more supportive and collaborative. We were able to learn from each other, lean on each other during stressful times, and grow together.
Overall, the combination of hands-on placement experience and meaningful connections made the program feel more than just academic it felt like a space where I really developed both personally and professionally.
What did you find rewarding about your program / area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
Being able to take what I was learning in class and apply it in real-life settings made everything feel meaningful. It helped me build confidence and showed me that I’m capable of supporting people in real, tangible ways.
One of the biggest things that stands out to me is how my perspective and goals evolved over time. I came into the program planning to finish my SSW and go into case management, but through my placements and interactions with others, I realized I’m more passionate about one-on-one work, especially with youth. That shift is something I’ll always remember because it really shaped the direction I’m taking now with my Bachelor of Social Work.
I’ll also never forget the connections I built, both with classmates and within my placements. Being surrounded by people who share similar values and having the opportunity to build genuine relationships made a huge difference in my experience. It created a sense of community and support that made the program feel more like just school.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
One of the biggest challenges I faced while studying at Niagara College was managing school while living as a low-income individual. Balancing tuition, rent, and basic expenses was already stressful, and on top of that I was also working and staying actively involved in my community.
At times, it felt like I was constantly trying to keep everything afloat, especially during placements when my schedule was more demanding. I had to become very intentional with my time, set boundaries, and stay focused on my priorities.
Although it was challenging, it built a lot of resilience and discipline. Overcoming that is something I’m really proud of, and it made graduating feel even more meaningful.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Since completing my studies at Niagara College, I’ve been focused on preparing for my next chapter, both personally and professionally.
I’ve been getting ready for a move to Toronto, which is an exciting step that will open up more opportunities in the social services field. At the same time, I’ve also been working on starting a business centered around education and awareness in substance use.
Between planning the move and building something of my own, this period has been about growth and setting a strong foundation for the future. It feels like a natural next step where I can apply both my education and lived experience in a more independent and impactful way.
