By Nicole Lemire
Working full-time while attending college is not an easy task, but Michelle Bedard praises BCArc’s support as she prepares to complete her degree in social work.
Michelle began working at BCArc in 1999 as relief staff, and continued to work there while she studied to receive her LPN. Eventually, she left BCArc for seven years, but returned after realizing that nursing wasn’t the right path for her.
She began working at the co-op apartments ten years ago, and still works there today. She feels that she has formed a strong connection with this job and the individuals that she works with.
““BCArc and my supervisors have always been understanding of my class schedules, and have been flexible. Sometimes, jobs make it difficult to go back to school, but I don’t feel like it’s that way at BCArc.”
Michelle decided to pursue social work in 2018, and since then, she has been studying at Westfield State and is expecting to receive her Bachelor’s degree in 2023.
“BCArc and my supervisors have always been understanding of my class schedules, and have been flexible,” she said. “Sometimes, jobs make it difficult to go back to school, but I don’t feel like it’s that way at BCArc.”
Another way that BCArc has supported her education is by allowing her to complete an internship at the Adult Family Care program. Here, she will be working alongside case managers, taking part in various community events and activities, and will have the opportunity to complete a project of her own for the program. By doing her internship at BCArc, she is able to split her hours between her current job at the co-op apartments and with the AFC.
Michelle feels that working at the co-op apartments has taught her lessons that she has applied to her social work classes. After graduating, she would like to continue working at BCArc, and feels that there is always a need for more social workers.
“I just keep coming back to BCArc,” she said. “I enjoy working here, I do feel supported and I don’t see why I wouldn’t want to stay here and work full time once I get my degree.”
To any staff members considering furthering their education, Michelle encourages them to go for it and to not be afraid.
“We all like to say that it’s not the right time, but the right time is never going to come. You have to just jump in and start doing it, even if it’s only one class at a time.”
