By: Beyonca Payne

Hi, my name is Beyonca Payne and I am a 17-year-old, grade 12 student at Prince Andrew high school. All throughout high school I was always so indecisive about what I would do after I graduated. I’ve wanted to be a lawyer, chef, and even a hairstylist. I never really thought about the health field because I believed it was only for people who wanted to become doctors or nurses.  

Beyonca Payne

Although I was in grade 12, I was never exposed to all of my career options, I wasn’t aware of how to apply for universities and honestly was scared for the future because I wasn’t prepared. I joined the PLANS co-op to explore more career opportunities mainly at Dalhousie because I’ve always wanted to attend that school; it is my dream school. I was grateful to explore so many options but having the presentation for psychology really was the highlight of the whole experience. I enjoyed it so much because I was able to fully discover what I wanted to do. We all got to talk to people from different stages and areas of study in psychology to really understand what it would be like, and to find what best interests us.

Beyonca participating in one of the hands-on activities

I learned so many things I wouldn’t have been able to on my own and that’s what makes PLANS so unique. Being able to be in a room filled with people who are all black females was so uplifting and made the time spent so exciting and knowledgeable. We all learned from each other and our different experiences. This co–op has shown me what my passion is for the health/science field because there are so many paths worth exploring. There is a career for anyone, you just have to do your research. We can all be exceptionally great in our own way, and never have to limit ourselves because there is something for everyone.