A Career to Die for By Sagen Pearse
Putting the Fun Back in Funeral
My name is Sagen Pearse, I am currently a grade twelve student at Korah Collegiate and Vocational School, and I see dead people... In the literal sense, not in the Bruce Willis, 1999 psychological horror film sense. Every day I deal with deceased individuals, and their friends and family members. From the initial death, to the internment or burial, I am there to aid and assist the funeral directors at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre. This opportunity has presented itself through Korah's outstanding Co-Op program. I am very thankful to be part of the program, because it has, and is giving me the opportunity to actually gain experience in a career that I have been interested in for some time.
Every day I am doing something different. From the time I step into the building to the time I leave, I am on my feet getting whatever has to be done, done. Whether it is sweeping the parking lot, applying cosmetics, parking cars, painting nails, setting up visitation rooms, or picking up the deceased at the morgue, I am always able to find something to do. I have also made it my goal to exceed families expectations. This can be done in a variety of ways. Sometimes it can be as small as opening their car door, or offering them a coffee, or even a cookie. Other times it can be something bigger such as washing their car, or helping them down a flight of stairs. Helping people in such a difficult situation is one of the main reasons I am so interested in the death care industry.
This Co-Op experience has assured me that the death care industry is something I would like to pursue as my own career. In order for me to become a licensed funeral director in Ontario I must attend Humber College, and complete one year of in-class studies, and a one year internship at a funeral home. Already I have applied for the program, and I am waiting to take the admissions test. I hope to be accepted into the program and to be a licensed funeral director by 2011, which seems awfully far away.
This Co-Op placement has enabled me to learn hands on, the fundamentals of a funeral director's duties. It is giving me the opportunity to work with a wonderful team of funeral directors, support staff, secretaries, and a hard working, kind hearted individual named Yvonne (the cleaning lady). Every day we are able to work as a team and provide a valuable service to the community.
Today, the importance of a funeral is diminishing. In my own opinion funerals allow friends and family members to share memories, laugh and cry together, and support one another. It allows them to let go, and face the reality of the death. I believe strongly that this Co-Op placement will give me the experience needed to one day help families in such a difficult situation.
I have two suggestions for my fellow peers. Firstly every student should take a Co-Op class. It can be worth two, or even four credits, and you are able to learn hands-on about a career you may be interested in. Secondly, if you are accepted into the program, and you are hired on by an employer, work hard, be safe, and have fun. Even if you decide it is not the career you would like to pursue, than you are able to try something different.
