 A Fresh Start
Preparation leads to certification – and more – for George Brown student
Anita Silvestri spent more than 20 years working for Bell Canada, but that didn’t shield her from an all-too-common occurrence in today’s economic climate: cutbacks. Fortunately for Anita, she was prepared.
“When I lost my job, I took it really well because I had already gone to school to expand my talents and build on my skills,” she says. “I didn’t go through the emotional roller coaster often associated with job loss – I was not shocked, angry, depressed or worried. The courses definitely helped me accept the news and be prepared for the next stage of my life.”
The courses Anita has taken reflect her well-rounded personality: Image Consulting Certificate; Holistic Health Personal Achievement Certificate; Mortgage Agent (offered in association with the Independent Mortgage Brokers Association of Ontario – IMBA); Acting II; Event and Meeting Management Certificate; Practical Management Strategies Certificate; and Fundraising and Volunteer Management Certificate.
“Because I had completed more than one certificate by the time I was told I was losing my job, I was energized and ready to move forward,” she says. “I saw it as an opportunity to set new goals and explore other options – because the courses taught me how to set goals, do self assessments, face challenges and find a way to learn from the experience.”
When Anita made the decision to continue her education, she was still working full-time, but that didn’t stop her from throwing herself into her research. After settling on Continuing Education at George Brown, she contacting the course coordinator and determined what was involved in terms of study time, number of assignments, type of work and a number of other items.
“Because it had been a while since I was in school, I wanted to make sure there weren’t any surprises,” she says. “As it turns out, I was at ease at George Brown from day one. The instructors make you feel comfortable right from the start – and they definitely want you to succeed. They are always available to assist and answer any questions – whether in class or outside of it.”
But, for Anita, the outstanding teachers at George Brown are just the beginning.
“George Brown’s continuing education courses are perfect for me because of the convenient location of the college and the variety of the courses offered. As an added bonus, each classroom is a built-in networking opportunity – as you study closely with working professionals in a number of different fields – and today that’s more important than ever,” Anita says. “I would recommend Continuing Education courses at George Brown to anybody who has lost their job because you can no longer bank on just one educational background.”
Anita’s multiple certifications have provided her with a definite blueprint for success in her next career – whatever that may be.
“In The Business of Image Consulting, I learned how to set up my own business, which, prior to taking the class, was something I knew absolutely nothing about – and it’s something I can use as I move forward in my career,” she says. “Perhaps more importantly, Effective Presentations taught me how to stand up and deliver – something I use every day as I prepare to venture back out into the working world.”
But the lessons have extended beyond the classroom.
“The Meditation Fundamentals class was very powerful for me,” Anita says. “It guided me on a journey to my own heart and, more importantly, has helped me with everyday activities above and beyond my business pursuits.”
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