From Second Chance to Social Worker: Michelle Carranza’s Bridging Story

With applications now open for the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026 session), we spoke with Bridging graduate Michelle Carranza about her journey back to school and the impact the Bridging program had on her life. In the interview below, Michelle reflects on returning to school as a mature student and single mother, the support she found through Bridging, and how the program helped her pursue a career in social work.

Please tell me a bit about your life before U of T, and how you became interested in the Bridging program. 

I found the Bridging program as a recently separated, mature student, and a single mom. I always knew I wanted to pursue secondary school and become a social worker; however, there were many challenges that I endured throughout high school, and I didn’t finish with the grades I needed to be accepted in any university, and thought it would never be a possibility. 

I ended up pursuing college for Esthetics, and worked in different administrative or clerical positions before becoming pregnant with my first child. 

After leaving a six-year abusive relationship, I wanted to give university another try; that is when I found the Academic Bridging Program. This program became my second chance, and the beginning of a meaningful journey that changed my life. 

What was the most unexpected thing about Bridging for you? 

The most unexpected thing about the program was how similar the experience was to being in an actual university class. I was provided with a tremendous amount of support through workshops, which were informative and pertinent to my success in the program. This also prepared me for what to expect of other university classes in the future. 

Would you recommend the Academic Bridging Program, and if so, why?   

I would recommend the Academic Bridging Program for all the students that were like me -  those who didn’t have the grades in high school, or maybe thinking that they aren’t “good enough” to attend university - this is your chance to prove to yourself that you can do it! You owe it to yourselves to embark on this journey and see where it takes you. 

Could you share a bit about what you're up to these days?

I am happy to report that after completing the program I graduated from Woodsworth College with an Honours Bachelor of Arts. I then pursued a Bachelor of Social Work from York University, and went on to complete a Masters of Social Work at U of T’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. I am now a practicing social worker. 

I am grateful to have been able to attend the Academic Bridging Program as it gave me a second chance to pursue a dream that I did not think would ever be possible. 

Applications for the Academic Bridging Program (Fall 2026 session) will close on June 22, 2026. 

Attend a free, virtual info session May 20, 25 or 27. 

Learn more about the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program.

Questions? Email us at academic.bridging@utoronto.ca.