Third-year social work student Zizi Ohia is completing her third VIP-Community Service Learning (VIP-CSL) placement, gaining hands-on experience while supporting community organizations across Windsor-Essex. (SULEKA MOHAMMED HASSAN/University of
By Victor Romao
Three volunteer placements across Windsor-Essex have helped University of Windsor student Zizi Ohia discover a passion for community-based social work and reshape her career ambitions.
Now in her third year of the Bachelor of Social Work program, Ohia is completing her third placement through the VIP-Community Service Learning (VIP-CSL) building on experiences that have taken her from an early childhood centre to a shelter and an after-school program.
"I originally joined the program because I wanted practical experience in social work," said Ohia. "We do not receive a formal placement until fourth year, and I felt that classroom learning alone was not enough to help me understand what I wanted to do professionally."
Established in 1994, VIP-CSL connects students with local non-profit and publicly funded organizations for approximately four hours of volunteer service each week over a semester.
"My second placement was incredibly rewarding," she said. "I had an amazing supervisor and gained valuable experience volunteering at a homeless shelter. After that, I decided I wanted to continue participating in VIP for as long as possible."
From assembling wellness packages for new mothers to serving meals and distributing clothing at a shelter, Ohia learned how small acts of support can make a meaningful difference.
"Those experiences taught me that social work is not just about providing resources," said Ohia. "It is also about empowering people and helping them build community connections."
Her current placement in an after-school program has reinforced the importance of positive relationships and consistent support, particularly for children facing difficult circumstances.
While helping a nine-year-old child with homework, Ohia asked what helped him avoid conflicts she had observed among other children. His response surprised her.
"He told me he believed the difference was that his parents cared about him and loved him," she said. "That conversation changed how I interacted with some of the children who displayed more challenging behaviours. It reminded me that many of them may not be receiving the care and support they need."
The placements have also changed Ohia's career plans. Once interested primarily in individual therapy and clinical social work, she now sees a future in community-based practice.
"Working directly with different communities helped break down misconceptions and challenge my assumptions," she said. "Overall, VIP has helped me make informed decisions about my future by allowing me to test my interests in real-world settings before committing to a specific career path."
Ohia encourages other students to explore opportunities beyond their initial interests.
"Often, the placements we might not initially consider are the ones that teach us the most," she said. "Rather than focusing only on how a placement will look on your résumé, think about the skills, knowledge and experiences you will gain."
Students interested in participating in VIP can learn more about the program and application process through the University of Windsor's Career Centre.
Applications for the Winter 2027 cohort will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2026.