I am so proud to have been one of the chosen few to be accepted in the Gap Program here in Truro. When I first came into this program I was thinking (What am I getting myself into)? The very first day I met Tom Falle and told him I was very nervous and hoped there was someone in the class that I knew! Low and behold I did know 2 or 3 of the other students!
I have had very bad experiences at other schools and I can admit I was very apprehensive about trying out yet another school program! I am 35 yrs old and all truth be known should be in the work force, but this is what The Gap Program is all about! The participants here in the program have all had a gap in their work history that needed some working on. I personally haven’t held a fulltime job since 2001.
Through this program we have taken many certificate programs such as CPR/First Aid, WHMIS, Peak Performance, Occupational Health and Safety, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and Super Host as well as the Phoenix Seminar. For the past 3 weeks I have been volunteering at the Colchester food Bank and having a blast doing so. I know I have done something right when the clients walk out of there with smiles on their faces instead of a frown. There is no prejudiced there and everyone shouldn’t feel as though they are lower than everyone else because they have to come to the food bank.
We have done a couple of tours which have opened my eyes to what is really out there. We have travelled to Andre’s wines, Sugar Moon Maple Farm, and also Truro Water Treatment Plant. One day we were all given $50.00 and told to go out and find clothes at thrift shops get our hair done and get make up, it was a day set up so we were on a budget but yet we could be dressed for success. I personally had a blast and now my self esteem is a lot higher because not only do I look better but I feel better about myself.
Another course we have been taking is Anger Management. I always heard of it and was scared to enquire about it. I have been through a lot in my life and our instructor has taught me that not only do I have the right to be angry but why I shouldn’t feel bad when I do get angry!
In closing I would like to thank Tom Falle, Matt Taylor and Debbie Farrell for allowing me to be part of the Gap Program!
S. Pratt – Spring 2009
Tags: GAP Program