Cavan, ON
HBASc Media Studies Graduate

The reasons I chose Lakehead four years ago have never wavered. I value the strong sense of community, vibrant learning environment, and the comforting atmosphere that has truly become my second home. 

I love the natural setting of the Lakehead University campus. Last year I can recall students standing in the common area, craning their necks to see out the window. There, sitting on a pile of logs in the back field, was a snowy owl. To view an endangered species in the wild is an opportunity many people never have in their lifetime. 

While Lakehead has certainly offered me an enriching education, what I value even more highly are the personal development opportunities I have been so fortunate to receive. Being at a smaller campus has enabled me to form a bond with the students in my program that transcends the typical relationship of peers. We have laughed together, inspired each other, and empowered each other. In many cases, academic conversations that began as in-class discussions have carried over to lunch, study breaks and personal gatherings. 

In a filmmaking class during my second year of university, students were given the opportunity to "pitch" the topic of their final project to the class and professor, for the purpose of receiving constructive feedback. In the real world of video production, this process is replicated on a larger scale, and thus introducing it at an early stage of the Media Studies program is valuable experience. When I heard one of my peers describe her topic, I remember a sense of immediate inspiration. While I have a strong background of technical skills in media production, I struggled with creative direction and had suddenly found a project which excited me. It was at this point that the university became a platform facilitating learning of my own chosen focus, rather than a school dictating the knowledge I receive. That was the beginning of a fabulous collaborative effort which ultimately led to a project I am still proud to show.

In my final year, I completed a thesis project under gentle supervision from one of my professors, who was dedicated to supporting me without overstepping my creative process. The topic was entirely my decision, and thus I settled on something very personal: a study of the extent to which hand gestures are signifiers of one's gender. I created a set of fourteen hand poses -- seven typically associated with masculinity, and seven more that would be associated with feminine traits. Sixteen models were photographed performing each of the poses. Later, the photographs were converted to monochrome and assembled creatively so that the results could be analyzed side-by-side. Lakehead supported my learning by allowing me to choose a path which fit my interests, providing me resources to achieve my goal, and giving me the opportunity to prove to myself that I was prepared with skills I would use in my future.

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science in Media Studies
Hillsdale, ON

I chose Lakehead University because of the friendly staff and welcoming environment with a great Media Studies program. The academic life at Lakehead is amazing. The small class sizes allow students to connect with each other and work on group projects effectively, and the professors are approachable and eager to assist students with what they need in order for them to be successful.

My experience at Lakehead Orillia has been great! Everyone is incredibly friendly and there are a lot of clubs that I have had the opportunity to be a part of. The academic experience is also phenomenal because the small class sizes allow students to build relationships with their professors as well as with their classmates and everybody knows each other on a first name basis rather then just as a number.

Media Studies
Hillsdale, ON

Lakehead has a welcoming environment and a great Media Studies program. The small class sizes allow me to build relationships with my professors as well as my classmates. Everybody knows each other on a first-name basis. My professors are approachable and eager to assist me with whatever I need to be successful. One of the highlights of my Lakehead experience so far has been the EXCEL Leadership program and retreat. This program is a unique experience that allowed me to meet a variety of incredible people and learn a lot about myself and others.

Honours Bachelor of Environmental Science in Geography
Guelph, ON

Originally I choose Lakehead because of the Outdoor Recreation program offered here. I still love being outdoors and experiencing all sorts of outdoor activities, but after my first year I realized Outdoor Rec was not the program for me and switched into Environmental Studies. Even though I originally came to Lakehead for Outdoor Rec I really enjoy everything outside of Academics that Lakehead has to offer. The university is the perfect balance between a good student life, and small class sizes. Not mention being at the Thunder Bay campus you have great summers for boating and fishing, and awesome winters for skiing or snowmobiling!  

I had a professor that had such a broad knowledge base, which was extremely interesting. Not only was he well educated within the geography field, but also knew so much more in every other academic field, and in life. This was a turning point in my educational career where I really discovered how little I know in the grand scheme of things. This opened my eyes on how to become not only a well-rounded student, but also a well-rounded person. The area you major in is important but this professor helped me realize that learning other new skills is equally as important as learning everything in your academic field. I was inspired both academically and within my own personal life once I realized how little I really know. Just the thought of knowing how much knowledge is out there and available inspires me to keep learning new things on a daily basis. Whether they are related to my academic field or not, I am always trying to learn something new. The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know, and I think that feeling inspires both my academic and student life.

In high school I was lucky enough to participate in two Canada Youth Exchange trips, one to Dawson City, Yukon, and one to Clyde River, Nunavut. These experiences were the seed of the travel bug I now have. I found travelling, and especially an exchange for my 3rd Year to Sweden, is really the best way to learn for myself. Being able to experience schooling in a new place, within a new culture was an extremely eye opening experience. I gained a tremendous amount of independence, but also feel like a much more experienced student and individual after participating in the exchange. The exchange was important for me because it puts not only my education in a global perspective, but my life as well. I think it is important once an awhile to take a step back and appreciate what we have here at Lakehead in Thunder Bay and in Canada, but also realize that are ways to improve upon certain aspects here.

Lakehead offers opportunities that you may not get the chance to experience at other universities. I think it prepares you for the future in the aspect that you are exposed to such a variety of new experiences. If you are open to try new things, Lakehead really does offer such a wide range of learning experiences, not only academic, but personal as well. All of these experiences have helped me to build life skills that I feel I would have not otherwise have gained from another university. As of right now I am entering my final year ta Lakehead, and I hope in the future to continue to travel to other parts of Canada, as well as the world. 

Master of Education (Specialization in Indigenous Education)
Garden Village, Nipissing First Nation

My full name is Falcon Skye McLeod-Shabogesic.  My Anishinaabe name is “Anishinaabemowin Bemwidood” which in English means “Keeper of the Language.”  I am a part of the crane clan.  My hometown is in Garden Village, Nipissing First Nation. I am a young First Nation man of the Nipissing First Nation on my Father’s side, and M’chigeeng First Nation on my Mother’s side.

I am in the Masters of Education program with a specialization in Indigenous Education and I am in the thesis route.  This is my first year and hopefully I graduate next year.  I chose Lakehead because of its Indigenous friendly environment.  

Ever since I got my spirit name I have always geared myself to learning Ojibwe because as Keeper of the Language, I felt it was my duty to learn it and teach it to the next generation.  I have always followed my spirit name and it is my dream to one day become fluent in Ojibwe, and teach it at any educational level.  Whether it’s kindergarten to grade 12 or post secondary.

While coming into a graduate level program, I constantly doubt myself and I feel like professor Wayne Melville always picked up on that. In class, he would often make it clear that my opinion, thoughts, or ideas mattered and it really built up my confidence having a professor make me feel valued.  I like how there’s a lot of programming for student life and opportunities to socialize but my favourite part about student life is interactions with staff.  They are so friendly and helpful and don’t look at you like a number.  The staff and administration played a huge part in my academic career because they made me stress out less about registering; signing up for events and they provided an environment where all I had to do was focus on my education.  I feel like I could do really well at Lakehead in my educational career and Lakehead can help me reach the academic goals that are lacking in some First Nation communities.  If I can get this far in my education then so can any First Nation’s youth!

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
Doha, Qatar

My name is Farhan Yousaf. I was born in Pakistan but moved out when I was 6 years old. I grew up in Doha, Qatar. My parents still live in Qatar and I call Qatar my home although originally I am from Pakistan. 

I chose Lakehead because it offers a unique program for college students. I got a diploma from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Lakehead allows college students to join its engineering program. Basically you go through a summer transition program, which is 2 months, and once you pass that you enter 3^rd Year engineering. I have two courses left and then I will graduate as a Mechanical Engineer. 

My program chair has always helped me and has always given me great advice. I remember I went to his office one day after first semester and told him I can’t do this anymore, and he sat me down and give me a 30min lecture and here I am: 2 courses away from becoming an Engineer. 

 The thing I love most about Lakehead is the small size of classes because it allows the student to interact with the professor and the professors get to know you by name and you are not just a random number to them. I think that is very important and you get to learn so much more from them not only academically but also about challenges in life.

I play in the intramural soccer league and this year my team made it to the finals. I also worked at the Multi-Cultural centre for a whole year and I am also actively involved in several other clubs on campus. I am also involved with World University Service Canada. 

This summer I am a program assistant in SHAD valley. I help students in their project which this year is "Living large with a small footprint" so they have to come up with an idea where we can still live in luxury but reduce our footprint. I am also running the SHAD speaks. SHAD speaks is where the students have to give a 10 minute presentation on a topic of their choice and then I give them feedback on their topic and ways in which they can improve their presentation skills. As a program assistant you also have to give a lecture on a topic of your choice so I will be giving a lecture on 'Time Management'. 

I also worked on the FSAE car, which is a Mechanical Engineering degree project. We build a formula one-style car and then compete against other universities from around the world.

Lakehead prepares you to be a future leader. In a world of ever-changing technology, shifting economic landscapes and organizational renewal, Lakehead helps you meet the challenge of change.  My plan after I graduate is to work in Canada and after a few years of work experience I would like to go back to school and get an MBA.

Masters of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Native Access Program
Lac Seul First Nation

I registered in the Native Access Program at Lakehead University in 1994.  I chose this program because I liked the small class size, one-on-one learning experiences and how this program opened the door to transition in the Bachelor of Arts program. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in 1998.

I have had many mentors along the way that have supported me such as Nova Lawson, Professor John Fell, Instructor Steve Chase and Professor Sandra Wolf.   After teaching elementary grades for ten years, I returned to Lakehead University and achieved a Masters of Education via portfolio route in 2013.  My portfolio was entitled, “Parent Engagement in Remote First Nation Communities.” 

My education journey has provided me with the foundation for employment as a qualified teacher.  Currently, I am the Education Navigator at a local Tribal Council. This position allows me to work with Education Directors within the Robinson-Superior Treaty Area to strengthen education supports in their schools.  I find this to be fulfilling role because I enjoy working with First Nation communities and want to see young Aboriginal students succeed.   As a life-long learner, I continue to stay up-to-date by taking AQ (Additional Qualification) courses at Lakehead University that continue to assist me to refine my profession as a teacher and administrator.