Adam’s P.A.C.E. students share their news!

Adam’s P.A.C.E. (Post-secondary Alternative Community based Education) students were recently tasked by their teacher, Natalie Henri, to write an article for Inspirations about their program. Henri showed her students the publication and pointed out the different steps involved in writing a news article. They were tasked to include a personal angle in their article. Here are some samples of their articles.

Thanks to students Sarah Bouchard, Donnick Patrice, Charles G., Johnny Viron, Matthew De Lellis and Paige Nimis for informing us about their experiences at Adam’s P.A.C.E.

About Adam’s P.A.C.E.

By Sarah Bouchard

The Adam’s P.A.C.E. program is located at Champlain College. It is a program for young adults with learning disabilities and developmental challenges. I have been in the program for 3 years.

I have done a few stages, I have taken some audit classes, I have participated in school activities, and I was involved in class projects.

When I first started Adam’s P.A.C.E., I was nervous but now I feel calm and involved with the teacher and peers in the class. I can’t wait for the year-end trip that we are planning.

Adam’s P.A.C.E. goes to Quebec City

By Donnick Patrice

Last year’s Adam’s P.A.C.E group ended their school year with an educational trip to our province’s capital, Quebec City. Adam’s P.A.C.E students organized their very own end of year trip. 

There was a lot of planning and fundraising needed for this trip to happen. We advertised and sold t-shirts. Our fundraiser was so successful we almost sold out. The money we raised allowed us to take a Via Rail train there and back, stay in a hotel for two nights, and visit the parliament building and Chateau Frontenac.

I really enjoyed all the different restaurants and as a graduating student this year I can only imagine how we can top last year’s trip.

My stage at Home Depot

By Charles G. 

The Adam’s P.A.C.E. program provides work-stages which give us the opportunity to gain experience.

Adam's P.A.C.E. staff always attempt to find local stages. Either near the student's home or the college. Stage hours are flexible, each student has their own schedule. Stage is about learning new work-skills.

I am presently doing my stage at Home Depot. I really enjoy working there, I feel very welcomed, and I like all the work that I must do. I'm learning new skills, and what it's like to be in a warehouse. We have to be safe at all times to prevent injuries. Overall it is a pleasure to work there.

Adam’s PACE activities

By Johnny Viron 

Champlain College offers many activities to its community. Students and staff are encouraged to participate in these activities. They take place mostly on Wednesdays, during lunch and Free Block but also at nights or on weekends.

The reason for this is to develop appropriate social skills and growth with the Champlain college student population.

The students of Adam’s P.A.C.E. like to socialize with others in the college and to build a sense of community with our peers.

It is great for our mental and physical health. Some examples of clubs and activities are: Green Club: to discuss how to heal the planet; Video Game Club: to play favourite video games with friends; Art club: to develop creativity. I like coming to Champlain College because it gives us an opportunity to have fun, learn and socialize with others.

From high school to college

By Matthew De Lellis 

I was a student at Centennial High School for 3 years. My graduation was last June.

I was ready for a new challenge. I decided that I wanted to go to Champlain College, in the Adam’s P.A.C.E. program for a new adventure. Since I started the new school year, I have felt calm and relaxed. I love my stage, going to the gym and meeting new people.

I think it is going really well so far and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.

I love my audit class at Champlain College

By Paige Nimis 

Adams P.A.C.E. is a program through Riverside school bord which is held at Champlain College. We have the privilege of taking an audit class. An audit class is a college level course offered through the college.

This semester I chose to take a public speaking class for my audit. This class gives me the opportunity to  socialize with peers my age. I am very shy so I am hoping it will help me be more confident in my communication.

I like going to my audit class because some of the students are shy like me. It was very helpful to see so many other people my age who struggle with being shy as well. I am also getting the college experience by going to a class with some of the college students. It is nice to know I am not the only one. I am glad to have this experience:).