Collyn Osbourne-Sorrell is a facilitator of the Reboot Plus program at Fanshawe College. Below, he shares his experience with the program and its value to the community of London, Ontario.
Creating Pathways to Post-Secondary Education
Reboot Plus provides access to higher education for individuals who may not have had that opportunity in the past because of one thing or another. This program offers a chance to experience all the benefits of being a college student, while also providing the safety net to try something new with no repercussions.
At Fanshawe College, this experience can be transformational. When students receive their FANCards (student ID cards) and immerse themselves in campus life, they begin to see post-secondary education as a real possibility; especially those who may not have previously seen themselves belonging in that environment.
A Supportive Learning Environment That Builds Confidence
Many students arrive feeling very nervous. Not only is it a new experience in a new place, but they often come with the belief that they need to “give the correct answer” while learning.
Reboot Plus challenges that mindset.
Students begin to understand that there is no one right answer; only what is best for them individually. In an overstrained educational system that cannot always offer the personalized interactions some learners need programs like Reboot Plus help bridge that gap.
By providing more individualized support, the program helps students build confidence in themselves and their skills, setting them up for future success.
Why Early Support Matters
Having a high school diploma is now a standard requirement for almost any job. With a Grade 12 diploma, the possibilities for new and different career opportunities multiply.
Helping people before gaps in their education or skills become larger is truly transformational. Reboot Plus creates an opportunity to re-engage with learning before those gaps widen further, opening doors that may have once felt closed.
Real-World Learning Through SILEx at Fanshawe College
A key connection between Fanshawe College’s broader mission and Reboot Plus is its focus on real-world learning through Signature Innovative Learning Experiences (SILEx).
These experiences include:
- Applied Research: Demonstrating research skills through projects with external partners
- Entrepreneurship: Exploring small business development and innovation
- Global Projects: Working with organizations to address global challenges
- Live Client Interactions: Engaging with external partners in real-world scenarios
- Multi-disciplinary Projects: Collaborating across programs to solve problems
These hands-on experiences help students better understand the global world and see how their learning connects to real opportunities.
Transformational Student Experiences
The impact of Reboot Plus is often seen in individual stories.
For example, one student who had significant difficulty in a conventional education setting had previously dropped out of high school. Through Reboot Plus, they began attending regularly and were able to clearly communicate what they needed to succeed without being dismissed due to time or resource constraints.
This kind of experience highlights the importance of flexible, responsive learning environments.
Reflection, Career Exploration, and Growth
When students first engage in reflection, group dialogue, and career exploration, the response is often one of trepidation.
There is a common expectation that you must be perfect at something before even trying it. None of us are ever perfectly refined. It is never too late to explore a new career.
Over time, students begin to shift their thinking:
- “I don’t have to have everything planned out.”
- “I don’t have to be perfect at something.”
They also begin to understand that career paths evolve. Something that feels right today may not be the same in 2, 5, or 10 years. Trying new, uncomfortable things can be one of the most valuable experiences a person can have.
Flexible Facilitation That Meets Students Where They Are
A key facilitation approach that works well is ensuring students feel safe to express themselves without worrying about giving the “correct” answer.
There is no wrong answer when planning your future because your future hasn’t happened yet.
Recognizing that everyone learns differently, Reboot Plus fosters a flexible and supportive environment where students can explore their interests, explain their thinking, and discover what works best for them.
Connecting Students with Employers and Community
Community partnerships play a vital role in the Reboot Plus experience.
Through collaboration with the London Chamber of Commerce, students gain insight into the local economy and access to thousands of real-world employers. These interactions help students understand what different jobs are actually like.
While students are often nervous about making a bad first impression, repeated interactions help them grow more comfortable and confident in speaking about themselves.
Communication is a powerful tool for building confidence, deepening relationships, and expressing ideas.
Real Outcomes: Confidence, Networking, and Opportunity
These connections lead to meaningful outcomes.
After a particularly positive experience with the London Chamber of Commerce, students expressed a strong desire for continued engagement. As a result, the class plans to attend a networking event together, further building confidence and communication skills in a real-world setting.
What Would Be Lost Without Programs Like Reboot Plus?
Without programs like Reboot Plus, many individuals would continue to face barriers to success.
Working within both a college and employment agency context makes it clear how often people’s opportunities are limited by not completing high school or pursuing further education. These early educational experiences are critical for building confidence and helping individuals understand their interests and strengths.
The Most Rewarding Part of Reboot Plus
One of the most rewarding aspects of facilitating the program is seeing students return later to share what they are doing and how they are moving forward.
These moments reinforce the importance of providing the right support at the right time and the impact that even a small role in someone’s journey can have.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Reboot Plus at Fanshawe College
What is most exciting about the future of Reboot Plus is its ability to build confidence in individuals who may not believe they can pursue something new or follow their dreams.
When students return and share what they’re doing and how they feel they’re moving forward, it reinforces just how important it is for every individual to receive the support they need. Knowing I was able to play even a small part in that is incredibly rewarding.
The Reboot Plus project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada.