Hi there, I’m Shellie Deloyer, and this is my story …
Growing up in small town Ontario, I lived a very average life. In high school, I was a good student, played a couple sports, was involved with the band, and worked part time at my parent’s hardware store. I was a fairly happy kid, came from a great family, and I had a lot of ideas on what life would be like after high school. I thought I knew it all, and had everything figured out. But looking back, I really lacked direction at that age.
I moved to Ottawa when I was 18 and started university. My degree was in biology, which I chose mostly because I didn’t know what else to take and bio was one of my favourite subjects. I wasn’t really thinking ahead of the exciting, yet equally frightening stage that was staring me in the face. I had chosen a university, picked my program, and committed to spending tens of thousands of dollars, with no assurance that I was on the right path, and with little idea of what I would do when I was done. I had a complete lack of direction, I just didn’t know it.
It sounds ridiculous. How did I get myself into this position? Why didn’t I know where my life was going? How come I didn’t have it all figured out? Well, it turns out, this is the case for most students!
When I was in my final year of university, things became very real for me. I had no idea what kind of job I wanted or what was really out there. And I had no idea how to figure it out. I tried seeking help from the student success centre at my school, which turned out not to be much help at all. I was about to graduate with a bachelor of science, and I knew I didn’t want to work in a lab or in research. What else was there?
Teaching! I pursued a Bachelor of Education degree hoping that it would lead me into a specific career and that everything would finally come together.
Turns out, it takes many new teachers as long as ten years to get a permanent teaching job, and the requirements for getting there became even tighter just after I graduated. I did work as a high school occasional teacher, covering daily classes and maternity leaves for 3 years. I taught a number of students who were very unsure of their future. More than learning the curriculum for science, geography, English, or whatever subject I was teaching them at the time, students needed to learn how everything they were doing could (and should) be part of a bigger plan for their future. They craved information about life after graduation. They wanted to know what jobs were out there, what career paths they are well-suited for, what education options they should be considering, and how being in school now and in the future was relevant for them. I saw so many students that were lacking direction, just as I was at their age.
I wanted to do so much more. I wanted to help these students on a much deeper level, to make a real difference in their lives. I stumbled across the idea of becoming an education and career coach by chance. It hit me like a 2 x 4 across the head. I could use my background in education, which I am extremely passionate about, but work with individuals and smaller groups, in proven and effective ways that directly serve a need for people who are seeking direction. For the first time in my life I can say, “I absolutely love what I do!” Not just say it, but yell it at the top of my lungs because that is how excited I am every time I think about it.
Starting a business where I could help people in this situation was, and still is, a personal journey for myself. It’s about providing a service that I could have benefited from as a student and one that so many students still need today. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to planning your future. It’s personal and customized for each client that I work with. Whether it’s a high school or post-secondary student, a recent graduate, or an adult, everyone has their own story, their own personality, and their own vision for their life. I help them find a career path that is right for them, and make a solid game plan for getting there. Your work makes up such a big part of your life. I believe everyone deserves to love what they do!
Hi Brian. We offer various packages depending on your needs and current situation. If you book your complimentary consultation we can discuss the best option for you. Thanks!