Hi everyone, my name is Darren and I am a new student to Stenberg College. I started the Community Mental Health and Addictions Worker Program in April 2014. I am an alcoholic with 15 years sobriety. Every day I thank the Powers That Be for the strength to uphold this decision. I grew up in Richmond and moved to Langley in 1994. I am an avid hockey nut (go Canucks go). I love listening to and playing music. I was the singer for a classic rock cover band called Six Cents for about 5 years.
Why I chose CMHAW program
I chose this Program and career because I took a lot for granted when I drank regularly so I figured it was time to give something back to society. I have been interested in this career for quite a few years but I just don’t think I was mentally ready until recently. I do believe things happen for a reason. Since my first meeting with my Program Advisor, Jandy, this has felt like the right thing to do for me. Jandy made me feel welcome from the moment I walked through the doors.
What I also really like about Stenberg is the fact that everyone is so warm and positive. It makes me feel very confident that I will soon have the skills to help people who once may have felt as lost and alone as I did. I have been in school for just a short time now and I still feel the same excitement I did when I first signed up. I can’t wait to get my diploma but at the same time I don’t want this experience to end. I thank all the staff at Stenberg College. I am confident I will leave here with the skills I need to make a difference.