Camosun grads in the community
KELSEY WEBSTER, RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT WORKER, OUR PLACE Camosun alumna, 2017, Interprofessional Mental Health and Addiction
Kelsey Webster always knew she wanted to go into the helping field. She was passionate about the opportunity to make a difference because healing can be possible, and that she could accompany people through the process.
In order to be the most effective helper she could, she chose to study mental health. According to Kelsey, knowledge-based practice is key to responsible counselling. A resident of Whiterock, Kelsey moved to Victoria to attain Camosun’s post-degree diploma in Interprofessional Mental Health and Addiction (IMHA), completing it in 2017.
Although Kelsey chose the IMHA program because it offered a formal way to move forward in her helping career, there was an unanticipated benefit of getting to know herself on a deeper level and having her career path confirmed. While classes were relevant and engaging, and the instructors caring and knowledgeable, it was the practicum that proved especially important. Along with writing weekly reflective journals and connecting course learning to the practicum experience, Kelsey and her classmates also received plenty of honest, helpful feedback from practicum supervisors.
Kelsey made close ties with her classmates. Her cohort was made up of people from many walks of life bringing different perspectives to the group. Though they came from a variety of backgrounds, Kelsey and her peers shared a common passion for mental health, and they were able to continue to support each other in their field after graduation.
One year later, Kelsey’s cohort is still very close, and they meet up from time to time. They depend on each other for understanding and empathy. That’s a critical role since partners and family often cannot relate to the trials and rewards unique to health care work.
Kelsey applies much of what she learned at Camosun in her current job at Our Place, an inner-city community centre serving Greater Victoria. A particular piece Kelsey appreciates from working at Our Place is the collaboration and team approach with both coworkers and residents.
Kelsey loves her work contributing to the service at Our Place. “I really appreciate the knowledge and practical skills that I got from the IMHA program to help prepare me for working in this field.”