Volunteering with the “Tout droit vers le droit” program was Nadine Tawdy’s first volunteer experience with OJEN. She helped deliver this career modelling program to racialized, French-speaking middle school students during the 2024-25 school year. As the school year wrapped up, we asked her to share her impressions of the program.
“I think this program highlights a lot of important issues and topics surrounding diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. It also allows students who may not have a lawyer in the family to have access to someone they can ask questions to and hear firsthand what it’s like to practice law as a person from a minority background and to see that it is possible.”
She found that students were interested and engaged in the material. Many asked thoughtful questions and participated actively.
“At least a handful were interested in knowing more about becoming a lawyer and were interested in pursuing a career in law.”
Nadine noted that the program gave students insight into what it’s like to be a lawyer, how French can be an asset in the legal field, and the steps involved in pursuing a legal career.
“They also had the benefit to know and see that coming from a minority background should never hold you back, although the profession is still underrepresented by the BIPOC community.”
“I had a great time volunteering for this program and meeting so many keen students who are interested in law. I thought it was a very fulfilling experience and I would definitely do it again.”
Volunteers make it possible for OJEN to deliver our programs to students and youth province-wide. Many thanks to Nadine for sharing her time, energy and knowledge to support Tout droit vers le droit for middle school students in the GTA. And thanks to the thousands of volunteers who support OJEN’s programming each year.