Athira's Story

Meet Athira. She’s 31 years-old and an EarlyOn Facilitator with the YMCA. But her journey with the Y didn’t start with EarlyOn.

In September 2019, Athira was an international student from India studying travel and tourism at Mohawk College. In December, her husband and son would join her in Canada, but in February 2020, just six months into her program, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down and forced her classes online.

Despite the stress of juggling school and child care during the pandemic, Athira completed her program. She returned to India in 2021 for a surgery, but when she got back to Canada in September of 2022, she struggled to find a job.  

"It was really hard to find a job in what I studied because everywhere I applied, they were asking for experience in Canada. I felt so frustrated because I had experience back home, but it was not recognized here,” Athira says.

After a year of searching for work and taking on seasonal jobs, a friend recommended Athira get in touch with the YMCA’s Bridge to Work program — a free program that offers workplace training and job opportunities in child care settings.

“I didn’t have experience in child care exactly, but I did home tutoring in India, and I also worked in a kindergarten class for a year and a half, replacing teachers who went on maternity leave.”

"I expressed my concerns about not having any personal experience with the Canadian child care sector, but [staff] reassured me that it was perfectly fine and guided me through everything,” Athira says.  

With the mentorship of Y staff, and a crash course in Canadian Child Care, Athira moved through the program and landed her first placement as an EarlyOn Facilitator with the YMCA.  

"Every day, I arrange the room, welcome the families, and make sure everyone feels like they belong. It’s all about creating a warm and inclusive environment."  

At first, Athira faced some language barriers, but over time working with families, she became more confident. From there, she says, her work at EarlyOn became more than just a job.

"Here, it feels like family. We share the same things, especially with many of the immigrants. We understand each other's struggles and support one another,” Athira says.

"It feels like I'm living my life, not just working for money.”

It’s something Athira says she didn’t feel at her previous jobs—a sense of community and belonging.

"These are my friends and family now," she says.

Athira says there’s one child that she’s made a very close connection with—a little girl from Syria who gets emotional when she wants to see Athira.  

“It made me realize the impact we have on these children’s lives. It is incredibly rewarding," she says.

From studying travel and tourism to exploring Canadian child care, Athira has found a new career path that brings her joy and gives her purpose.

“I want to continue and grow in this field. It is fulfilling. I feel like I am not just working, but truly living my life. I am excited about visiting more child care centers and learning new things. I want to keep growing and helping other families like mine," she says.

"This experience has changed my life. It has given me a sense of belonging and a community that supports me. I am grateful for the YMCA and the opportunities it has provided.”

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