Kathleen Shea’s Ongoing Legacy of Giving Back

“I was always interested in education and social work, but it was through volunteering with the Award that I realized I wanted to support people in a deeper way. Psychology helped me understand how people work, and the Award showed me how to meet them where they are.”

For Kathleen Shea, completing all three levels of the Award, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, was more than a milestone; it was the spark that ignited a lifelong dedication to community, leadership, and personal growth.

Now working as an Immigration Program Development Officer with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Kathleen reflects on how her Award journey, which began at Gonzaga High School, has shaped her path, from her education to her career, and especially her passion for giving back.

That passion continues today. In addition to her professional and volunteer work, Kathleen is now giving back to the Award itself as a member of the Alumni Engagement Council, where she collaborates with other members to develop meaningful opportunities and initiatives for Award alumni across Canada.

A Foggy Summit and a Clear Lesson

One of Kathleen’s most memorable moments came during her Gold Adventurous Journey. “It was foggy, rainy, and honestly, miserable weather,” she recalls. “At first, you dread it—it’s a weekend, you’re out in the woods for days. But something shifts when you’re out there. You start focusing on the next step instead of the entire journey. You break down the daunting into doable.”

Reaching the summit was a mix of exhaustion and awe. “It was like, ‘Get me home’ and ‘I can’t believe I just did that.’ You’re amazed at what your body and mind can handle.”

That experience left Kathleen with more than sore legs—it taught her how to approach life’s bigger challenges: one step at a time.

Volunteering: More Than a Requirement

While she had dabbled in volunteering as a child through visiting long-term care residents with her father, it was the Award that transformed her interest into a passion. The required volunteer hours gave her structure and purpose, but more importantly, they ignited a spark that still burns today.

From working at local shelters and coaching youth rugby to mentoring through rowing, Kathleen found herself giving back in ways that aligned with her personality and values. “It started with tracking hours and getting signatures,” she says. “But long after that, I was still showing up. It became part of who I am.”

Building Lifelong Connections

During her Gold level, Kathleen volunteered with a family match program for refugee newcomers. What began as a service opportunity soon turned into something deeply personal. “You’re matched with a family to help them integrate into Canadian life; everything from childminding to English support.”

Even with language barriers, Kathleen found ways to connect. “The kids would run into my arms when I visited. The mother and I couldn’t speak the same language, but we communicated through laughter, gestures, and empathy. That’s something the Award prepared me for: stepping into someone else’s shoes and finding a way to connect, no matter the barrier.”

Those bonds endured even after the family moved provinces. “We still keep in touch on Facebook,” she says. “It’s a lifelong connection.”

From Passion to Profession

Kathleen went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Criminology Certificate, and a Police Studies diploma. She’s now pursuing a Master’s in International Post-Secondary Education, a path she traces directly back to the Award.

“I was always interested in education and social work, but it was through volunteering that I realized I wanted to support people in a deeper way. Psychology helped me understand how people work, and the Award showed me how to meet them where they are.”

Working in immigration, Kathleen helps individuals facing major life transitions, something she’s uniquely equipped for. “My team often turns to me for complex cases,” she explains. “That comes from the Award, I think—the mindset of helping someone find a solution, using every resource available, and never leaving someone behind.”

Advice for the Next Generation

To those who might see volunteering as “just a requirement,” Kathleen has this to say:

“Volunteering isn’t a checkbox, it’s a lifestyle. It builds your character. It teaches you to give with no expectation of return. That’s what the Award is about; becoming a stronger version of yourself and leaving every space better than you found it.”

Kathleen Shea’s story is proof that the path to purpose is often built on muddy trails, early morning practices, and quiet moments of connection. And at every step, the Award has been there, not just guiding her, but shaping who she is.

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