Success Stories

Lara Alicia Casilla
CSW Honours Graduate 2015

I want everyone to know that I am proud to be a graduate of Drake Medox College because this school creates the right conditions for students to succeed. They provided me with useful knowledge and practical skills in the field of social services through their Community Support Worker Diploma.

Taking this program was one of the most advantageous decisions I have made because it allows me to find good jobs in a myriad of settings: schools, the private sector, government healthcare, and to work directly in the mental health and developmental disabilities field. The diploma provides students with the opportunity for growth that is not available otherwise, and the knowledge gained certainly gives one the “edge” to secure meaningful employment after graduation. However, this is just the start.

Once employed, this industry allows for ongoing opportunities for personal and professional development. There is a strong need for compassionate individuals who are able to overcome negative perceptions within themselves and society and have the disciplined attitude to work well with others and apply the critical thinking skills developed via the CSW Program.

You can expect excellence from Drake Medox College. It all starts with the amazing curriculum developed by Mrs. Vida. She crafted this curriculum in mental wellness/health and the issues of developmental disability, disability in general, the aging population, and overall mental illness and recovery in the five dimensions of health: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and mental. The curriculum is in keeping with Canadian and world-known health and government models. All this information and the skills learned help the student really understand their own personal power and how they can use their talents to support and instill independence and greatness in those they will serve.

Another brilliant mind is that of Registered Psychiatric Nurse, and program instructor Miss Tara. She meets the very challenging task of delivering the curriculum and using her own personal experiences to reinforce the most effective approaches to dealing with different clients and situations. She really helped me to understand the importance of keen observation skills and the ability to stay focused and unbiased. I very much enjoyed all the creative learning activities she used to help us better understand the content.

Preparing students for a humbling career working with individuals with developmental disability and/or mental illness is a very difficult task, however Ms. Tara always managed to challenge us and our way of thinking. She taught us to be aware of our own prejudices and impulses, and the importance of empathy. In closing, Drake Medox College is capable of satisfying even the most demanding student –like me. You learn to stop your own excuses, to stop wasting your life (time), and to stop deceiving yourself. One cannot be her own teacher and evaluator. People need a school like Drake Medox where one grows through understanding, effort, and organized team work. Not all schools are created equal, and DMC has its proven ways. They are professional, highly certified, and the staff is very friendly and supportive. Let this CSW program take you to the next level. No matter what you think, or how you feel, what counts is what you do and what you know, and Drake Medox will teach you well.

A career as a Community Support Worker is rewarding not only through financial gains, but more importantly through the satisfaction you will feel in making a meaningful difference in the lives others. Become a voice for those without one such as people with born or acquired mental disability. Know what is going on in advance, and how to interact in an ever changing world of opportunities. Call Angela or one of the other advisors at Drake Medox, and enjoy the ride into a world of eye-opening and heart-lifting knowledge. This is why I am proud to be a graduate of DMC.

Thanks to all the staff and instructors at Drake Medox College!

Contact a Drake Medox College Admissions Advisor today @ 604 629-0196 to learn more about the Community Support Worker Program, and how it will prepare you for a career where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others!