Coming to Camosun College in his last year at Reynolds High School was a huge step for Kaleb Labillois. He had decided to take the Pathways for Life, Learning and Work program, which prepares students for entry level employment in food service, customer service and gardening.
ETP student Kaleb Labillois
“It was six weeks long, so it was a little taster of what college life was like, and of course, I was terrified out of my mind because I was leaving behind all I know that's familiar to me,” says Kaleb. “Having to part with those comfortable surroundings was a little terrifying at first, but then the more I got used to it and the more I began to create a rapport with Laura (Friesen, Employment Training and Preparation instructor) and the rest of the teachers, the more I was like, maybe I will fit in here after all, because my mind had been opened up enough that I could truly see what development I would go through. In my so-called 'character arc', to make that kind of analogy!”
“Having friends who understand my disabilities, and my limits, and what I can do has really helped instill more confidence in me than I ever would have thought.”
Kaleb Labillois
Kaleb has cerebral palsy and autism, disabilities that he has had to deal with his entire life but, recently, with the support he’s received and friendships he’s made he’s come to accept and learn to manage them.
“When I entered post-secondary and made two great friends, Tasha and Kyla in this case, they helped me deal with whatever challenges I've encountered,” he says. “Having friends who understand my disabilities, and my limits, and what I can do has really helped instill more confidence in me than I ever would have thought.”
Recently, Kaleb celebrated his 20th birthday, a milestone moment for most people but for Kaleb it was even more meaningful.
“When I turned 20, I was like, time to unshackle myself from my fears, because if I go through my entire life still being afraid of these things, they'll never let me go,” he says. “And then before long, I'll reach the end and it'll be like, well, what do people remember you for? Well, they remember me for the fact I was afraid of anything and everything.”
Turning 20 also allowed for Kaleb to do some reflection on where he was and where he is now.
“I feel like if I were to go back in time, and tell my younger self that, ‘hey, you're in college now, and you've made friends of two people who very much understand your disabilities, and they have disabilities themselves, and you all can thrive together’,” he says. “I think younger me would be very happy to hear that, especially if he were to hear that, later in your 20s you've conquered so many fears, and you've done a lot to better yourself and make the life you have one worth reflecting on.”
Part of that reflection and to celebrate his 20th birthday, Kaleb wrote the following piece of prose:
"So, on that beautiful night when farewells were exchanged and blessings for plentiful futures were abundant, I smiled the widest I could muster, for the joys in my being could not be quelled."
"After the final parting words, walking out of that hall, I looked towards the bright night sky and with a resolute gaze, took a peek into the next chapter of my life. Little did I know how much my life would change for the better as I feel the universe had its plans for me and I just didn’t realize it yet."
About ETP programs
Employment Training and Preparation (ETP) programs are designed for adults who identify as facing barriers to education and employment. These strength-based learning programs equip students with the skills needed for entry-level jobs while exploring various work, educational, and community environments. In small cohorts, students develop essential life, learning, and work skills in retail, kitchen, and garden settings, with opportunities for workplace certifications and practical experience. Learn more at camosun.ca/etp.
About Camosun College
Established in 1971, Camosun is one of the largest colleges in British Columbia with campuses on the territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. For over 50 years, Camosun has been delivering innovative, relevant and applied education, supporting communities, businesses and employers.
Employment Training & Preparation
Break down barriers, prepare for entry-level employment and explore a variety of work.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Camosun College