°µÍø51

My practicum experience was incredibly valuable because it gave me the opportunity to engage with multiple areas of the justice system beyond just the probation office. Through my placement in community corrections, I was able to observe the day-to-day responsibilities of probation officers while also visiting and learning from different environments, including court settings such as the Downtown Community Court. These experiences allowed me to see how probation work connects directly with the courts and broader justice processes.

Within the probation office, I gained hands-on exposure to practices such as CRNA scoring, reviewing client files, going over policy, observing meetings during in-person reporting, different programs like PATH and understanding how breaches and conditions are managed. Seeing these processes in real-time helped me better understand risk assessment and case management in a real-world context.

What stood out most was how each setting contributed to a fuller understanding of community corrections. From the structure of probation to the collaborative nature of the court system, I saw how professionals work together to balance accountability, rehabilitation, and public safety. Overall, this practicum strengthened my confidence, professionalism, and readiness to enter the field, while confirming my strong interest in a career within community corrections.

I am enrolled in the Criminology program where I plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree. For so long, I had an interest in the legal aspect of law where I had the honour to do my practicum placement at Metro Law Office. During my practicum at Metro Law Office, I learned more and got a better understanding about the different legal practice areas that this firm focuses on, such as Notary Law, Family Law, Will and Power of Attorney, Real Estate, Estate and Probate, Immigration Law, and Corporate Law. 

I was also involved with helping out in finalizing wills and/or power of attorney documents, shredding documents, and closing cases. I also helped out in a litigation case where I endured the challenge of putting some facts together based on money and helping out with Mr. Amiri for the starting point of an immigration case by doing a bit of research. I also got to see how much work can be done in a case that would meet the client’s goals.

Doing my practicum with Metro Law Office was a valuable learning experience as I was able to learn more and enjoy doing my practicum. While doing my practicum, I endured a few challenges and strengthened some skills where this was valuable to learn from and to take into my future career. After I had done my practicum, it showed how much I want to be involved in working in a law firm along with this type of work.

My practicum at Lookout Housing and Health Society was a defining step in my development as a criminology student, giving me a meaningful understanding of what frontline supportive housing work truly involves. Early on, I realized that the learning extended far beyond academics and into the realities of supporting individuals navigating trauma, substance use, and mental health challenges. 

Throughout my one hundred hours, I strengthened key professional skills including confidence, de-escalation, documentation/notetaking, teamwork, and trauma-informed communication. Experiences such as supporting tenants during emotional moments, assisting with programs like a valentine’s day themed event, and contributing to daily tasks like tenant file notes and HIFIS entries helped me build practical competence and self-assurance. I also gained a deeper awareness of my own privilege and how it shapes the way I communicate and build trust with marginalized individuals. 

In the moments where I was able to genuinely help a tenant and see how much they appreciated it, were the moments that made me feel like I truly made an impact on someone’s day. I will carry those experiences with me as I move forward in my future careers. This practicum confirmed my interest in frontline, trauma-informed work and gave me a clearer sense of the meaningful career paths within supportive housing and the broader criminal justice field. 

My name is Wendy Veidemane, and I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Criminology (Honours) program at °µÍø51 with a concentration in Crime Analysis and Prevention. Throughout my education, I have developed a strong interest in pursuing a career in criminal law, and this practicum experience further reinforced that aspiration. 

I completed my practicum with Rhys Rhodes Law, who is a criminal defence lawyer in Vancouver, BC. It was a privilege to work with Rhys and complete my practicum as her legal assistant. During this experience, my main roles were conducting legal research, drafting resolution letters, organizing materials, assisting during trial preparation and trial, and completing various small tasks to assist with legal matters. 

Prior to this experience, I was not expecting to have much involvement and rather act as a spectator, learning from an experienced lawyer. After completing my practicum, I could not be more grateful for the hands-on experience I gained. I was able to attend two trials and assist in the process directly. It was fascinating to learn the intricate details of trials directly, and this experience taught me about courtroom procedures and the preparation of legal defences and arguments, which are crucial to understand in the career I am pursuing. 

Overall, I am extremely grateful for the skills and experiences I gained. I feel more confident conducting legal research, communicating with clients, preparing legal documents, and having a presence in the courtroom. Thank you to Dr. Andrew Reid and Rhys Rhodes!