In an evolving landscape of careers in education, York University’s Faculty of Education is committed to pioneering programs that equip graduates for the unpredictable twists and turns of their professional journeys. At the heart of this innovative approach is the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Educational Studies program, created as an option for students seeking a career in education outside of the traditional classroom. Darren Syd Sia Duya exemplifies the impact of this program on his career, showcasing how flexible, real-world learning can shape one’s future and forge leaders.

Darren graduated from the BA Educational Studies program at York University in May 2022and now serves as a youth worker with Achēv, within the EmpowOUR Youth for Engagement (EYE) / Youth 2 Action (Y2A) initiatives. In his role, Darren skillfully navigates the realms of networking, administration, event planning, and marketing, making a significant impact on the lives of the youth he serves. His journey from an aspiring educator to a professional deeply involved in youth development, serves as a testament to the program's curriculum and impact on both personal and professional levels. "I have always enjoyed education, but even more so because I enjoyed working with youth," Darren shares. “Originally, I was thinking of getting a degree to become a teacher, but then I came across the BA Educational Studies program at York University’s Faculty of Education which was more suited for me”.

The BA Educational Studies degree emphasizes not only knowledge of theories, but also concrete skills and personal growth. Darren’s experiences in the program showcase that flexibility, building relationships, and fostering these relationships while exploring education holistically are the strongholds of the program. He recalls, "It was the professors that impacted my journey," especially when the times got tough, like in the face of a pandemic. Being confined to one's own room for months was draining; however, interacting with teachers and students online helped alleviate some of my anxieties. A part of the program curriculum focused on building relationships and support, emphasizing the place of people in success—be it personal or professional”.

One of the strengths of the program is its real-world applicability. Part of what Darren does for EYE/Y2A involves complicated networking, administration, event planning, and marketing that he became familiar with through the BA Educational Studies program. "Adaptability in learning and application is so important in real-world jobs," he says. “It was my education at York that allowed me to have a flexible personality and work ethic. Flexibility in learning is something I consider to be applicable in today's world—to gain transferable skills and apply them to your workspace or other areas of life.”

As Darren looks to the future, his advice for both incoming and current students is simple: "Connect and volunteer. It is essential to get involved and to participate in the broader York  community which includes students, professors, the administration and the different clubs and activities across campus,” he says. “Volunteering in proper spaces opens up networks that wouldn't be available otherwise.  If you do these two things effectively, they will be applicable to both your education and the steps that come after that.”

Reflecting on his time with York University, Darren speaks highly of the program's influence on his career. "I loved being an educational studies student and plan to revisit the campus every now and then, whether it be for furthering my education or for social reasons," he says. “The current job market is difficult to navigate, so building a network of like-minded individuals and mentors helps establish a community to rely on.” Darren's journey serves as a testament to the fulfillment derived from aligning one's career with the passions and importance of cultivating a supportive community.

His journey, from being a student in the BA Educational Studies program and now along the way to becoming a youth worker who changes people's lives every day, is a perfect manifestation of the transforming power that education can represent. It tells everything about the flexibility of the programs offered, faculty involvement, community participation, and fun.

Article by Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer.