Jordan Clarke
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2018)
Jordan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018. She is currently serving as a Women’s Advocate at the Emily Murphy Centre, where she supports and empowers women through advocacy and essential services.
“I did not know what I wanted to focus on after graduation. That is why I chose to continue with a diploma. Even after that it took me a few job experiences to find where my passion and skills were needed. Sometimes you do not know what will or won’t be a fit until you try. Do not be afraid of try! If it does not work that does not mean it’s a failure, it is still a valuable experience. Discovering where you don’t fit or feel comfortable can be just as important as finding where you shine.“
Brief description of what I do!
I was born and raised in Huron county. I came back to the area to explore my career. After graduation I completed a fast track Social Service Work diploma at Fanshawe College in London. I worked in the social services field in various positions before I found my current home at the Emily Murphy Centre. I found my passion in working with survivors of intimate partner violence, gender based violence and human trafficking. Helping them navigate a system that is not ideal and supporting them while they heal and seek justice. My psychology education has given me extra insight in how these traumas impact the people I work with and the different ways it can affect them.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
My path started in working with youth in housing in London. I saw the pattern that many of the youth I worked with were survivors of intimate partner violence and gender based violence. The youth population was also very vulnerable to being exploited in trafficking. I gained experience in supporting them in navigating the justice system as survivors. I was drawn to working back in rural communities as I know from living in a rural area, it can be difficult to find services for support. I wanted to help by bringing my knowledge and experience to a population that may not always have access.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
My experience I psychology gave me the background to understand how different experiences shape behaviour. Living with and healing from trauma is a major part of the lives of the women I support. My psychology classes taught me that behaviour always has a reason – it is communication. It allowed me to become curious about what behaviour is trying to communicate. I also learned how trauma and experiences can impact the body. I am grateful for this knowledge every day.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
The biggest skill for me is maintaining curiosity. Being willing to look deeper and try to understand what people are trying to say with their behaviour.
Do you have a favourite memory from your program at Carleton?
Professor Chris Motz was my first year psychology professor. He is what convinced me that I needed to switch my major into psychology. I didn’t start out there! I will always be grateful for his passionate delivery of the first year psychology course. I would not be who I am without that experience.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
A proud moment for me was watching a young women I support grow and heal while working with her. She gained so much confidence that she published her own novel. I will always remember the pride and excited they had when they told me!