Florence Tiffou, Social Science Child Studies Major

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Coming from a French school to Vanier was not a problem

Finding a new passion

Florence Tiffou came to Vanier College with the intention of becoming a teacher for special needs children. But during her two years at Vanier, Florence discovered a new passion: international development. Cegep changes you. How? You learn new things about yourself and you discover what you want to do in life. And that's what happened to Florence.

Vanier offers a rich multicultural milieu

Why did Florence who graduated from École internationale de Montréal, come to Vanier? "I wanted to improve my English," she says, "and I wanted to study in the Social Science Child Studies program. But I also like Vanier's multicultural aspect, the fact that it's in a different part of town and that it offered me a new environment."

Excellent teachers and exceptional opportunities

Vanier offered her more than she ever expected. "The quality of education is excellent and the teachers are willing to help; they're very dedicated to students. At first I was worried switching from French to English, but after the first two weeks, everything was fine. I also found international opportunities here that are very special." Indeed, Florence was one of eight Vanier students who went to Africa in June 2011 to participate in the Water: Action for Access project in Malawi.

Participating in Water: Action for Access – a project in Malawi

"Malawi was a life-changing experience," she states. "It's such a different culture, but it's also a place focused on community. Because it's a poor country, you expect to be able to help them, more than they would help you. But it was the opposite for me. I discovered a community and met people who offer each other love and support. I met people who are courageous and very strong and very willing. And they have dreams like we do."

Gaining a new perspective

"Malawi gave me a different view of my own society. We complain about school, and about our health care and hospitals, but we are so lucky. We go Africa thinking we'll help them and change them, but instead we realize that we have to change things here."

Making changes in my life

"It's not much but I made a few small changes in my own life. For example I use grey water where I can to flush the toilet, and in the summer I take cold water showers. When I came back from Malawi in late June I immediately started work on a job in a summer camp. I went from Malawi where water is scarce, to Algonquin Park in northern Ontario where I was surrounded by lakes and water everywhere."

Appreciating what we have

"So my experience in Africa has made me appreciate everything we have here in Canada even more – school, our health care system, and our water. I'm amazed at the resources we have."

What I liked most at Vanier

Travelling to Malawi is not all Florence did while at Vanier. "What I liked most at Vanier is that you can make a place for yourself there, and when you do, there are all kinds of opportunities. I made new friends in my classes and through my involvement with various activities. I developed leadership skills because I had to learn how to organize things – for the Social Justice Committee, as a member of WUSC (World University Service Canada), and by working on the Night of Nations, Amnesty International, the Multicultural Food Fair and the Children's Holiday Party. I learned about administration, getting approvals, and organizing events."

I have a better idea of what I want to do with my life

"Above all, I now have a better understanding of what I want to do. So I want to study international development in university. Without coming to Vanier, travelling to Malawi and getting involved as much as I did, I would not have grown the way I have."