As a student of Vancouver's Britannia complex, which combines a secondary and elementary schools alongside a community centre, Watt experienced the benefits of quality resources for children and youth.

"It gave me a good idea of what worked when I was a kid, and especially, what kept me out of trouble. It was a really great community experience and one of the things that made me want to do this."

When she began career planning, her early experiences clicked when she spotted a Douglas College ad for the Youth Justice program.

"I saw that ad and it was one of those moments when you just know. It was really kind of cool."

Now an adult Vancouver resident, Watt finds it rewarding to be part of the solution - providing positive and meaningful support to youth-at-risk.

Watt began her dream job last year as an Intensive Support and Supervision (ISSP) worker for PLEA Community Services Society of BC. She works with high-risk youth on court order. The position involves helping youth contribute to society in a more positive way by connecting with them and assisting in developing appropriate skills.

"The connection is huge, it's exactly what I want to be doing," says Watt, "It's my dream job to take them out of their environment and see them smile. It's "Intensive Support and Supervision" but really it's the support, it's pretty simple."

ISSP workers monitor the youth's compliance with court orders and conditions while helping them reach various goals. Some of Watt's days have involved bringing a kid out to go-carts, shopping with them to find interview clothes, or even picking one up and getting her to school on time.

Prior to college, Watt worked in various roles, including an administrative position for five years, but she always knew she wanted to go back to school. She jumped into the two-year Youth Justice Diploma Program, at the New Westminster campus of Douglas College, and had a job lined up before she even graduated.

The relevant and supportive education Watt received at Douglas College readied her for a career helping youth.

"I was about as prepared as anyone could be," says Watt. "The number of familiar things that came up when I started my new job was amazing. It was so comforting."

She really enjoyed the comprehensive perspective in the program, especially the focus on the humanitarian side. "It's good for different types of learners," says Watt, "academically it's challenging, but there's also a creative side."

To find out more about the Youth Justice Program, attend one of our free Information Session at either Campus: Tuesday, February 5, room C1008, Coquitlam, or Thursday, February 21, 5pm, room 1606, New Westminster.