Learning by Doing: Bow Valley College Practicum Students Make a Lasting Impact at FESA

Learning comes to life when students have the chance to step into real-world settings and make a difference in their communities. This year, FESA welcomed two Social Work practicum students from Bow Valley College, Lotus Trefz and Tammy Thomas. Their passion, creativity, and care brought new energy to family and adult literacy programs across Calgary.

By co-facilitating programs, creating lesson plans, leading activities, and sharing cultural knowledge, both students helped build the confidence and skills of the learners they supported while gaining valuable hands-on experience of their own. Their time with FESA not only helped build the confidence and skills of the learners they supported but also shaped their own journeys as future social workers. This is a glimpse into their practicum experiences and the lasting impact they have made.

Lotus Trefz

Hi! My name is Lotus, and I’m a first-year student in the Social Work diploma program. I just wrapped up my practicum at the Further Education Society of Alberta (FESA), and what a journey it’s been! I chose FESA because I wanted to roll up my sleeves and get real, hands-on experience working with communities, not just talk about theory in class, but actually live it. During my time at FESA, I’ve had the opportunity to support the ESL (English as a Second Language) and Babies and Me programs. One of my biggest achievements has been improving my ability to gather and respond to feedback from program participants. I learned how to ask meaningful questions, listen actively, and provide resources that meet the needs they’ve shared. Seeing participants gain confidence, especially from their very first day, was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me how powerful community support can be, and how I can contribute to creating a welcoming, safe space for learning.

One of the most memorable parts of my practicum was the opportunity to lead an ESL class. During one session, I noticed a participant who was especially eager to learn more about Canadian culture, while several others expressed interest in employment opportunities. I brought these observations to my agency supervisor and took the initiative to design a lesson plan focused on jobs and occupations, which included practical topics such as resume writing and interview skills. Believing that learning should be both meaningful and enjoyable, I incorporated interactive activities and games to make the session more engaging. The result was a lively and supportive learning environment that helped participants build confidence while having fun. In addition to my work with the ESL program, I also had the absolute joy of supporting the Babies and Me program, which quickly became one of my favourites. I mean, who wouldn’t love spending time with adorable babies? While I don’t have children of my own (yet!), this experience opened my eyes to just how important it is to support both moms and their little ones. I saw firsthand how creating a safe, welcoming space for mothers to connect, share, and simply breathe can make a world of difference. Watching babies light up during songs and seeing the quiet strength in how parents supported one another reminded me that social work doesn’t always start with big solutions. It often begins with small, meaningful moments. Whether it was a laugh shared between moms or a baby’s first clap-along to music, I learned that community care and connection are at the heart of family wellness. 

“In a community, every voice matters, and every heart counts.” – Anonymous

This quote captures the essence of what I’ve learned during my practicum at FESA. Whether through formal programs like ESL classes or informal moments of support between participants, I saw how meaningful it is when individuals feel heard, valued, and connected. What I’ll carry forward from this experience is the reminder that community support is foundational to individual growth and learning. Creating safe, inclusive spaces where every voice is encouraged can have a transformative impact. FESA demonstrates this daily through its work with newcomers, parents, and families. They don’t just deliver programs; they nurture confidence, connection, and possibility. I’m grateful to have been part of that mission and will bring these lessons into my future social work practice with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a deep belief in the strength of community.

Tammy Thomas

Tammy is a Swampy Cree First Nations woman who recently graduated from Bow Valley College. During her practicum with FESA, she supported family and children’s programs and enjoyed bringing her creativity and cultural knowledge into the activities. One of her favourite moments was making dreamcatchers with the kids at Homework Club, a hands-on activity that allowed her to share a piece of her culture while helping the children build their skills.

“I was absolutely thrilled that I had an opportunity to do this with my kids at homework club , I absolutely adore them and they each have their own unique identity that they have shared with me and so I wanted to share some of mine with them, and activities like this also help with their cognitive development skills.”

We were also lucky enough to attend and support Tammy’s presentation of her Capstone project during her final week of placement, a great way to celebrate all she accomplished during her time with FESA.

Thank you, Lotus and Tammy, for your contributions to FESA. We wish you all the best as you continue your journey in social work.