Countless students from high schools, colleges and universities across the province have launched their careers through placement opportunities with Schlegel Villages. We share a few of their success stories here and urge you connect with a Village of your choice to learn more about student opportunities. Contact a Village near you to learn more.
Adriana Tawfig: A New Chapter at The Village of Wentworth Heights
Adriana Tawfig began a new chapter in life when she connected with The Village of Wentworth Heights as a student of Mohawk College's Recreation Therapy & Leisure Studies program. She began her placement in the Village in January of 2024 and upon completion, she was welcomed as a permanent member of the team.
Despite her initial nervousness, she quickly adjusted thanks to the warm and welcoming environment at the Village where she was able to build on her previous placement experience in other retirement home settings. Her dedication and initiative did not go unnoticed, and by the second last week of her placement, she was offered a casual position with temporary part-time hours and she knew she would graduate with a job secured.
Adriana’s journey at Wentworth Heights taught her the importance of taking initiative and developing authentic connections with residents and team members. “If you don’t engage and take the initiative to participate, residents will think you are afraid and the team will think you are not interested,” she says. “When you are outgoing and welcoming, residents want to be with you.”
Reflecting on her greatest learning, Adriana says the Village really does feel like a family with excellent communication and a strong sense of teamwork. "Not everyone is on their own; we all work together like one team," she says.
Jeanefer Therese Auditor: From Student to Permanent Team Member at The Village of Humber Heights
Jeanefer Therese Auditor’s journey from a student at Humber College to an Administrative Coordinator at The Village of Humber Heights is a story of growth and determination.
As a student of the Retirement Home Management Program at Humber College, Jeanefer became part of a new partnership through her program and Schlegel Villages. Her journey began with a class tour of Humber Heights in late winter 2022; "I am going to work in a Village one day," she told herself after that tour.
Jeanefer started her placement at Humber Heights in May of 2023. Shortly after, she was offered a casual Administrative Assistant (AA) position while she continued her placement, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of Village Life. "What I learned in school was how to manage,” she says, “but when it came time to doing it, then it was overwhelming."
But she learned and she grew, quickly understanding the importance of the AA role in making residents and guests feel welcome in the Village.
"When you answer the phone, it’s the first impression of a place,” she says. “We need to be a great first impression for people; we need to understand how to walk in people's shoes and understand what they need."
By December of 2023, while working as a pharmacy assistant and casual AA, Jeanefer saw an opportunity to apply for the permanent Administrative Coordinator position. Encouraged by her colleague Mercy, who reassured her that she could grow her career at Humber Heights, Jeanefer applied.
She started her new role in early 2024 and she says she finds joy in interacting with residents and being a support for them and for the team.
Her advice to students is to always participate and fully engage during tours and placements. She encourages students to find a place they can see themselves in for the long term, to be active team members, and to take risks.
"No matter what job you are doing, be part of the team and know you make a difference," she says.
Pilot Training Program at The Village of Wentworth Heights: A Success Story
As another example of the strong partnership between Mohawk College and Schlegel Villages, The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton teamed up with the college to launch a pilot training program for students in the Health, Wellness & Fitness program.
Three dedicated students—Janki Brahmbhatt, Devanshi Mistri, and Yamina Patel—were selected to participate and they spoke about the impact the experience had on their growth journey.
All three carried strong classroom knowledge to their placements at the Village, applying their understanding of group programming and their ideas for supporting people with physical conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The practical application of what they learned in class crossed over easily into working with seniors, allowing the students to see firsthand how their education could make a real difference.
Reflecting on their experience, Janki, Devanshi, and Yamina shared a bit of advice for future students:
- Seize every opportunity: Engage with everyone you meet, share your experiences, and listen to others' stories.
- Maintain professionalism: Always be punctual and uphold a professional demeanor.
- Embrace the learning journey: There is always something new to learn; take full advantage of every experience.
- Be inquisitive and volunteer: Asking questions and volunteering are excellent ways to stay connected and deepen your learning.
The greatest takeaway for the students was the confidence they gained, knowing they could excel in their roles. They also cherished the numerous memories made during their time at Wentworth Heights, with a shared sentiment: "I am really going to miss this place."
As they look to the future, Janki, Devanshi, and Yamina say they are hoping they might return to Schlegel Villages in permanent roles should the opportunity arise.
Sara Munoz and a pursuit of culinary arts at The Village of Wentworth Heights
Sara Munoz loves all things connected to the culinary arts, and she brought that energy to the Village of Wentworth Heights as the first student to join the team through a new partnership between the Village and St. Charles Adult & Continuing Education.
Sara’s training at school provided a solid foundation in culinary skills, emphasizing hands-on learning in the kitchen. However, the transition to a professional setting at Wentworth Heights introduced new challenges, particularly the need for speed and efficiency.
"The hardest part was the speed and moving quickly," Sara noted, highlighting the intense pace of a working kitchen.
Reflecting on her journey, Sara offered valuable advice for other culinary students:
- Be open to learning: Embrace every opportunity to learn, especially the proper techniques and methods.
- Gain practical experience: Undertake a placement before starting a job; it's the best way to learn and grow.
- Ask questions: Always be curious and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Donna, the Director of Food Service at Wentworth Heights, quickly recognized Sara’s potential.
"We need to hire her before someone else snatches her up,” Donna says. “This high praise led Sara to a casual position, allowing her to continue her training while finishing her studies.
Sara’s journey at The Village of Wentworth Heights set her on a promising path in the culinary world. As she continues to hone her skills, Sara looks forward to a bright future, thanks in part to the experience gained at Wentworth Heights.
