TVP and IPSE: Falling forward

"Don't be afraid of making mistakes; sometimes that's the best way to learn."

Meet Isabel. Hunger. Hustle. Heart.
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Program: Transitional Vocational Program (TVP) and Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE)

When a setback happens, it can leave you feeling deflated and discouraged. But it’s not the stumble that defines you, it’s how you get back up and take your next step.

New graduate Isabel Melby understands this all too well — it was a major setback that ultimately helped her launch her career. Because when something takes the wind out of Melby’s sails, she picks up an oar.

Melby came to Mount Royal University for the Transitional Vocational Program after touring the campus.

“There are some great places to hang out!” Melby says, sharing that she was drawn to the grounds as much as she was to the courses.

“I liked the classes they were offering, especially the life skills, computer literacy and job-finding classes.”

Melby, whose favourite class ended up being life skills, was a dedicated student right from the jump, according to MRU Employment Specialist Britt Funk.

“She was always very engaged and present in her classes. When she was placed in her work-integrated learning in a child-care setting, Isabel always received and applied the feedback that was given to her,” Funk praises, adding Melby took the initiative to complete her Childcare Level 1 certificate in addition to her classes.

Melby proved she was hungry to grow and succeed every time she was met with a challenge. When she missed the two-week first aid training part of her course due to illness, she was still not deterred.

“Isabel ended up, independently, completing a first aid course where she passed and now has her First Aid Certificate,” says Funk.

And when a job at a daycare slipped through her fingers, she went back to the drawing board more determined than before.

“She did not give up when her first employment opportunity fell through. Instead, she turned it into a learning experience and used all those tools and skills she gained to find employment that was ultimately a better fit for her.”

Melby says the educators at MRU were a huge boon, understanding her learning challenges and working with her to make sure she was set up for success.

“They gave me the confidence to go out after leaving school and get a job on my own,” Melby says.

“One teacher who really stood out for me was Jenelle Dugal. She helped a lot with my interviewing and job preparation, providing me one-on-one time to make things easier. I couldn't have done it without her.”

Melby took a volunteer position at MRU Camps in the summers between semesters, where she flourished, applying all the skills she’d honed. When she was asked to return this summer, she had to turn them down because all of her hard work had paid off – she landed a job in childcare.

“One of my biggest achievements was getting my first job. I was so excited to start and learn something on my own. It was a huge step for me in being independent,” she says.

Her immediate post-grad plans include continuing to work with kids while still developing and growing her skills, letting her go-getter attitude lead the way.

“I strive to do a good job and learn from my mistakes to continue to improve.”

As the curtain calls the time on her MRU experience, there’s something she wants to tell new students: never stop learning and don’t get discouraged.

“One of the lessons I learned from MRU was going out of my comfort zone to try new things and to be confident in my abilities to succeed. So, try new things, have adventures, meet new people,” she says, adding that one of the best things about her time at MRU was the friends she made along the way.

“Don't be afraid of making mistakes; sometimes that's the best way to learn.”