Passion Over Prejudice: SMCDSB Students Explore Welding, Military Therapy, and Emergency Response at Dreamer Day 2025

Posted on 10/23/2025

Passion Over Prejudice: SMCDSB Students Explore Welding, Military Therapy, and Emergency Response at Dreamer Day 2025 

TORONTO, ON — Dozens of female high school students from across the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) travelled to Toronto on Wednesday to participate in Dreamer Day 2025, a premier career exploration event focused on empowering young women in fields where they are traditionally underrepresented.

Students representing seven schools—Patrick Fogarty, St. Joseph's, Our Lady Of the Bay, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Joan of Arc, St. Peter's, and Holy Trinity—spent the day at the Enercare Centre connecting with female leaders, experiencing hands-on workshops, and shattering preconceived notions about future employment.

The event, hosted by the organization Build a Dream, is designed to introduce students to diverse pathways in Skilled Trades, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), and Emergency Response. For many of the SMCDSB participants, the hands-on displays opened doors to careers they had never seriously considered.

Among the roles that sparked high interest were a military therapist—a career blending mental health support with dedication to the armed forces—as well as the high-stakes fields of paramedicine and border security. Perhaps most surprising was the fascination with the skilled trades, as students tried their hand at welding, learning about a high-demand industry that offers robust, rewarding opportunities.

A major highlight of the day was the main stage panel, which featured powerful women leaders sharing candid advice on navigating male-dominated environments. Students were left with two resonant messages of perseverance and confidence.

One panelist offered a crucial perspective on resilience, telling the enthusiastic crowd: "The passion you have for what you are doing is stronger than who is in the room." Another speaker encouraged students not to be deterred by initial setbacks, emphasizing the importance of tenacity with the simple, direct instruction: "Don't give up at no."

The experience served as a powerful reminder for the young women of SMCDSB that their career potential is limitless, encouraging them to pursue their interests wherever they may lead.