Long-time student finally finds calling through Social and Community Development degree

Whether it was her education or her career, Thanah Sriskantha spent many years wanting more.

After graduating from high school in 2009, Sriskantha briefly studied nursing before deciding it wasn't the right fit for her. She then completed a certificate program in 911 and emergency communications, took classes in human equity and rights studies, and earned a diploma in Sheridan's former Community Development program, but still felt something was lacking.

"I always planned to get a degree, but I couldn't find one related to a field that I wanted to work in," says Sriskantha, whose jobs during that time included support staff roles with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "If my heart wasn't in it, I knew that I wouldn't follow through."

Things changed when Sheridan launched its Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development (BSCD) degree in 2022, providing opportunity for graduates of human service diploma programs to upgrade their credential to a degree. Better yet, all courses in the BSCD were delivered virtually, making it possible for Sriskantha to balance her studies with other responsibilities that included caring for an eight-month-old child and working part-time as a program manager for Volunteer Connect York Region.

"Being able to study while working in the field was great because I could immediately apply the things I was learning, like how to operate a non-profit organization or how to keep boards engaged in fundraising," Sriskantha says. "I also greatly improved my communication skills, understanding different ways to speak to different audiences like political leaders, government officials and news outlets."

“Being able to study while working in the field was great because I could immediately apply the things I was learning.”

Sriskantha is now leveraging her new skills and knowledge as the Community Development Manager for Armagh House, Peel's only transitional shelter for women and children fleeing violence. Her role includes stewardship of various events like The Coldest Night of The Year — Armagh's signature fundraising walk that generated more than $31,000 this year for area charities — and ensuring fulfilments of campaigns like Rebuilding Lives, a $10M initiative that is tripling Armagh's capacity as an essential step between emergency shelters and affordable housing.

"I've always wanted a career that helps individuals but also helps the world," says Sriskantha, who was hired by Armagh House within a month of completing her degree at Sheridan. "The support I received from professors in the BSCD program was so important, and I remain connected with fellow graduates as well. Any time we might need help from another community organization, we can reach out to each other."

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development enables graduates of Social Social Service Work, Social Service Work - Gerontology, Child and Youth Care, Community Work or equivalent diploma programs to earn a degree in two years. The program prepares students for leadership positions by teaching skills in project management; social innovation and creative problem solving; non-profit governance; research and grant writing; social and entrepreneurship; and community leadership and advocacy. All classes can be taken virtually and in the evening.