Damien Boucher
IESP Student, 2023
| Degrees: | Bachelor of Social Work Student |
“I have always wanted to help people, and in 2023, I decided to take a big risk: change careers from construction to a mental health field. I found IESP by nothing short of a miracle. I applied to help bridge the gap between the credentials I had at the time and what I needed to be accepted into a university degree program. Once accepted, the professional growth and cultural learning opportunities made possible through IESP have really helped shape my academic journey so far in a positive way. I learned skills through the reading and writing workshop that helped me throughout my time at Carleton: how to read and understand academic papers and how to do research more efficiently using academic resources. I am currently in the third year of a Bachelor of Social Work, and without IESP, I would not have had the opportunity to even apply to this degree program. IESP has allowed me the space I needed to learn the skills required for a successful start to an academic career. I learned quickly, but I was also allowed to research and work at my own pace. That balance was truly helpful in getting me ready for full-time university. The most profound and valuable thing I learned in IESP is that it is ok to ask for help when we need it, and I will carry that knowledge along the rest of my journey. I also learned how to step outside of my introversion and network confidently. IESP was crucial to my learning and to my academic journey. I am grateful.”