Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead University because it was close to home, which made it easier to support myself through my education. Additionally, I chose Lakehead because I wanted a quality education, and had researched the school and spoke to others who attended the school, and knew it was the right fit for me. I was so glad I chose Lakehead because the class sizes were somewhat small, enabling me to form close relationships with my professors and classmates and excel in my program – opportunities that I may not have received elsewhere. I also really liked that there were a ton of student-led events, fundraisers, student groups, etc. that I could get involved with. Needless to say, there was never a dull moment during my time as a student at the university.

Furthermore, the professors at the School of Kinesiology at Lakehead University truly care about you as an individual and as a student – they make you feel like they want you to succeed and really go above and beyond for their students. For example, one of the professors in the kinesiology program emails my graduating class links to kinesiology-related job opportunities to this day, despite the fact we have all been graduated for two years. It’s things like this that make Lakehead so special and makes me feel lucky and proud to be a member of the Lakehead University Alumni.

 My degree and my experience from Lakehead have opened up so many doors for me both academically and professionally. Post graduation from the kinesiology program, I was accepted into a very competitive master of public health program. Furthermore, since graduation, I have secured employment working as a projects coordinator at a local non-profit organization. I have no doubt my experience at Lakehead University prepared me for and enabled me to acquire these opportunities. During my experience at Lakehead, I was able to not only learn about concepts related to kinesiology, but was also gain hands-on experience and develop my personal skills. These things are proving to be invaluable in my life and in my career. Overall, my time at Lakehead University as a kinesiology student was the best four years of my life, and I simply cannot express how proud I feel to have received my education from LU. Go Thunderwolves!

Geography
Georgetown, Ontario

Lakehead had everything I needed: Small classes, great program, interactive environment, all the support I can get if needed and a new adventure. Being far from home, Lakehead welcomed me into a new family, where I can honestly say I have had the time of my life.

Before embarking on geography at Lakehead, I firmly believed I had a good grasp on the environment and its internal workings, but I had only scratched the surface. There are many processes physically that involve geography, but there is even more theory and thought. I began to question everything around me, and felt like a child again, asking ‘why’ to everything.

Call it the northern community atmosphere, but everyone is friendly here. Classes – once you get through first year – begin to get very small and you pay more attention to the professor because he is right in front of you, and they know your name.  Most of all, the professors want you to succeed and are excited to see individuals triumph and grow. There’s never a dull moment.

Now finished my third year, I have a government contract producing maps, providing environmental assessments, and generating analogies and statistics using GIS software. I am working alongside one of my professors. Geography is everywhere, and there are tons of possibilities.

Program: Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation
Hometown: Toronto

I chose Lakehead because of the amazing Outdoor Recreation program that they offer and the awesome campus that you can explore, whether inside or outside of the classroom. At Lakehead I have met some of the greatest people that I can truly call my family.

At different times through my academic career I have struggled with paper deadlines, or cramming last minute information in my head for my midterm, but with help from the supportive professors in the Outdoor Recreation department I am always able to achieve academic success.

Thunder Bay for me is my home away from home. Here I am able to experience what Northwestern Ontario has to offer. Whether I decide to grab a pancake breakfast at the Hoito, or enjoy the beautiful view of the Sleeping Giant at Hillcrest Park, or go to see a live concert downtown, the one thing about Thunder Bay is that it never fails to disappoint me. I just hop on a bus and I am there in minutes!

I initially lived on campus for my first two years of Lakehead. Having the chance to live on campus first year is something you do not want to miss out on. The friends you meet in your house will be the friends you keep for a lifetime. 

Honours Bachelor of Social Work (One Year)
Orillia, ON

What do you do when deciding on which new phone to buy? Or, when choosing a restaurant? How do you actually find out if that hotel you’re thinking about staying in while traveling abroad is as clean as the website promises? One way, is to ask others who have already been-there-done-that; so consider this my “Tripadvisor” review for Lakehead Orillia!

Although I only attended Lakehead Orillia for 12 months while completing my HBSW, I can honestly say that this period of my life has been one of the most influential, exciting, positive and memorable experiences to date. My post-secondary education has been interesting to say the least, as I bounced around for the first few years trying to figure out what it was I really wanted to do with my life. 9 years and 5 different Universities later, here I am!

Lakehead offered me what I had been searching for all along: connection, community, and opportunity. Although I didn’t live in residence, I was still able to become involved in SO much—both on and off campus. Our program was small and class sizes even smaller, so we quickly became a big family that studied together, went on trips, hosted get-togethers, and supported each other through the sometimes-overwhelming life of being a student. I made friends that I will keep forever, and made connections with faculty and staff that I plan to maintain over the course of my career.

One of my favourite parts of this university, is how professors and students often greet each other by first name, and can sometimes be seen having lunch together in the cafeteria. Honestly, where else does this happen!?

The HBSW program promoted community engagement though projects that collaborated with local community organizations. Not only is this practical experience for future social workers, it also helped to network for future employment opportunities! Additionally, this University has an outstanding reputation in the community of Orillia. There are also discounts at restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores or virtually anywhere downtown. Students love discounts!

After finishing the HBSW program, I left to complete my Master’s in Social Work. What really stood out for me this past year, was how well prepared I felt for the course load and academic content due to the solid foundation of skills and theory I received at Lakehead. I can honestly say that I had an advantage over students from other undergraduate programs due to the practicality of the HBSW program, the small class sizes, my placement experience, and the availability of faculty to engage with their students. 

Myself and another student had the unique opportunity to complete our HBSW practicum on campus in the Student Affairs Department, working to create and promote a movement to address the topic of bullying on post-secondary campuses. Through this placement and the help of the Student Affairs team, we were selected to present our project—The Audacity Movement—in Halifax, NS at the Canadian Association of Colleges and University Student Services. This experience was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity given to me through Lakehead, by those who believed their students could make a difference. 

I made the best choice for me when I accepted my offer to Lakehead. The natural environment, the community-feel, the opportunity for success and personal growth, and most of all, the people, are what made me feel happy and grateful for this truly unique university experience.

Right now, I have just completed my MSW degree at the University of Toronto and am moving back to Orillia to find employment in my home community. I am excited about being alumni and look forward to participating the some of the exciting events they have going on campus! My dream is to one day become a Counsellor for Lakehead Orillia and support students as they transition through these exciting years of their lives. 

Bachelor of Education (Consecutive)
Brampton, ON

I chose to come to Lakehead University for many reasons. One of the reasons was because after meeting some of the staff and attending the orientation I felt comfortable and was happy that the school was so welcoming to students. I also felt that since this was my first time moving away from home it wouldn’t be a problem because everyone was very friendly and inclusive. The teachers in this school were very helpful to me and helped me reach my goals as well as plan for new goals. They were very helpful with making accommodations to ensure I was successful and taking the path that I was personally happy with. Doing my placement in Simcoe county board, was a great opportunity and I learned so much from the students and staff. Throughout my placement I had the support of many teachers and was always able to find help if I needed it. My teachers were always very supportive. I will be attending the University of British Columbia to do the Masters of Early Childhood Education Program in September, which would not have been possible without the help from the teachers at Lakehead University. Overall going to Lakehead University was a positive experience for me and has prepared me to further my studies in education.

Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead University because of its convenience (in my hometown), and for the Social Work and Indigenous Learning programs. I wanted to gain practical experience in my field of interest and the Social Work program offers an excellent balance between theory and putting the theory into practice. In fact, I found work after graduating with the organization where I did my 4th year student placement.

During my time at Lakehead University, I had the opportunity to travel to Nunavut and speak at an International Suicide Prevention Conference. Along with 4 other students, I worked with youth in the community around youth engagement and a suicide prevention media campaign. This experience helped prepare me for the community work that I am currently involved in by highlighting the importance of engagement that is meaningful and important for the community (not what the outsider "thinks" is right). 

The professor who continues to have a lasting impact on me is Dennis MacPherson who taught me critical thinking and to question the structures of power that serve to oppress.

As a student I spent a lot of time at the Gender Issues Centre (GIC). For me, the GIC was an open and safe place to not only get information and resources but to be connected to a community of amazing people. It was and continues to be a space that promotes acceptance of all while advocating for social change.

I am thankful for my undergraduate experience at Lakehead University as it helped prepare me for the workforce and post-graduate studies. I currently work as the Aboriginal Counsellor at Confederation College. My role is to provide counselling support to students. Importantly, a part of my role is to create community connections that enhance student engagement.