Healthy Kids • YMCA Youth Programs
Take Our Kids to Work Day shapes one young woman’s career dreams
29 November 2019 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
On November 6, 2019, the YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomed grade 9 students for Take Our Kids to Work Day. Students changed up their usual routines to join their parents and mentors for a glimpse into their work world.
For Anna Dickson, daughter of YMCA Human Resources Manager Mary Dickson, the best part of the day was touring the office and getting to meet everyone. “I loved learning about everyone’s jobs. There are so many different departments and a lot of people behind everything that happens.”
Surprises Anna learned about the Y
By mid-morning, Anna had already taken a full page of notes listing interesting facts about the Y. It went something like this:
A new perspective on her mom’s work
“One of the things I learned about my mom is that she has a very important job,” says Anna, having shadowed her mom all day. “I heard that if anyone has questions, she’s the one to go to…she’s been working at the YMCA for over 17 years!”
Anna even got to watch a recording of her mom for an e-learning training. “I had watched some previous video recordings of my mom for e-learning and it was very interesting to learn how they are made in the first place,” she recalls.
Anna’s new career aspirations
Anna’s already put a lot of thought into her future. “At first, I was interested in being an Art Director,” she says. “After some research, I’m now more interested in working in Human Resources, like my mom. I would like to have a job where I can interact with people and help people.”
That’s why she thinks working for a charity like the Y would be appealing. “The YMCA makes a lot of impact,” she says. “Also, it makes working fun when you’re dealing with so many different people and using different ideas.”
When they’re ready, the YMCA helps thousands of young people like Anna launch their careers. Learn why we’ve been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for nine years.
For Anna Dickson, daughter of YMCA Human Resources Manager Mary Dickson, the best part of the day was touring the office and getting to meet everyone. “I loved learning about everyone’s jobs. There are so many different departments and a lot of people behind everything that happens.”
Surprises Anna learned about the Y
By mid-morning, Anna had already taken a full page of notes listing interesting facts about the Y. It went something like this:
- The YMCA invented basketball.
- The YMCA has been around for more than a century and a half!
- The YMCA helps so many people through its programs and services, including programs for newcomers and youth shelters.
- The YMCA also has a farm and Harvest Share Program.
- There are over 6,000 staff working at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
A new perspective on her mom’s work
“One of the things I learned about my mom is that she has a very important job,” says Anna, having shadowed her mom all day. “I heard that if anyone has questions, she’s the one to go to…she’s been working at the YMCA for over 17 years!”
Anna even got to watch a recording of her mom for an e-learning training. “I had watched some previous video recordings of my mom for e-learning and it was very interesting to learn how they are made in the first place,” she recalls.
Anna’s new career aspirations
Anna’s already put a lot of thought into her future. “At first, I was interested in being an Art Director,” she says. “After some research, I’m now more interested in working in Human Resources, like my mom. I would like to have a job where I can interact with people and help people.”
That’s why she thinks working for a charity like the Y would be appealing. “The YMCA makes a lot of impact,” she says. “Also, it makes working fun when you’re dealing with so many different people and using different ideas.”
When they’re ready, the YMCA helps thousands of young people like Anna launch their careers. Learn why we’ve been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for nine years.
