Laying the foundation for success

Lana Nagy says instructors like Rita Chudnovsky set the right atmosphere in the Human Services Foundations course. "They really sent us the message that it's okay to be here," says Nagy.

Lana Nagy admits she was apprehensive when an academic advisor suggested she take a Developmental Studies (DVST) course before beginning the Community Social Service Worker (CSSW) Program at Douglas.

"I thought, `What do you mean? I can hold my own.' But in the end, I was so glad the course was even offered and suggested to me," says Nagy.

At first, she was concerned there was "a label" attached to taking a DVST course. However, Nagy discovered taking Human Services Foundations was an important step in ensuring her success in the CSSW Program.

"I was scared beyond belief to come back to school after 22 years. The course prepared me for what's expected by instructors and what it's like to be a student again," says Nagy, now in the second year of part-time studies of her program.

Human Services Foundations is designed for students applying for human services programs in the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS). Some, like Nagy, are there to develop the writing skills required to succeed in their program and eventually, their career. Others take it to upgrade their English skills.

"I learned to organize how I write papers, writing techniques and referencing," says Nagy.

She credits CFCS instructor Rita Chudnovsky with setting a positive atmosphere. "She really sent us the message that it's okay to be here and that it's alright to learn. I didn't feel overwhelmed at all," says Nagy, adding that having a class of 12 students meant she got plenty of one-on-one time.

As she had not gone to college before, Human Services Foundations provided Nagy with a welcome refresher.

"If I had jumped into my program without any preparation, I can almost guarantee you I would have been overwhelmed. Taking the Foundations course gave me a sense of 'yeah, I can do it,'" says Nagy.

Best of all, successfully completing the course before entering the CSSW Program meant she had one credit towards her diploma completed.

The Human Services Foundation course is tuition-free for students who have not graduated from high school and do not have a General Education Development certificate (GED). Other, smaller fees apply. Financial aid for fees, including tuition fees for high school graduates and those with GED certificates, may be available.

Prior to taking the course, prospective students must take the CFCS English Language Assessment or the Developmental Studies Reading and Writing Assessment. To find out more, contact Zebeen Panju at 604-527-5677 or panjuz@douglascollege.ca

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