Research Assistant for the Day: Take Our Kids to Work Day 2024
As a research centre focused on children and families, we were excited to participate in Take Our Kids to Work Day this month. One secondary school student shared her experience visiting her mom at work this month here at the CCDMP.
K.J. is a Grade 9 student in Mississauga. She writes for the student paper, plays the violin, and is interested in science, considering future studies in biology or psychology. This made her especially interested in spending the day at our research centre. K.J. was interested in learning more about the CCDMP as well as the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), as she is thinking of applying to UTM after graduation.
Some highlights from the day:
- Research lab and campus tour – This included a visit to UTM’s Career Centre where K.J. learned about career development opportunities for students such as the work-study program.
- Research assistant for the day – K.J. learned more about the CCDMP’s research as she helped to put together resource packages for an upcoming visit from an MPP.
- Youth advisor – She shared her thoughts from a youth’s perspective on a peer mental health support strategy under development. She said that she enjoyed this as she does similar work as a student ambassador on the Peel District School Board’s Mental Health Student Advisory Committee.
K.J. said that her main takeaway from the day is that there is more work being done now to support children’s mental health which she found to be very positive, including how to manage your own mental health and support friends and family. She also shared that it was fun to help put together the resource packages and contribute to the event organization.
When asked, K.J said that she would recommend participating in Take Our Kids to Work Day to future Grade 9 students.
Thank you for being a research assistant for the day, K.J.! Come visit us again!
