From Volunteering to a Career in Child and Youth Care: Dahlia Bruce’s Journey in Newfoundland and Labrador
Turning Career Challenges into Community Action
Dahlia Bruce’s path to finding her professional footing in Newfoundland and Labrador was far from straightforward. After graduating, she spent ten months unemployed while navigating an unexpected challenge related to her study permit. Instead of allowing that uncertainty to define her experience, Dahlia used the time to become deeply involved in her community. Today, she is employed by Key Assets NL as a Child and Youth Care Worker, where she provides care, supervision, and support to children and youth with diverse and complex needs.
Reflecting on her current role, Dahlia says, “My duties give me the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in providing care, supervision and support to children and youths with multi-dimensional needs.” Her current position also represents an important step in her career because it connects directly to her academic background in Community Leadership Development. She explains, “I was able to obtain a full time job in my field of study, Community Leadership Development. This role allowed me to gain relevant experience and apply the theoretical knowledge I learned in school.” For Dahlia, employment has been an opportunity to put her education into practice, develop professionally, and contribute meaningfully to the lives of young people in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Turning an Uncertain Period Into Community Engagement
During a period of unemployment, Dahlia chose to stay active by volunteering throughout Stephenville. Although Study and Stay NL did not directly secure her job, its philosophy encouraged her to engage locally. She explains, “Although no specific program resources directly assisted me to secure a job, the Study and Stay encourages participants to live, work and contribute to communities.” Dahlia put this principle into practice across multiple community roles. She served as Secretary for the Stephenville Emergency Food Centre before becoming a general member after securing employment. As a parent representative, she worked with school leadership to develop a document addressing racism, and she participated in outreach through Zion Pentecostal. These activities allowed her to develop skills and build strong local ties while job options were limited. She shares, “Volunteering in Stephenville has connected me with people who provide holistic support and makes it easy for my family to call this town home.”
During her unexpected immigration delay, IENL Retention Coordinators Linda Spindle and Hillary King provided a strong support system. She recalls that “Retention Coordinators such as Linda Spindle and Hillary King assisted within limits of the organization’s capacity and offered valuable emotional support.” She also received guidance from the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Ken Walsh. By continuing to invest in her community during this wait, Dahlia demonstrated that career development often means staying engaged and building relationships through circumstances beyond one’s control.
Finding Belonging Through Study and Stay NL
While Dahlia built initial connections by volunteering in Stephenville, the Study and Stay NL Program expanded her network across Newfoundland and Labrador. A major highlight was the SEED Conference, which gave her the chance to meet mentors in person and explore the capital. Reflecting on the gathering, she shares, “The interactions were amazing, and there was a strong feeling of belonging as program partners, mentors and international students connected,” adding that “it also provided the opportunity for me to visit wonderful places of interest in St John’s.”
Beyond individual events, the program offered continuous encouragement and connection. As Dahlia recalls, “Throughout the program, there was always a sense of family and care whether during information sharing sessions or mentorship sessions.” Combining these relationships with her local involvement helped build a strong support network in a new country. Reflecting on that impact, she shares, “Being new in Canada and already feeling this sense of belonging is an opportunity I would not give up to reside in Newfoundland,” showing how meaningful connections turn employment into a deeper process of settlement and belonging.
Her Advice to International Students
For Dahlia, the value of Study and Stay NL extends far beyond graduation. She advises current international students to “capitalize on the program,” emphasizing that “there are so much that can be achieved that extends far beyond the final year of school, creating a positive, lifelong impact.” Her own journey is proof of that lasting value. The program gave her opportunities to build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging, while her community involvement enabled her to become an active participant in Stephenville. Ultimately, she views Study and Stay NL as “a complete support system” that sets students up for long-term success development.
Looking Ahead
From facing job barriers to becoming a full time Child and Youth Care Worker, Dahlia highlights the power of community. Today, as she supports youth in Newfoundland and Labrador, her story shows that belonging starts long before a job offer, through showing up, volunteering, and giving back.