zebra_mountain

ps: for anyone who is feeling a little lost/working on plan b or just like good books.. I highly recommend The Desire Map and The Fire Starter Sessions both by Danielle Laporte

My ideas were just random ideas off the top of my head, there are lots more and there will be things that are more suited to each individual person. I don't think the moving to start a respite business is for everyone on this forum haha. It can still be difficult to get a job in these areas but it is possible. The idea for respite is because I knew someone who did it. They moved from Ontario with their spouse and unable to find work she provided respite to special needs children (there is a lot of fas in these regions so the need is high). I also stated that there were circumstances where options like moving aren't possible. I also never said that by not moving you are not showing the admissions committee how bad you want it. There are always going to be circumstances where it's just not in the best interest for you.. but the majority of people who are just graduating from their undergrad tend to be in their early 20's with few things tying them down (again, not everyone) and have the ability to take some risks in life if they are getting what they want out of their life (ie: can't get a job). There is nothing wrong with volunteer experience, we all know it's a good thing. I just don't believe that if you weren't accepted one year and all you did was add to your volunteer hours, that doesn't do a lot to set you apart from everyone else who is also reapplying. Moral of the story: it's not about moving somewhere specific, or doing something specific. It's about getting creative with what is available to you in your own circumstances and working calculated risk into your life, to get the life you want.

I just want to add my two cents in regarding plan B options although it may stir the pot a little. Personally, I'm surprised that there are programs that don't require substantial, paid, work experience to get into the msw program if you are planning to work frontline. That being said, if I had had the opportunity to apply right out of my undergrad I would have happily done so. I am SO glad that I didn't because my work and personal experience over the past few years have dramatically changed the path of how I plan to apply myself to the program. I know the common complaint is that inability to find a job with a bsw/ba but there are lots of jobs you just have to be willing to move. I know this isn't possible for some due to a variety of issues but a lot of the barriers can be overcome. I find the mentality in southern Ontario around this is very different from the rest of the country. I know very few people who were able to remain in the same place without ever having to take a job outside of their home community. I can guarantee you that there are many places who would jump to hire any of you.. but usually this requires moving for contract positions. There are rural group homes for children who fly people in and out for contracts.. go anywhere in Alberta and you can get hired with a degree into the health and child protection systems. Go to Nunavut, the NWT, the Yukon.. go to northern Ontario.. and no Barrie is not northern haha! Doing things like this demonstrates so much to admission committees... especially in the social work field. You may not be interested in rural social work but it's not really about that.. it's about gaining the skills the comes along with taking a chance like that and stepping out of your comfort zone. Maybe instead of moving, you set up your own little consulting business and run summer social skills groups for kids with aspergers, become a foster parent for teens, babysit two special needs children on an ongoing basis, become a respite provider (this in itself you could start a business off of in almsot any rural community), go teach english overseas (I saw someone posting about this and I believe it has lots of transferable skills and demonstrates a lot about you as a person). The skills are completely transferable to an urban setting. There really are so many options out there, it just depends how badly you actually want it... get out of your comfort zone and get creative ! It will make you stand out on your application by leaps and bounds. Personally I don't think that volunteering or going on to add more education, in of themselves, will add a whole lot to an application. If you're unable to put your creative/strategic/problemsolving thinking cap on to give your own life a boost in the direction you desire, it'll likely be difficult to effect change in your clients lives. I hope this post doesn't come across badly, it was just making me sad seeing people talk about giving up on their dreams and I truly believe where there is a will there is a way .

Any other UBCers? I received an email today about an orientation in April in Vancouver which isn't mentioned during the application process at all. Maybe I'm the only one who lives outside of the lower mainland but it's going to be quite a long trip for only a couple hours on a Monday evening. I'm excited I don't have to wait as long to meet everyone now though .

ttvtsai, did you apply to ubc as well? if not, why uvic instead of ubc?

For those of you who got into the UofCalgary advanced year, are you starting in the near future? A couple of my coworkers got in through a program at our work. They get to take the program for free but I believe they have to work there for awhile after graduation. She said that they are starting with an intensive week quite soon! So bizarre to me!

smpalesh, I also struggle with a serious chronic illness. I will be going to UBC but Vancouver is super expensive. It'll be a toss up between paying more to live in the city or paying less but paying more physically, day-to-day, with the long commute and inability to get home quickly if needed. A little bit different but I'm thinking similar stresses. Good luck with getting into Laurier. I went to Waterloo and was just back visiting a couple months ago. You couldn't pay me to move back to Ontario though lol! I'm happy I went there for undergrad though .

Hi everyone! I found out I was accepted to UBC's 2 year program last week. I haven't had a chance to read through the entire thread but so far haven't seen any UBC Vancouver students.. anyone out there or any applicants? Good luck everyone !