For Ava Smith-Ellis, a career helping people always felt like the right fit. Today, the Centennial College Social Service Worker graduate works as a social worker in a long-term care home, supporting seniors and their families through some of life’s most challenging moments. It’s a role she had been working toward for years, beginning with a passion for psychology and a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
How Ava Chose Centennial College
"I’ve always loved psychology and social work," Ava says. "So, I said, okay, I'll start with Social Service Work, because it spoke more to me. I wanted a path that really aligned with my personal passion."
"Social service work was the perfect intersection of my desire to understand the human mind, and my commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on my community," she says.
That passion led her to Centennial’s Social Service Worker program, where students develop the skills needed for careers in social services, advocacy, case management, and community support.
"Centennial College genuinely stood out to me," Ava says. "I liked the structure of the program, Centennial had an excellent reputation for doing research, and you guys offer practical learning. So, my choice was very clear."
"Centennial, it started me on a beautiful journey," she says.
Studying in Centennial College’s Social Service Worker Program
Like many students, Ava faced challenges while studying, especially when it came to balancing school with everyday responsibilities.
"The challenge that I had was balancing an intense academic workload with everyday responsibility," Ava says. "It was a true juggling act for me. It forced me to master time management, focus, and be resilient right from the start."
Meanwhile, the support she received from faculty helped shape what came next in her education and career.
"The most rewarding part was the profound mentorship I received," she says. "I have to mention Dr. Donna Hinds. She is the one who encouraged me to see more in myself than I really saw. She encouraged me to apply for university, she said, 'you have it in you.' And so, I did, and the rest is history."
Hands-On Learning
Alongside classroom learning, Ava says several parts of Centennial College’s Social Service Worker program helped prepare her for the realities of frontline social work. One course, in particular, gave her a framework for understanding the systems and experiences many people navigate every day.
"The course that left a real impact was called Power, Privilege and Oppression," Ava says. "I absolutely loved that part of the curriculum, because it opened up my insight into exactly what I face in everyday living. It gave me the vocabulary and the framework to understand distinct power dynamics, oppression, and instances of privilege that exist across different areas of society."
Another key part of Ava’s learning came through her Social Service Worker field placement in long-term care, where she gained firsthand experience in the setting that would eventually become her career.
"My true hands-on, it was my field placement," Ava says. "I completed my field placement in a long-term care home, True Davidson Acres. That's where I got my first real taste of frontline work."
The experience also confirmed where her passion truly lay, and showed how the practical skills taught in Centennial College’s Social Service Worker program could translate directly into a social work career
"It allowed me to realize my passion as well, because I do have a passion for working with senior citizens," she says. "The skills I learned, active listening, case management, they really helped me, because where I'm at right now, I'm also a social worker in a long-term care home."
From Centennial College Graduate to Social Worker
After graduating from Centennial College’s Social Service Worker program, Ava continued her education at university, building on the diploma’s foundation for a career in social work. Today, the lessons she learned still influence her work.
"Today, I manage a caseload of 160 residents," she says. "So, it gives me that systematic insight on how to help and advocate for my clients and residents, as well as how to navigate working with coworkers from different diverse backgrounds."
Looking Ahead
Although Ava has already built a successful career in social work, she says her educational journey is still continuing.
"My next major goal is to pursue further advanced studies in psychology and the mental health field," Ava says. "I want to deepen my understanding of human behavior, therapeutic approaches, and clinical care so that I can continue to provide the highest level of specialized support to individuals, families, and seniors."
Advice for Future Students
For future students considering Centennial College’s Social Service Worker program, Ava says resilience and openness to learning are key.
"My biggest piece of advice is to never underestimate your own resilience, and to trust the educators who see your potential," Ava says. "There will be days when balancing classroom, field placements and life feels overwhelming, but remember exactly why you chose that path. Keep an open mind, observe everything, and just grasp all the teaching that the professors have to offer."
She also encourages students to trust where the experience can lead.
"Stay focused, curious, trust the journey, and know that the foundation you are building at Centennial College can take your career further than you ever imagined."
By: Anthony Geremia