As Angela Flammia stood in front of her dual credit class to thank her instructors on behalf of her class, she beamed with happiness. But two years ago, she was at an all-time low, addicted to drugs and not attending school. Angela credits the dual credit program with helping her graduate while learning valuable life skills.
In the Fall of 2014, Angela was using heroin and other drugs while making small efforts at earning credits through the Pathways to Student Success (PASS) program at the Simcoe County District School Board. Her teacher suggested she take a dual credit, the Art of Counselling, at Georgian College in Orillia. Dual credits allow high school students to take college credits.
During the 14 week course, Angela says she hit bottom and went to a five day detox program. Her dual credit teacher came to visit her. That visit made a big impression.
“Dual credits restored my faith in the school system,” Angela says. “Before this, I thought teachers were just teachers. Now I know they are humans. The dual credit teachers and faculty are behind us. They text me reminders, encourage me and welcome me to class. Dual credits have helped me get a sense of self and showed me what I could accomplish“.
In all Angela has successfully completed three dual credits, with the third marking her final credit to graduate high school. She says the topic, Family Sociology, has made her think. “I have been reflecting on myself, what kind of family dynamic I want. The course has taught me coping skills and given me confidence”.
Now five months clean, Angela is making her way through a 12-step program with the support of family and friends. She is hoping one day to become an addictions counsellor or find some other way to help people—as those on her dual credit team have helped her.
