Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa (BBBSO) has been offering placements to students from various programs as Algonquin College, La Cité Collégiale, University of Ottawa, and Carleton University for many years. We have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful students.

Chelsey Larocque is a 2^nd year student from the Social Service Worker program at Algonquin College. Since September 2008, Chelsey has spent three days a week with us as a placement student. Read on to find out what Chelsey has been doing and how she feels about her placement.

"I cannot express the hospitability I have received from each and every staff member. I am grateful that these are the people that I get to learn with. The staff is patient, kind and is always looking for learning opportunities for me.

I have had interactions with clients, other organizations and as well, I got the chance to work in an office setting. Being a practicum student, I feel I have had a wonderful opportunity to expand my knowledge as far as I can. I have been treated like a staff member since the day I arrived and feel that because of this placement, when I graduate in April I will be ready for the real world of work and interactions in my professional career.

In addition to working in the office, I have also had the opportunity to be a Go Girls! Mentor for two separate groups, of seven sessions each. I have really gotten to know the girls and have had a blast doing it. This program is such a good tool for girls between the ages of 12 and 14. This program has given me the hands on and interactive work that is very common in my field of choice. With this program I have been able to become more confident running a group, speaking to girls about personal issues and really got a handle on the best answers and solutions for their questions and problems. I couldn't have asked for two better groups and I am so happy that I made Go Girls! a part of my placement to get out of the office and get some hands on experience.

Everyday I am at placement I am gaining more and more experience as well as skills to work in my field. Writing, communication, objective case notes and confidence in speaking has been some of them. As my skill level increases, so does my confidence and this is why I say I am ready for the real world. This placement has helped my skills developed as well; I have gained new skills in different aspects of my work.

I cannot express my gratitude for every aspect of my placement and how welcomed I was as a student. The learning opportunities for me as a student at BBBSO have been endless and I would strongly recommend any student looking for learning opportunities in an environment that will amaze you."

If you are interested in completing your placement with BBBSO, please call us at 613.247.4776 or email info@bbbso.ca to discuss this opportunity.