Web Photo Gallery

From left to right:
Candace (The Bay, Human Resources), Natalia, Oskana, Iryna, (Graduates) Julia, & Susana (Bay Staff) The Bay Sherway Gardens

Maria Christina (Christie) Quiazon

A Jubilant Natalia (graduate – now hired!) with Board of Education Instructor, Ivanka (holding the certificate) and an elated Sandra, (The BAY- HR Staff) - Yonge & Bloor location

Graduates and Bay Staff

Sharron

Paula

Michael, receiving his certificate from Candace – BAY HR Sherway Gardens (left), Sandra – BAY HR Yonge & Bloor (middle)and Ivanka (right)

Graduates looking on during the proceedings

(BAY, Bloor & Yonge) (From Left to Right) Natalia, Virginia, Sandra (BAY HR, Yonge & Bloor), Christie and Olena

(BAY Yorkdale) (From left to right)- Alexis, Bay Staff, Lisa (BAY HR – Yorkdale), Ina, Wintono, Olena, Bay Staff, Bay Staff and Michael

Which Way to the "White House"?

Maria Christina (Christie) Quiazon, a graduate of the Employment Preparation for Retail Services Program (EPRS), spoke at the EPRS graduation.

Here, in part, is what she said:

“Time flies so fast, as Ms. Paula Green mentioned. We’re the 9th class of the Employment Preparation for Retail Services Program. We started June 9th, which incidentally was my birthday, and what a coincidence, 19 students graduating today, September 19, 2003.

I love to recall how I learned about Skills for Change. It was actually last March at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre during the National Job Fair when somebody handed me a copy of the Toronto Sun Career Connection.

I read an article about a certain Ms. Carolina Rey who thanked Skills for Change for the great help in finding her job.

I was so curious on how to locate Skills for Change, so I asked the assistance of 211 and they gave me the address.

I remember him saying that the nearest intersection is Christie. So I walked and walked but no Skills for Change was found.

I decided to try St. Clair West and finally I reached what they referred to as the “White House”.

My initial reaction was to look for somebody from my native country, the Philippines, and luckily I found Mr. Gener Pagkanlungan, one of the counselors.

He gave me the advice on what courses to take for I am an accountant by profession but, on the side, I enjoyed being a Wedding Coordinator back home.

The other person I will not forget is Ms. Olga, the reception desk lady who is always ready to help and smile.

And speaking of SMILE, which is very important in Customer Service and Retail, I am reminded about a book, The Greatest Salesman in the World, by Og Mandino.

I quote one of my favorite lines, 'I WILL GREET THIS DAY WITH LOVE IN MY HEART.'

In silence and to myself, I will address every person I meet, “I love you” and these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile to my lips, echo in my voice and open his heart. “I will greet this day with love in my heart.”

On behalf of my classmates, I would like to express my wholehearted gratitude to the following:

First, The Bay, for believing in the vision and mission of Skills for Change and for helping us, the students to show our skills and gain Canadian experience.

Truly, Skills for Change is never mistaken in choosing you as one of its partners. Not only because of a tremendous name recognition but likewise, your service excellence and the good people who work for the company.

Thank you so much for you made us feel so SPECIAL.

Second, our teachers, Sharron and Ivanka from the Toronto Catholic School Board, for being role models in the two aspects of work: FINDING MEANING and FULFILLMENT in what you do and for providing us with the basic and necessary principles and tools to cope in the Canadian workplace.

You have also guided us to be confident in our chosen careers.

Third, Skills for Change, for being instrumental in what we are right now and incorporating the Clerical Employment Service Program in our course.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Facilitator/Counsellor, Ms. Avantika Chakraverti for the passion and commitment in helping us in our job search.

She was ably assisted by the kindhearted, Ms. Wafa El-Maseeh, the Program Development and Support Worker.

Not to forget the untiring efforts and concern of Ms. Maria Garofalo and Ms. Paula Green, our Employment Outreach Specialist and Program Coordinator, respectively.

Last but not the least, to my classmates, for the wonderful experiences, the joys and the laughter we shared.

Please remember, that FAILURE, which is man’s inability to reach his goals in life, whatever they may be, will never overtake us is our determination to succeed is strong enough.

You will always be treasured in my heart for you have been my FAMILY here in Canada.

Good luck and more power to all of you!"