Diane

Altinbilek

Master of Arts in Sociology, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Thunder Bay, ON

I initially chose to attend Lakehead University for my Undergrad, because I wanted to stay in Thunder Bay. However, through the years the University became almost a home to me. I had built a rapport with my faculty and many other members of the student support staff and couldn’t think of a better fit for myself when it came time to choose a school for my Graduate studies.

Over the course of my academic career with Lakehead University, my life was greatly impacted by many professors in my own faculty and from other programs. I am grateful to have had such wonderful professors to guide me through times of difficulty and uncertainty, to help me create a solid academic strategy to keep me on the academic/career path that was right for me, and especially to those who advocated for me. One such time I felt a specific impact was when one professor told me at a career fair in the Agora, that I should follow through with my Master’s degree, because she thought I was talented, intelligent and had a lot of potential I may not have realized at the time. She then offered to write me a recommendation letter and offered to be a reference for me on my resume. She also advised me to do a thesis instead of a research paper, as she thought I would be a good candidate for PhD programs in the future. Without her vote of confidence and the support of other faculty members, I may not have thought I was capable of my achievements that eventually followed.

Through my years at Lakehead University I found myself continually inspired by my faculty, other professors, staff and my classmates. I feel privileged to have had these fine people participate in my life long learning and the establishment of my career in Education. I will forever have fond memories of those inspirational individuals and gratitude for the opportunity to tap their wealth of knowledge and experience, as they have given me something of real value to take into my career.

Without my experience with Lakehead University I would not be where I am today. I am on track for a long career in Education with the goal of teaching in higher education and continuing research. Currently I am employed full time with Sioux Hudson Literacy Council’s Good Learning Anywhere Program as an Online Educator. In my current work I employ a great deal of my skillset gained in Graduate Studies at Lakehead to learn about current Aboriginal issues and to strategize solutions through the creation of various programs involving literacy and basic skills building and culture centred learning opportunities. I am proud to say that my team and myself have experienced many successes and are motivated to keep serving, adapting and building meaningful learning opportunities for all of our clients. For all of my successes and continued opportunities, I have Lakehead University to thank.