Hello everyone,
I’m Janis, a Social Service Worker student at Cambrian College, and I’ve recently started my co-op placement at the Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre (SWEAC). This opportunity is a significant step for my personal and professional growth, and I’m eager to take on this role and contribute effectively to the Centre’s mission. My main goal during this internship is to fully immerse myself in the practical aspects of community support and advocacy. I am highly motivated to contribute to SWEAC’s strong reputation in fostering employee empowerment and safeguarding their rights.
I want to learn more about how community-based organizations like SWEAC influence legislation and assist marginalized groups. I aim to work directly with clients to understand their needs and provide necessary support, engage in advocacy efforts that protect and enhance workers’ rights, and support initiatives that align with my passion for social justice. By closely collaborating with the team, I want to improve my practical skills and better grasp our community’s socioeconomic difficulties.
As an international student, I am aware of the unique challenges we face. These challenges are pervasive and impact many aspects of our lives, including work-hour limitations, healthcare accessibility, and high tuition costs.
International students often encounter strict regulations limiting the number of hours we can work. These limitations can make supporting ourselves financially and gaining valuable work experience difficult. Balancing our academic responsibilities with these constraints adds stress and hinders our overall development. Access to healthcare is another significant concern. The requirement to purchase private health insurance can be costly, and coverage may be inadequate. This financial strain frequently results in postponed or skipped medical care, compromising our health and well-being.
Additionally, high tuition fees for international students are a substantial financial burden. We frequently pay significantly higher rates than domestic students, resulting in considerable debt and financial strain. This disparity can limit our ability to engage in academic and extracurricular opportunities fully.
Given these challenges, I proudly advocate for the Status for All campaign. Regardless of immigration status, this effort aims to provide equal rights and opportunities for all residents. The campaign’s key objectives include eliminating work-hour restrictions to enhance our financial stability and professional growth, ensuring affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage, and advocating for fair tuition rates that do not disproportionately burden international students.
I look forward to learning from the dedicated team at SWEAC and working with the community to address its issues and challenges. By collaborating with my colleagues and the community, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. I am eager to see where this experience will take me. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing my experiences and progress with you.
~ Janis Resquir
