March Break Open House made a difference to this student

Lakehead student Laura Bondi, one of Lakehead Orillia’s official tour guides, who will be welcoming visitors to this year’s March Break Open House, March 17 – 19.

For three days in March, Lakehead University’s Orillia campus will be opening its doors to prospective students and giving them a chance to feel what it’s like to be a Lakehead student for a day. These types of events take place at different schools all over the province to help students make their important decision about postsecondary education.

I interviewed Laura Bondi of Aurora, a second-year Education student who attended March Break Open House as a prospective student, and now one of Lakehead Orillia’s official student tour guides, to find out how the Open House helped her decide on a university.

What made you want to come to March Break Open House?

Initially, I received an email from the Lakehead recruitment team that was sent out to all students who had applied to the University. Once I heard that they were having this event, I definitely wanted to come. I had already visited the campus once, but the March Break event offered so many more activities and opportunities that you don’t normally get on a basic campus tour and I really wanted to find out more about the school.

Did you have any expectations going into the event?

I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was looking forward to being able to sit in on a real university lecture, but at the same time I was very nervous. The anxiety didn’t last long, though, as I felt comfortable very quickly at the campus, and everyone I met made me feel welcome.

Did you have a good experience?

It was a ton of fun! Being able to just walk around the Learning Commons, tour residence, try the food in the cafeteria and ultimately getting to see and feel what it was like to be a university student at Lakehead Orillia helped me picture myself there. I also really enjoyed the City of Orillia bus tour, which let me and others on the tour see what is close by and what Orillia has to offer.

What was most memorable about your experience at the Open House?

The opportunity to sit in on a lecture was the main highlight of my experience. I decided to attend a third-year Education class where the professor and students were extremely welcoming. The professor tailored the lecture for us, working in a discussion on what it was like to be a university student and what we could expect. He also was going over an assignment with his class that day, so that was beneficial as well.

Did the event have any impact on your decision to choose Lakehead?

Yes it had a big impact. When I came to the event, I was still undecided about where I wanted to go to university. Lakehead Orillia impressed me so much, mainly because everyone I met was so welcoming and they all worked together with us to make the day very eventful. I could really see myself spending the next five years of my life there and that is what really convinced me to make my choice.

Would you recommend the Open House event to prospective students?

Absolutely! There is nothing more important than visiting the schools you are interested in and getting a good feel for the environment. March Break Open House is the perfect day to do this, because not only do you get to tour the campus, but you have the chance to meet professors, academic advisors, and fellow students, who can really help you with any questions or insecurities you have about attending university. I’m looking forward to acting as a tour guide at this year’s Open House event, and can’t wait to meet new students and show them around our amazing campus.

March Break Open House will take place daily from March 17-19 at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus at 500 University Avenue, and is free to attend. For more information, and to register, visit mylakehead.ca.

- 30 -

Stephanie Edwards is a third year Lakehead University student (HBASc/Anthropology) who works with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office.