I did a quick Google search for counsellor training and education in Vancouver, and one of the results was VCCT, Vancouver college of counsellor training. Given my lack of previous diploma this would be one of the only course of action I could take. Other, perhaps more reputable schools required accreditation and diplomas I did not have, this included the school that my counsellor went to.
VCCT offers a 52 week program that at its conclusion would award me a diploma for general counseling. And as I am interested in specializing in intimacy and relationships, I could simultaneously apply to earn my intimacy and relationship certificate as electives.
A day after I made my decision, I made an appointment to see their academic advisor. She walked me through the process, explaining the above and advising me on how to apply for student loan. I have no experience in the latter, and was also worried about how I would fund this new venture. However as luck would have it, I had a scheduled appointment with my counsellor and she was able to offer some advice, of which included, taking on a student loan from the BC and Canadian government, considering that neither charge interest.
Seeing as I was already at VCCT in person asking questions, I was able to fast track a lot of the processed needed to apply for school. On the same visit, I would do the in-person intake interview, and get a chance to ask any questions to their in-house student counselor.
The former is quite in-depth. It included a lot to do with my motivation, and why I desired to take on this program, coupled with the warning that it would take its toll. The question that stood out to me, was whether I had a support system in place and how I dealt with stress. Points that were further emphasized on the online intake form, that I would have to fill out later in the day.
I would open up my heart and spill my desires, outlining to learn not only for myself, but ability to chase a childhood dream I only recently realized. There were also questions on personality and what I loved about myself, which I found encouraging. Between this and the online questionnaire I feel it was meant to test your speaking and writing abilities, as well as ability to convey your thoughts into words, and how you present yourself. All of which are factors and points that would make you successful in a future counselling career.
Needless to say, I passed both and was tasked with applying for my student loan. You register on the website, where they ask you questions about your household income for the previous year, your living situation and if you have any debts or regular payments you need to make due to child support. Are you classified as a single woman living on her own without any disabilities? And are there any previous government care loans you are expecting?
However, the hard part was deciphering it. I asked a few people from my support network, as mentioned earlier in the interview, and even they were baffled. The amount awarded covered all of the tuition, but gave me no sum to live on.
$27,000 was awarded to me between Canadian and BC student loans. However, tuition was $19,300, as confirmed by the school, who had to fill out an appendix before the loan’s approval. On a separate breakdown it also listed the amount that I needed to be able to live a year focussing on full-time studies, followed by additional columns that stated I had additional amount of money I can pull from. There is no breakdown to this, and I cannot understand the math. And worst of all no toll-free hotline number to ask my questions to.
Additional page did mention that the amount listed zero would go to the school, which led me to believe that maybe these government entities would be paying a tuition directly to the VCCT, which makes a lot of sense, considering they took part in filling out the application. Leaving me with $27,000 for the year, which I could live a frugal life on.
With no way to know for sure what this means, and the fact that payment would not be disbursed until the first day of school, I reached out to my VCCT advisor for some insights. All the while thinking of back up plans. In the end it was as I originally thought: $19.9k for the school $7.7k for me to live on, and the need to find alternative sources of income. The website suggested asking your parents for loans, taking one from the bank, and getting a part time job.
However, the school and student counsellor advised against working while in enrolled in school. They warned that the classes are intense with four hours of in class time and 2-3 at home reading ahead. The classes are also designed to give you live hands on experience, where you will be counselling yourself and your classmates. That being vulnerable and leaving your heart bare would be emotionally and mentally exhausting. So I was worried about taking too much, while also trying to maintain my blogging and social life. I wanted to succeed and to set myself up properly for that success. So I decided to take the rest of the year off work and reassess where I am financially in the new year. Plus, my spirituality and faith in God gives me confidence that I will be taken care of.
My original back up plans included moving in with either my parents or my long term partner.
Do I give up my fortress of solitude, my 425 square-foot, one person home in an area I’ve grown to appreciate; which is also within quick driving distance to the gym I frequently work out at? Or do I push aside my pride and ask if I can move back home. An offer that has always been on the table from my mother and father, and one I have actually already taken once, in an attempt to go back to school for business management and human resources management certification, as per their request. But sadly two programs I did not complete because, as I previously mentioned, I was not doing it for myself, but for their desires.
The thought of moving in with my partner of four years also quickly passed through my mind. However, he works independently from home and is in a similar transition as I am. Doing part time in order to fuel his full-time goal, and I do not want to be a stressor in his life; nor do I want to be trapped in my own home if/when he sees clients in his home studio.
A third option would be to see if I can tap into my RRSP savings, money sitting on my account with contributions from my parents. But given my track record, and the need for a nest egg, this was not ideal.
My parents have always worried about me when it comes to money and how I would survive without them. So I figured going back to school and giving myself opportunities would quell some of that fear. However, my history of behaviour has not always been the best, so I do not blame them if they are hesitant and in disbelief, so have not offer help outside paying for my doctor appointments in order to get the medication in need for my ADHD disability.
To be continued…
