Music, Concurrent Education
Ottawa, Ontario

"On our tour of campus, after we got to the Bora Laskin, the secretary of the Faculty of Education saw us looking around and asked us if we were there for the tour. We said that we weren’t, we were just looking. The secretary told us that if we wanted to wait 5 minutes, there would be a tour. We did, and in those 5 minutes, she had made me a bag of stuff that I could keep.

In my second year, I took more courses than was required in a year. I was trying to get enough credits in History so that I could teach grade 11 and 12 history in high schools when I graduate. This required me to take two full year classes more than most of my peers. In my second year, I ended up taking 11 different courses in one semester. The fact that Lakehead allowed me to do this, and that I succeeded, is largely based on the fact that I am ridiculously organized."

Geography
Atikokan, ON

The path that brought me to Lakehead University is perhaps not all that traditional. Having grown up only two hours west of Thunder Bay in the town of Atikokan, I spent my first two years as an undergraduate at the University of Manitoba, attempting to become a microbiologist, but also to find an identity that was distinct from my hometown. When I transferred to Lakehead’s Department of Geography as a third year undergraduate I found myself behind my colleagues in a lot of ways. Having trained for two years in the natural sciences, I was initially unprepared to cope with the uncertainty and complexity that is at the centre of society’s most pressing environmental issues. This could have become an insurmountable barrier. Instead, due in large part to the department of geography’s focus on student-centered learning and its commitment to individual students, I was able to not only succeed, but excel within my adopted academic discipline. The embodiment of this teaching ethos, at least for me, is captured in the department’s undergraduate thesis program. Having continued on to conduct two graduate degrees, I now appreciate that the independent research that was conducted by my honours thesis cohort was both formative, and easily of graduate quality. As I continue my own academic career, I am confident that the knowledge, skills and self-awareness that will carry me forward have grown out of my experiences as an undergraduate geographer at Lakehead University.

Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Thornhill, Ontario

"I'm a fourth year ORPT student here at Lakehead. I'm originally from Thornhill Ontario but have loved living in Thunder Bay for the last three years. I spent this last semester studying abroad in Australia through Lakehead's international exchange program and it has really been an unbelievable experience. I'm looking forward to the fall rock climbing season in Thunder Bay as well as playing for the university's ultimate Frisbee team. See ya around Tbay!"

Honours Bachelor of Science in Physics/ Concurrent Education
Burlington, ON

My name is Matt Cassidy and I graduated from Lakehead University (Thunder Bay Campus) in May of 2014.  I graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics as well as a Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Senior with Physics and General Science) completed concurrently.  Originally from Burlington, Ontario (located in the GTA) I came to Lakehead for the experience, change in lifestyle and environment, and for the staff and reputation of both the Physics and Education departments.  I am Living in what I would consider a small city that still boasts nearly all of the amenities of city life with the natural world at your fingertips such as hunting, fishing, pond hockey, hiking, and camping.

During my final year in Education I found Professors not only impacted me as a student, but as a future teacher.  With lots of hands on exercises, demonstrations, and simply doing, several professors at the Faculty of Education shaped my style and goals as a professional.  Thanks to the experience Lakehead University and their faculty have offered I have been able to acquire a teaching position in London, England with an OFSTED rated Outstanding school.  I will be able to delve right into my career teaching Physics and General Science courses to students aged 11-18 while simultaneously experience the world in a different light (similar to my first move from the GTA to Thunder Bay) and have access to travel and different cultures with ease.  While traveling far, the close-knit community of Lakehead has provided me with life long friends and will one day bring me back to Canada, and maybe even Thunder Bay.

Honours Bachelor of Science (Physics) / Concurrent Education
Burlington

Originally from Burlington, Ontario (located in the GTA) I came to Lakehead for the experience, change in lifestyle/environment, and for the staff and reputation of both the Physics and Education departments. I enjoyed studying at the Thunder Bay campus and living in what I would consider a small city that still boasts nearly all of the amenities of city life with the natural world at your fingertips such as hunting, fishing, pond hockey, hiking, and camping.

During my final year in Education I found Professors not only impacted me as a student, but as a future teacher.  With lots of hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and simply doing, several professors at the Faculty of Education shaped my style and goals as a professional. 

Thanks to the experience Lakehead University and their faculty have offered I have been able to acquire a teaching position in London, England with an OFSTED rated Outstanding school. I will be able to delve right into my career teaching Physics and General Science courses to students aged 11-18 while simultaneously experience the world in a different light (similar to my first move from the GTA to Thunder Bay) and have access to travel and different cultures with ease. While traveling far, the close knit community of Lakehead has provided me with life long friends and will one day bring me back to Canada, and maybe even Thunder Bay.

Music
Thunder Bay, Ontario 

"As a music student and aspiring performer, I found Lakehead particularly attractive because the professors in the music department are highly active in the musical community and are often part of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Knowing that I’d have this kind of integration with the professional community made Lakehead an easy choice for me. 

As a music student majoring in composition, I’ve had the opportunity to study with a renowned composer, Dr. Aris Carastathis. In addition to having one on one instruction, which has really benefitted my learning, Dr. Carastathis also spends extra time in lessons to make sure that I get everything out of my education as possible. 

When I was in my second year, the LU Vocal Ensemble (comprised of the entire music department’s student body) performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. I believe it was the first time in recent memory a TBSO concert had sold out the entire Auditorium. It was a truly amazing experience, and it is something I’ll remember forever."

Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Murillo, ON

I began at Lakehead University in the concurrent education program with teachable subjects in chemistry and physics. After completing my undergraduate degree, I decided to pursue a Masters of Education here as well. Originally, I decided to come to Lakehead because it was close to home, but soon discovered its unique opportunities. Through my work as a research assistant with the Lakehead Chemistry department, I developed the skills and credentials to help me into my career. I got the chance to work in an actual research lab setting over the summers, which is something I now realize is very hard to find at other Universities. This experience helped out immensely while doing my research work for my Master’s degree as well. Another thing I also appreciated at both the Chemistry and Education faculties is how great the faculty members are. They were always friendly, helpful, supportive, and willing to give advice. Today, I’ve got a great start into my career as a teacher and am confident that Lakehead was the right choice for me. 

Forestry
Oakville, Ontario

"I picked Lakehead because they offered a good program that met my expectations. The faculty was a great size and I had a great conversation with a faculty member who convinced me I was making a good choice.
On campus The Outpost is great, with good food for reasonable prices. The Study Coffeehouse is a solid hangout and at times studying isn’t bad. The quiet floors of the library are great too.

The undergraduate program has changed since I started; however it provides many options to students. With a smaller faculty each student receives the attention they need to succeed.
It’s a good experience and a fun place to spend a few years working towards your goals."

Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts/Bachelor of Education (Concurrent)
Campbellville, ON

For me, visual arts have always been about the journey rather than the destination. So deciding which school to pursue studies at was a ‘no brainer’ in that from the moment I saw Lakehead University I could see the journey of a life time unfolding before me.  From experiences in residence, to the thriving arts community, to small class sizes fostering strong bonds with peers and teachers, I could not have imagined the adventure that ensued four years ago entering the Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts Program with Con-Ed.

Over the years I had many opportunities build my technical skills in many art forms from ceramics to painting that has given me the momentum to burst on to the art scene and build a professional artist career. In tandem with the Visual Arts I studied Concurrent Education, which has prepared me to teach in a variety of contexts such as high schools, elementary schools and abroad.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Visual Arts and Education discipline at Lakehead has given me a large set of skills and tools to draw from for my future experiences in a variety of fields that I feel prepared to tackle.