Mayuri is a Grade 11 student at Pathways. Like many high school students, she juggles homework, volunteering, and a social life. And since her family moved from Kenya to Canada just a few years ago, Mayuri, who is the oldest and most comfortable with the English language, also does a lot to help her family. “My mom wasn’t a native English speaker, so she had to learn a lot,” Mayuri explains. “But I help around anytime I can, and I take on responsibilities at home, like if we need to file paperwork in English.”
Mayuri’s mother, who has two children in the Pathways Program, is grateful for the help. She’s also happy to know that while her children help her get accustomed to life in Canada, they’re getting the support they need from Pathways. “The Pathways staff is wonderful and welcoming,” Mayuri’s mom explains. “Pathways is important to our family because it provides us with the support we need as immigrants and the supplies for our kids to be successful in this country. Plus, the program is good for my kids’ mental and physical health and helps them plan their future.”
When we think of goal-setting, getting good grades comes to mind. But for youth like Mayuri, who splits her time between classes, volunteering, and helping her family, goal-setting can also look like finding a good balance. Volleyball is the perfect reminder to make time for friends and physical activity amongst her many other responsibilities. “I love playing sports at Pathways to get a break from homework and all the rest,” she shares. “There’s no pressure and my teammates are always welcoming.”
Knowing she can count on Pathways staff to find and maintain this balance, Mayuri is even more motivated to do good in her community. She’s an active volunteer, with experience in community settings like hospitals, retirement homes, and the Pathways Program. There, she helps students—many of whom are newcomers, like she once was—perfect their English language and writing skills. “I think one of the greatest parts of being a Pathways volunteer is seeing students go from struggling with the English language to being able to formulate questions and write essays,” Mayuri shares. “You can see the relief on their faces as language becomes less of a barrier. It’s a special moment.”
Pathways alumni are making a positive impact in their communities every day.
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