Commentary, Opinion

Summer Jobs, Lasting Impact: A Student Perspective on Working with CONTACT Community Services

August 13, 2026   ·   0 Comments

My name is Brianna Staddon, and I’m CONTACT’s social program planner for the duration of the summer. 

Fresh out of college, I had originally applied to a different position under the organization. Hearing of CONTACT through a family member who volunteered with them, I applied and was promptly replied to, suggesting I interview for a different position that they figured would suit my current education much better. 

Working at CONTACT over the past six weeks has been such a huge opportunity, allowing me to experience a wide variety of roles and take on self-directed projects that have let me apply the theoretics I picked up in school and apply them to the field. 

Especially with the struggle to try to find relevant, entry-level jobs, I’m truly grateful for the chance to grow in a fantastic work environment around so many great individuals.

The biggest surprise for me has been the community culture around the organization. Since the moment I sat down for my interview, I’ve felt truly welcomed by all the wonderful people I’m delighted to consider colleagues. 

My supervisors have given me ample opportunities to try different roles in community outreach, program development, networking, and administrative work. Every week is different: work locations change, projects shift, and even which days of the week I work as I flit from festival to fair, representing the organization. Throughout it all, I’ve felt supported while also being given room to grow and act with independence, and I’ve been able to rely on and work with the people around me, who have become such pillars of the community. 

As I continue through the last weeks of my time working here, I think of the future. Knowing that I can include relevant work on my resume and being able to have quantifiable proof of my newfound skills and experiences will benefit me greatly wherever life leads me next. For this huge boon, I’m truly thankful to CONTACT and all the staff who work there.

From Aislynn’s Desk

This summer, I’ve been working as a marketing coordinator at CONTACT, and I have to say that I am having a great time. I’ve gotten to make connections in the community, go around New Tecumseth and Bradford West Gwillimbury, and met so many interesting people who do so much for our local communities. 

It’s difficult for young people to get jobs right now, especially college students, since many places won’t hire anyone going back to school. But when workplaces can hire students through the Canadian Summer Jobs program, it’s such a valuable resource. 

Having just finished my second year in college, I was worried that none of the skills I learned would be transferable to any “real world” careers. However, getting to work at CONTACT has given me the opportunity to use not only my graphic design skills but also to develop the networking and marketing skills I’ve been developing for two years.

I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to work right now, and at a workplace that is accommodating, community-driven, and as much fun as CONTACT. Working here does inspire a sense of hope, because in a world that feels like it’s burning, this job has introduced me to admirable people who support the community and genuinely make the world a better place with all they do. 

Everywhere I go, I’m meeting people who strive to bring people together. At the library, at seniors’ centres, at CONTACT, around town in different jobs, it’s a nice feeling meeting so many people who are so kind. 

I think I can say with confidence that without the Canadian Summer Jobs program, I would not feel this connection with my community. Even though it’s only for the summer, I feel like I’ve made a difference with the work I do, by helping share the story of CONTACT through new and creative social media posts.

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