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By: Tomas Casazza Graue High School Co-op Student | St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School Aspiring aerospace engineer and software developer with a passion for history, technology, and WWII memorabilia. Currently gaining hands-on experience at MindShare WorkSpace, balancing robotics projects with rugby tackles. Always exploring the intersection of innovation and the past. |
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As a high school co-op student, attending the Skills Ontario event was one of the most inspiring and energizing experiences of my educational journey. Surrounded by students, professionals, and hands-on exhibits from across the province, I fully immersed myself in the experience and left with valuable insights that broadened my perspective on education, careers, and future opportunities.
1. Learning Doesn’t Have to Be Boring — It Can Be an Adventure
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that learning can be hands-on, immersive, and genuinely fun. In the modern world, education doesn’t have to happen behind a desk — it can happen through technology, interactivity, and creative experiences.
This idea hit home for me at the EdgeFactor booth, where I got to use VR headsets to explore careers and work environments in a gamified, 3D world. It was a reminder that as a future software engineer, I might one day help build tools that make learning exciting — and that education can feel like an adventure if designed the right way.
2. Discipline Doesn’t Limit You — It Empowers You
Another key takeaway was that discipline and structure don’t mean giving up on your personality or freedom. In fact, they can be the foundation that lets you grow, stay focused, and achieve more than you thought possible.
I saw this clearly while speaking to members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Despite being in such a structured environment, the soldiers were humorous, passionate, and approachable. One even shared his experience in aerospace engineering, describing how the military helped him build a stable, rewarding career. This inspired me to look at discipline not as restriction, but as empowerment — something that could shape my character for the better.
3. Every Career Has Room for Creativity
Often, people see trades or technical jobs as repetitive or strictly functional. But one of the biggest lessons I learned is that every profession has space for creativity and personal expression.
The best example of this was at the Culinary Booth, where I watched a chef decorating a massive cake with incredible attention to detail. It wasn’t just about baking — it was about art. That moment reminded me that no matter what field I choose, I can find ways to be creative and make the work my own.
4. You Build Confidence by Getting Involved
Confidence doesn’t just come from reading or watching — it comes from doing. One important thing I learned is that hands-on learning not only helps you understand a skill, but also gives you the confidence to try it again.
This clicked for me during the Piping Trades activity, where I soldered two pieces of metal in a virtual reality environment. I had no prior experience with the trade, but by the end of the session, I felt capable. That feeling of “I can do this” reminded me how important real-world practice is — a lesson I’ve also been experiencing throughout my co-op at Mindshare.
5. Your Passion Might Be Waiting Where You Least Expect It
Finally, I learned that sometimes, inspiration comes from places you never considered. It’s easy to think we know what we like — until we try something new and it surprises us.
This happened to me at the CARSTAR, Collision & Glass Service booth, where I had the chance to remove a dent from a car hood. I’ve never thought about car repair as a career, but the process was unexpectedly fun and satisfying. It taught me that being open-minded can lead to unexpected passions — and maybe even new paths I hadn’t considered.
Final Thoughts
More than anything, the event left me inspired but also indecisive — in the best way possible. I now have a broader perspective on what’s out there, and I see school not just as a hurdle, but as a vital stepping stone to wherever I want to go.
What stood out to me was how much the event reinforced what I’ve been learning during my co-op placement at Mindshare Working. In both experiences, I’ve seen how important it is to stay curious, take initiative, and explore different paths before making big decisions. Whether it’s learning how businesses operate in my co-op or talking to soldiers and technicians at Skills Ontario, both have helped me grow professionally and think seriously about my future.
If you’re a student thinking about going to Skills Ontario next year, here’s my advice: explore everything you can. You might just walk away with a whole new outlook on your future.
