Social and Community Development degree unlocks student's passion for teaching

Looking back, it makes sense to Valentina Depikolozvane that she ended up following her mother's footsteps and becoming a teacher.

But that career path wasn't as clear when Depikolozvane enroled in Sheridan's Social Service Worker (SSW) - Gerontology program directly out of high school. It still wasn't apparent when she decided to upgrade her credential to a bachelor's degree via Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Social and Community Development (BSCD), a two-year program that arms human service diploma graduates with enhanced critical thinking, research and leadership abilities.

"I just knew that I wanted to help others," Depikolozvane says. "Earning a diploma seemed like a good starting point, and then the BSCD was an opportunity to turn that diploma into a degree within two years, rather than having to do at least three more years in another program."

Gradually, Depikolozvane's experiences as a BSCD student — whether it was in the classroom, through work-integrated learning experiences or by simply being part of the Sheridan community — helped unlock her true calling.

“This degree can open doors. I now know how to deal with various types of people, and I know how to be a good community member.”

– Valentina Depikolozvane

Her journey into teaching started with a part-time job tutoring fellow students in need of special accommodations. It continued with an internship as a Learning Assistant and Research Facilitator within Sheridan's Library and Learning Services department, assisting students and faculty with citation and writing skills. In her final year at Sheridan, Depikolozvane began working as an emergency supply teacher for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board — an opportunity she could pursue because of the BSCD's flexible scheduling, including virtual learning and evening classes. After graduating, she enroled in Lakehead University's Bachelor of Education program, and she now also teaches Croatian language classes to Dufferin-Peel Catholic high school students.

"When Sheridan created the BSCD program, I don't think they were expecting teaching to be a potential career pathway for graduates, but I feel like this degree can open doors. I now know how to deal with various types of people, and I know how to be a good community member, whether it's within the school, for my students or even for my teaching partner," she says. "I'm already looking forward to organizing field trips that teach about important causes, or inviting community organizations into the class for guest presentations, or getting students to gather food donations or write Christmas cards for older adults.

"A few things fell into place for me at Sheridan, beginning with the SSW - Gerontology program," she adds. "The diploma was a great stepping stone, and everything I did afterwards was related to something I eventually realized I wanted to do for my career."

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.