Exploring a new focus
Snapping pictures on a cell phone was the extent of Farhana Chowdhury's photography skills. But when it was suggested she sign up for a photo journalism course Farhana decided to push past her social anxiety and give it a try.
"I've been trying to say yes to more opportunities, because I feel that's really changed my life in a positive way."
The course was offered through a partnership between the Youth Wellness Centre (YWC) at St. Joe's and Mohawk College City School. It provides a sampling of the post-secondary world to young people who may have had their education sidelined for a number of reasons, including mental health issues.
"I had a lot of trouble getting through high school and thinking about college was really stressful so it's nice to have a real taste of that through City School and Mohawk."
But taking the step to sign up was daunting for the 21-year old who has been at the YWC for three years, working on her anxiety and depression.
"I was really worried if my mental health would get in the way of things or if circumstances came up where I couldn't come to class, what would happen?" says Farhana. "But my teachers and everyone else who worked there were really supportive."
YWC Occupational Therapist Aliza Ladak says the beauty of the photo journalism course is that it challenges the students on two levels – technical skills and most importantly, communication skills.
"They have to go out into the community, step out of their comfort zone, engage with different people, approach them and ask if they can take their portrait, and then learn a little bit about their story."
Farhana is one of nine clients from YWC to graduate from the 12 week photo journalism program. As an added bonus the students were able to showcase their photos at Hamilton's Supercrawl Art Festival.
Although photography will likely be a hobby rather than career for Farhana, she is continuing to explore what Mohawk City School has to offer, signing up for a fall business course. And, she's committed to the YWC.
"I think a lot of people could benefit from the sort of things that the YWC does or the way it can connect you to other places. It's really resourceful and everyone's really nice and accepting so it's really good as a safe space."