Hi there...

Hi everyone.
I realize it's getting a bit late to be posting on here for the first time, but everything's been a bit crazy and this is the first chance I've had (and I also notice that I'm the first one from my group to post here....so not a big deal!) So, anyway, how about a little background info...

I'm a currently a Community Studies student at the College of the North Atlantic in Carbonear, Newfoundland (I am originally from St. John's). Upon graduation from this program, I hope to pursue a career working with the justice system or in addiction services -- and at some point, finish a degree in Social Work. Prior to this I graduated from a general business program, also at the CNA.

Some of my previous work experience includes, a workterm at the Pre-Trial Services Program for young offenders awaiting trial and various student placements, including: the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland & Labrador, Safe Works Access Program, and Turnings. All of these organizations advocate for people struggling with addiction, disease, or who have been convicted of criminal offences - or all of the above! Last year I worked with a 9 year old severely Autistic girl providing behavioural intervention and respite care. I then worked at a summer program at the Vera Perlin Society for persons with cognitive impairments, as well as physical disabilities aged 19+.

Currently I work as a residential counsellor at the St. John's Native Friendship Centre in the Shanawdithit Shelter. This shelter provides housing and support to homeless clients, as well as Aboriginal clients who are travelling to St. John's for medical treatment.

In Bedford, I'll be completing my feildwork placement at the Victim Services program. I'm pretty excited to give this aspect of the justice system a shot because as of right now, I only have experience working from the offender side of things and it's always nice to gain insight into what the other half sees. I have been doing a lot of work within the community and with advocacy for the last few years. I love the criminal justice system and social deviance, however, the upcoming placement at Victim Support, may be enough to change my mind. I have heard various accounts of the English legal system, and I cannot wait to get to experience that first hand. My point is, through my previous/current work I feel as though I have learned a lot, and this experience in the U.K. can only further expand that.

Myself and the 5 other girls from Newfoundland all have the same flight information so here it is!
We leave St. John's on May 15th on Air Canada Flight 695 at 5:00 pm. We land in Toronto at 6:58 pm and fly to Heathrow via Air Canada Flight 848 at 8:40 pm. We land in Heathrow at 8:35 am on the 16th.
As well, all 6 of us are staying with homestay families.
I'll be staying at this address:
37 Westdale Walk
Kempston
Beds MK42 8NX

So... if anyone's staying near me or if you're on the same flights as myself and the girls, give me a shout and let me know! Looking forward to heading over and meeting you all in 3 weeks!


Cheers.

Melissa