Pauline is an Indigenous woman in her late 20s who joined the START Program in January 2025. Her life has been significantly influenced by her experiences in the foster care system, including encounters with violence and abuse, as well as the challenges of living with ADHD. Despite these obstacles, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
Before entering the START program, Pauline worked a number of dead-end jobs and spent some time in the equestrian industry. After the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself unemployed and without direction. Pauline described herself as a “jack-of-all-trades but master of none,” unsure of her next steps but certain she was ready for change. At this point in her life, she was eager to shift out of survival mode and begin building a future rooted in purpose and stability. Her initial goal was simple yet powerful: to learn more about herself and develop new skills that could lead to a meaningful career.
The START Program provided the structure, support, and encouragement Pauline needed to begin that transformation. Early in the program, she expressed a long-standing passion for yoga. With the encouragement of staff, she began to explore this interest more seriously. She contacted local yoga studios and conducted informational interviews with instructors and business owners. Through these conversations, she began to see a new possibility for herself.
Soon after, Pauline started volunteering at a local yoga studio in exchange for unlimited yoga classes and mentorship from a certified yoga teacher (CYT). At the same time, she enrolled in an online course to work toward earning her own CYT certification, with the long-term goal of teaching yoga classes herself. Although she’s still early in this journey and not yet earning an income from yoga, the experience has reignited her sense of purpose.
To support herself financially while she works toward certification, Pauline accepted a full-time position at a pet boutique and food supply store near her home—a role that aligns with her love for animals and her previous work experience. Recognizing the importance of maintaining her mental wellness and employment stability, she also began receiving counselling support through the START Program.
When asked how the program has impacted her, Pauline shared, “It built my confidence and pushed me to do the things I love. (It) also taught me to believe in myself.”
Beyond her work and studies, Pauline continues to nurture her creativity and healing through poetry, regularly submitting her writing for publication. With her passions guiding her and the right supports in place, Pauline is now on a path toward sustainable employment—and a life that reflects her values, strengths, and dreams.
If you are interested in learning more about the START Employment Skills Training Program, visit: https://worklink.bc.ca/programs/start-program/