Hilary M. Weston Medal winner, Jan Wozniak, shares what’s next and how it feels to achieve his dream of studying at U of T

The Hilary M. Weston Medal is awarded annually to the graduating MSW student with the highest academic standing. This year the medal went to Jan A. Wozniak. We followed up with Jan after convocation to find out what’s next for the Master of Social Work graduate and how it felt to receive this prestigious award.

What are your goals for the future?

I am currently considering the PhD route, since I would enjoy a balance between research and practice. I have received generous encouragement from a number of faculty at FIFSW, which means a great deal given the commitment and demands of this path. In the meantime, I will carry on with my collaborative work at the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the University of Toronto, and the University of Calgary, which includes building new group therapy and programming for adults with developmental disabilities. My research practicum also led to an ongoing research partnership with Dr. Keri West (PhD 2025) at California State University, San Bernardino, and more recently with those involved in the CASWE (dis)Ability Caucus. After my practice-based practicum, I was hired by the team at RENNI, a holistic clinic in Little Italy, where I provide individual and couples therapy with a specialization in disability and neurodiversity (a special thank you to my field instructor, Ruth Dorfman, for the opportunity). Looking ahead, I hope to keep writing and advocating within disability and neurodiversity communities, supporting initiatives related to accessibility, quality of life, and universal social protection.

How has the MSW program transformed you? 

The MSW at FIFSW, unlike my previous degrees in the humanities and social sciences, put action and responsibility at the centre of inquiry. Although theory and analysis have their place in the classroom, the innumerable social concerns facing humanity demand room for applied forms of knowledge and activism that meaningfully respond to them. I valued how we made ethical imperatives explicit and built them directly into our practice. To put these principles into effect, we routinely engaged in experiential learning that simulated real-world scenarios and explored case studies to familiarize ourselves with micro, mezzo, and macro practice. Throughout this process, it was inspiring and humbling to learn from the incredible educators and students at FIFSW and to see the creative ways they are engaging with pertinent social issues. I was always impressed by their passion and commitment to social justice, which undoubtedly deepened my knowledge and awareness of the systemic forces that shape people’s lives. Exposure to these diverse perspectives enriched my thinking and provided space to reflect carefully on myself and the communities I hope to serve. Beyond the learning itself, the program connected me with mentors and collaborators who will continue to shape my research and practice. Walking away from the program, I now feel more skilled and attuned when supporting my clients with the care this work demands.

What did receiving the Hilary M. Weston Medal mean to you?

When I first arrived in Toronto, I used to spend a lot of time sitting at King’s College Circle, especially at night when it was quiet. I’d stare at University College and the skyline, mesmerized by the history and architecture, wondering what it would be like to study at such an institution. I grew up in a rural town of 500 people and hadn’t met anyone who had attended the University of Toronto, which made it feel further out of reach. As an autistic student, I had underachieved in my first degree. I struggled to attend classes and take part, often freezing during presentations and finding the instructions and expectations for assignments hard to interpret. I always wanted to perform at my best, but felt stuck, convinced I wasn’t university material. So whenever I sat on the campus, I’d let myself dream. It was in this era that I dedicated myself to developing tools and strategies to better manage my sensory, social, and educational challenges, eventually regaining the confidence to try again. I went on to complete three degrees at Toronto Metropolitan University before applying and being accepted to FIFSW, making my U of T dream a reality. Before starting in September, I put a picture of King’s College Circle beside my desk to remember all the steps it took to get there. Whenever things got tough, I’d look at it and recall that younger version of myself, fuelled by hope. For a student with disabilities, winning the Hilary M. Weston Medal means a great deal. It reminds me that I made the right choice in persisting with my postsecondary aspirations and that I was capable of more than I originally thought.

Who supported you during your journey through the program?

There is a long list of people I would like to acknowledge for their support. First, Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson, who graciously met with me to discuss my research back in 2022, encouraged me to apply to the MSW at FIFSW. Her words, “Social work is what you make it,” stayed with me throughout the program. Dr. Stephanie Begun was generous with mentorship and guidance on research and policy. She often made time beyond our scheduled hours and created opportunities for me to incorporate my interests in disability studies and neurodiversity. Dr. Carmen Logie was inspiring in both her teaching and her research. I left her classroom and office hours convinced that research can be transformative and improve the lives of the communities it serves. Thank you again for all the Tim Hortons runs before our evening class! Leah Potash was a beacon of support throughout the program, helping me find and secure both research-based and practice-based practicums that aligned with my core interests. Dr. Keri West, one of my field instructors, was nothing shy of amazing and I am thrilled that we are continuing to collaborate on research projects. Sly Sarkisova went above and beyond, both inside and outside of the classroom, teaching us the value of community-engaged approaches and critical reflection as aspiring social workers. Sabrina Paglia, my Accessibility Advisor, made sure my learning needs and accommodations were met throughout my studies and placements. Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful peers for making the journey so memorable, with a special nod to Megan Salmon, whose superb work ethic and candour motivated me throughout the program, and to Mr. Congeniality himself, Elijah Mabana, whose unwavering positivity made every interaction feel like a million bucks.

What advice do you have for new students?

First, let your curiosity and sense of wonder guide you. Follow the lures in your research and practice. Having clarity helps you build meaningful relationships and find the organizations and people who will help you grow. Let yourself be immersed in the process. Second, ask questions along the way. University is a rare chance to talk through ideas and concerns with others. Outside of the classroom, I probably spoke with thirty people across the field, including faculty, recent graduates, and current PhD students, about their experiences. You would be surprised how far an email can go these days. And if you are passionate about the work, connection tends to follow.

Are you still writing poetry?

Yes! I’ve put out some new poetry recently and now I’m awaiting the final verdict. Writing poetry over the last few years has become an integral part of my practice. It offers a freedom for creative exploration that, in my experience, I don’t find in more conventional forms of writing. Sometimes I catch a thread and keep tugging until it slowly unravels into something clearer and truer, which is why I keep little notebooks with me and around the house for whenever an idea arrives. Being shortlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize in the middle of my degree was fantastic and entirely unexpected!

(Read: MSW student Jan A. Wozniak shortlisted for the 2025 CBC Poetry Prize)

Any other memories from your time at FIFSW that you’d like to share?

Fun fact: In my final semester, I saw Margaret Atwood near Bloor and St. George while walking home, but I was too nervous to say hello. We shared brief eye contact and I think she could sense my excitement. Still a bit surreal to see a titan of Canadian literature out in everyday life!