Brandon Ramdial graduated from the Community and Justice Services program in 2016, and currently works at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services in the Youth Justice Services Division. He recently spoke with us about his chosen career path, his passion for leadership, and why he gives back to Centennial.
Ascent: I understand that you have had a desire to work in the field of law and social justice since high school. What about this career path appeals to you so strongly?
Brandon: I really enjoy being an advocate for those in need and helping to create second chances for people. When you help someone, they get a good feeling about themselves, and that gives you a good feeling too.
Ascent: Working closely with people in marginalized and low income communities gives you a unique insight into the challenges they face. Do you think access to higher education is one of those challenges?
Brandon: Yes, definitely. Many marginalized people have the perception that they might not get accepted to college because of a criminal background, or they simply don’t see themselves in a post-secondary setting because they come from a family situation that isn’t at all focused on education.
Ascent: Do you think education is a factor that can improve the lives of individuals living in marginalized and low income communities?
Brandon: Absolutely. If anything, going to college can show someone that they aren’t alone. The odds are that they will find people on campus who are also working towards something better. Continuing education also helps at-risk individuals realize that they are able to do more than they thought, and that builds their confidence.
Ascent: Speaking of confidence, you received three different awards as a student at Centennial. The Ed Blazo Memorial Scholarship, the Centennial Citizenship Award, and the School of Community and Health Studies “Rising Star” Award. Being acknowledged in that way must have been a huge confidence booster. Can you tell me the impact that receiving those awards had on you?
Brandon: Well, first of all, I was very shocked and surprised when I won those awards! I certainly wasn’t expecting them. It made me feel appreciated, and it made me feel like I was being recognized for making a positive impact on campus. The awards have also made a financial impact. I am currently using those funds to further my education. I’m working on my Criminology degree at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Ascent: Did the impact of receiving those awards inspire you to give back by creating a scholarship of your own (The Brandon Ramdial Building Leaders Scholarship)?
Brandon: Yes, it definitely did. In fact, a few weeks after I won my first award, I started looking into how I could establish my own scholarship. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations, along with Financial Services, helped me set it up. I really wanted to use my experience to motivate other students.
Ascent: Your scholarship is based on a demonstration of leadership through college involvement and community service. Can you tell me why you chose that as your criteria?
Brandon: Student leadership was such a big part of my Centennial experience. It set a solid foundation for me, and provided me with opportunities to explore new interests. It was also important to me that this scholarship be open to any student, because I believe that any student can be a leader.
Ascent: It’s amazing that you set up your scholarship at the relatively young age of 20. There is an assumption that philanthropy doesn’t really manifest in people until they are much older than that. Do you think that your generational peers share your strong desire to give back?
Brandon: Yes, I really do think young people want to get involved and give back, but simply might not know how. I definitely see that gap – the desire to help, but not knowing how to. I also believe that some young people might think that they don’t have the financial ability to give back, because they assume that they must give large amounts of money in order to help. I think it’s all about needing to connect the opportunities to help with the people who want to help – and social media is a great place to do that!
Ascent: Are there any words of wisdom that you would like to share with recent graduates or new alumni before we wrap up our conversation today?
Brandon: Always get involved because you never know where it will lead you. Appreciate the experiences life hands you. Grow your network. And most importantly, have gratitude for those who help you along the way – remember to always say thank you.
If you are interested in establishing or supporting a scholarship at Centennial College, please contact Fiona Bedlington at fbedlington@centennialcollege.ca or 416-289-5000, ext. 3558.