As a child Cathy Tremblay wanted to be a teacher. But as she got older, low self-esteem convinced her that she would never amount to anything.
“My life became just about survival,” she says. “I was in a job for 15 years and I didn’t like it at all, but I had no hope to make any changes. I was stuck and dreamless.”
But Cathy still had a passion for helping people. Through a series of conversations with her daughter’s school counsellor, she found the courage and inspiration to apply to the Child and Youth Care Counsellor (CYCC) program at Douglas College.
But life continued to throw up barriers for Cathy. Shortly after she applied to the CYCC program she and her husband separated. She found herself on welfare, living in government housing and lining up for Christmas hampers. When she was assessed for entry into the CYCC program, she was told she wasn’t ready.
“I burst out crying on the spot. I had worked so hard to get to this point and I didn’t know what to do. After a second interview I was accepted into the program, but by then I had started to reevaluate my life. I felt that it was time for me to ‘go for the gold,’ and that to me meant going for my BA and into teaching.”
Now:
In 2009, after nine years at Douglas, Cathy received her BA in Psychology through the partnership program between Douglas College and the University of the Fraser Valley.
For the past two and a half years she has been Services Coordinator of the Douglas College Learning Centre at the New Westminster Campus, where she supervises up to 19 tutors each semester and spends time tutoring as well.
She marvels at the level of support she received from her instructors during her student days, and credits it for helping her get to where she is today.
“I was able to tell my instructors what was happening in my life. For example, my daughter was angry with me and our situation, so she scribbled all over my essay. I made her write a 'sorry' letter to the teacher and explain what had happened. My instructor actually wrote a letter back to my daughter accepting her apology and also telling her that her mom was doing well in class. Another time the same daughter deleted my essay from our computer. When I went to the instructor to explain my situation, he immediately gave me an extension.
“There are just so many fabulous stories to share.”
40 after 40 is a series showcasing our amazing grads and employees in celebration of our 40th anniversary. Check back every Wednesday and Friday for another inspiring story. See more about our 40th on our Anniversary page.
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Cathy has been an inspiration to me. I am currently enrolled in a CSSW program partly because she has inspired me to do it. Cathy's passion to help others has encouraged me to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI knew you from the start of all this and always new you would make it. Either this or something else. You may have been thrown down at every turn but you always got back up and figured it out, every time. no, was never an option for you and i was always proud of that and looked up to you for it. And i can say you had some very hard times. Never ever had a doubt about you making something of your self, of course to me you were always something and more. love you wonderful job and congradulations. leah
ReplyDeleteWow! Cathy what an accomplishment you have acquired. From nobody to somebody. This is truely an inspiration to mothers and students. Keep up with the good work.
ReplyDeleteCathy is just a beautiful, wonderful person inside and out. She makes the Learning Centre feel like a home for everyone who goes there. It wouldn't be the same without her!
ReplyDeleteCathy was a fantastic help to me while I was studying on the Print Futures program. She helped keep me tracking and encouraged me to find my own solutions to the issues I faced. Cathy has a great ability to offer practical, grounded support and I still use a lot of the techniques we worked on together. Thanks, Cathy!
ReplyDeleteCathy's an inspiration, especially for those students coming back to their education later in life. It takes courage,perseverance and strength to do what she's done, thanks for sharing your story Cathy.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I am so "PROUD" of you for "Going for Gold" the sky is the limit...and for sharing your story with other you are an "Inspiration" and don't let anyone tell you otherwise...your daughters will be so "Proud" of you also sometimes in life we have to go through the valleys to get to the "TOP" of the mountains...
ReplyDeleteGod has truly blessed you and you are blessing many other that have come to know YOU!!
Well done...
Blessings,
Kim
Hey Cathy
ReplyDeleteVery incredible to hear your story...
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” – Psalms 46:1-3
Congratulations Cathy! You've come a long way and your story is so inspirational for those in similar situations! And Psalms 46:1-3 is so fitting! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI met her at the learning centre when I was taking EASL courses. She always has been inspiring since then. Also, She is one of the kindest people I've met so far at Douglas college. Thank you and Congraturation Cathy :)
ReplyDeleteAfter working with Cathy for a few years at the Learning Centre, I should mention that she has, in turn, provided so much support and encouragement to both the students and the tutors that she works with. Congrats again Cathy! All the best!
ReplyDeleteI really adore your courage Cathy!!! You always smiling and keep others smile and full of positivity. I am glad that I met you at the Laerning Centre.!!! Congratulations on your BA degee. Keep it up!! : )
ReplyDeleteI commend you for choosing to profile Cathy Tremblay. She stands out because she has faced difficult circumstances with strength and optimism and showed everyone (most importantly herself!) that she is capable of great things. Her story inspires others and gives them hope to shoot for what may sometime seem impossible. Douglas College is lucky to have Cathy and it's clear that the students already know that!
ReplyDeletePeople have said what I wanted to say! Like your positivity and your smell! As one of your subordinates, I am soooooo glad to have you, my boss! I have learnt a lot and still far more to learn from you. What I want to say in one word is --- THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI appreciated all that from you!