Stella

Sicilia

Bachelor of Education (1-year)
Toronto, ON

My name is Stella Vittoria Sicilia, I am a 24 year old sister, daughter and educator. I come from a large family of two younger sisters and a male twin. I have always had that on-the-go lifestyle, not only because of my large and flamboyant family, but also through my upbringing in the big city of Toronto, Ontario. The diverse city exposed me to fast pace living. The high speed lifestyle however did not stop me from attending Lakehead University in the great north city of Thunder Bay and today I am proud to be an alumni of Lakehead University ’14 from the consecutive bachelor of education program.

Having been raised in the biggest city in Canada I felt that a rural experience might be best. Lakehead University just jumped off of the screen for myself. I had heard of it because I have some distant cousins that live up there but did I want to go to school in the North and away from home. After further research I came to find my answer was a resounding YES!! They offered the consecutive program exactly how it made sense to learn it, other than the courses that taught you how to be a teacher there was a course on each subject that a teacher would teach to their own students, math, science & technology, gym, music, art, and language. They offered reasonable classroom sizes at Lakehead, the same size as if you were a student yourself back in grade school. This size allowed for relationship building between peers and faculty. You were placed with other students of your teachable and therefore could relate to your classmates and use each other to build upon. There was professional onsite delivery program meaning that some of your classes were physically in a public school, which gave all those students, including myself, the advance of being around children months before our placements. Also the recruitment staff was really helpful, when I was researching information on the different universities Lakehead was the most helpful through emails, telephone and correspondents which told me that they would be the same to their own students.

My math professor, Dr. Jennifer Holm made a significant impact on myself like all of my other professors. This class was the most challenging for me and since I had a very rough beginning, this course was already looking downhill. I believe Professor Holm understood my situation right away, and so she kept her encouraging eyes on me. She was always there when I needed help and when I got frustrated with the course material she would spend her own extra time to work me through it by explaining and re-explaining. The course seemed to be impossible, but in the end I did well and I attribute that success to her. She broke down confusing concepts, took notice of my progress and made specific arrangements that aided my success.

I would recommend to any student considering teacher’s college as an education path to go to Lakehead University. The academic life is one that encourages you to excel and aids you to accomplish that goal. 

The student life is a positive experience; the whole town embraces the students of Lakehead. Not to mention all the amazing sites to do and see in the city of Thunder Bay. There are always fun and safe events that emphasize great school spirit at Lakehead University, Thunder Wolves hockey games just to name a favourite. I am very proud of being able to say that I was and am part of the Lakehead University community. I learned so much living away from home and in particular in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

I have great plans for my success in this great country. I plan to run for office one day at some political level. There is a lot I want to do and I know that many doors will be opened to me. Recently I have been accepted in an educational program that I was wanting to pursuit and the biggest accomplishment I have received since graduating (May 2014) is that I received a permanent full-time position with the largest school board in Canada, Toronto District School Board as a teacher for the Elementary level. I think that no matter what aspirations you have for your future in education, you should consider attending Lakehead University.