Jennifer

James

Bachelor of Education (1-year)
Atikokan, ON

I first attended LU straight out of high school in 1999 and graduated from HBSc in Anthro in 2003.  Back then I chose Lakehead in order to stay close enough to home to cut costs on travel, groceries and whatever else I could get my parents to pay for when they would drive up to visit!  I recently decided to go back to Lakehead for the one year Bachelor of Education program to add to my degree and change my career.  I graduated this year with honours, even though the odds were stacked against me.  I had been out of school for 10 years, had a toddler at home and another baby was on the way!

 What made me think I could even attempt school at this point in my life, you may ask?  Well, I remembered the first time I went through: the classes were small, the prof's; down to earth, and the student services and support was amazing! I'm not going to lie and say I didn't once think about giving up, but every time I had those thoughts, I felt comfortable enough with my classmates and professors that I could talk with them about it.  Even though my situation was definitely unique, I was never made to feel like an outsider...I found out everyone has his or her own struggle, even the prof's. I loved Lakehead for the community that could be made.  With the right supports in place and the beauty of the area, Lakehead has everything to offer, no matter which program you’re in or what your situation may be.  I was recently offered a position on the supply teacher list with one of the school boards in town.  Thank you, LU!