On Saturday, September 26, 2026, high school students gathered at Kitchener Public Library for Future Pathways, a youth-led GRFS program designed to help students explore post-secondary education, career possibilities, and the decisions that come after high school.
Organized by GRFS youth, the event brought together students, community professionals, current university students, and recent graduates for an engaging program built around practical information, real experiences, and direct conversation.
With strong participation throughout the event, Future Pathways created an open and welcoming environment where students could ask questions, explore different academic pathways, and connect with young people who have recently navigated many of the same decisions themselves.
Practical Guidance for Life After High School
The first session featured a valuable presentation by Azad Boztas, YMCA Settlement Worker, who shared practical information and guidance with participating students.
The presentation helped students think more intentionally about the transition from high school to post-secondary education and the different considerations involved in planning their next steps.
Students were able to explore questions related to education, academic pathways, applications, program selection, and preparing for life beyond high school.
Learning Directly from University Students and Recent Graduates
The second part of the program featured a dynamic panel of current university students and recent graduates.
Panelists represented different areas of study and shared first-hand perspectives about their universities, academic programs, student experiences, and the decisions that shaped their educational journeys.
Students were able to hear directly from young people studying or recently completing programs in areas such as Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, Business, Arts, and other pathways.
Rather than presenting post-secondary education only through brochures or admissions information, the panel gave participants an opportunity to hear about the realities of university life from people close to their own age.
Panelists also answered questions from the audience, creating an interactive discussion around university programs, course selection, admissions, student life, and future opportunities.
One-on-One Conversations
Following the panel, students participated in a more informal networking and question session.
Participants were able to approach the university student or recent graduate whose experience was most relevant to their interests and continue the conversation individually.
This gave students the freedom to ask more specific questions about particular programs, universities, academic expectations, campus life, and personal experiences that they may not have wanted to raise during the larger panel discussion.
The one-on-one format became an important part of the event, allowing students to move beyond general information and have meaningful conversations based on their own interests and future plans.
Youth Creating Opportunities for Other Youth
One of the most meaningful aspects of Future Pathways was that the program was organized by GRFS youth for their peers and younger students.
The event reflected the value of creating spaces where young people can take leadership roles while also helping others access knowledge, mentorship, and supportive networks.
By combining professional guidance, peer experiences, an interactive panel, and individual conversations, Future Pathways offered students several different ways to explore their options and ask the questions that mattered most to them.
Exploring the Future with Greater Confidence
Choosing what comes after high school can involve many questions. Students may be comparing programs, universities, colleges, skilled trades, career directions, admission requirements, or simply trying to understand what opportunities are available to them.
Future Pathways was created to make that process more approachable.
The event encouraged students to explore their interests, learn from the experiences of others, build connections, and recognize that there is more than one pathway toward their future.
Grand River Friendship Society extends its appreciation to Azad Boztas, the university students and recent graduates who participated in the panel, the GRFS youth who organized the program, and every student who joined us at Kitchener Public Library.
Their questions, experiences, and willingness to share made Future Pathways a dynamic and meaningful day of learning, mentorship, and connection.