Masters in Computer Science
Nagercoil, India

I chose Lakehead because of: the small classrooms, in-person teaching by skilled professors, well-equipped labs, multi-cultural exposure, flexibility, lot of extracurricular activities, and its serene beauty.

The professors at Lakehead interact with every student and they know each and every student's ups and downs. This helped the professors to study more about a particular student and provide them with all necessary support. I had come from India, where education is given more importance; and it was easy for me to face all the challenges here at Lakehead. My professor motivates everyone each and every day. This created a good impact on me as well as the other students to put more effort and study well. 

Studying abroad at Lakehead helped me to mingle with students from various countries and gain lot of practical knowledge and experience. Student life is great here at Lakehead. There are many different things to do such as: getting fresh air, having activities to do, workouts, sports, games, parties, the outpost, cheering for Thunderwolves and more. All together I would say it is the best.

 The best thing about Lakehead is the co-op placement. Apart from studies, the university also supports the students in gaining industrial experience in whichever field you are studying. By the time you graduate, you will have up to one and half years of industrial work experience and a good professional network. You will be confident, skilled, and professional enough to work post-graduation. 

I worked at BlackBerry (Toronto) as an Application Software Developer. I was working in the development of Notification Services of the BlackBerry Operating System that are running on more than 50 million devices all over the globe. It gave me immense pleasure to work in Notification Services because the work I did, reached all the BlackBerry smartphones running BB10 Operating System throughout the world, which are more than 30 million devices.

Working at BlackBerry was really helpful to hone my technical and interpersonal skills in an effective way. It really helps me to learn how to work independently and collaborate as a team. I now have more confidence after dealing with large number of important and critical tasks. This experience is really important for me, for the growth of my career and for the passion I have for technology.

Studying at Lakehead really helped me to develop my social, presentation, interpersonal and technical skills. I have the self-motivation and confidence to achieve lot of things during my life’s journey. No matter what obstacle I face, I will write that golden page of my life one day in the future. I’m hoping to create things for this world that solves a real life problem. I will be really happy even if a hundred gets benefited from my work. 

Program: BSc. Nursing
Hometown: Thunder Bay, ON

When I was deciding which university to attend, there were two essential qualities I was looking for. I wanted to pursue an undergraduate degree in the health sciences and I wanted to attend a school where I could compete on a varsity Nordic ski team. The best school with that combination was right in my hometown of Thunder Bay! I know now that this decision was the right one.

In addition to varsity skiing, I have been a part of a number of exciting initiatives at Lakehead. One included travelling to Sandy Lake, a remote aboriginal community of Northern Ontario to conduct a sports program for youth. I also served as Vice-Chair of the NaHSSA Chapter at Lakehead (National Health Science Student’s Association) and in this capacity I was able to bridge collaborative events to more students in the future.

The most unique quality of Lakehead University is the sense of community. Staying in my hometown to attend university has allowed me to form many new friendships while maintaining old ones. Best of all, I have access to high quality education in the beautiful northern city of Thunder Bay!

Business
Ein-Carmen, Israel

I chose Lakehead initially because of the great basketball program they have here. I have always wanted to gain my education abroad and combine it with my career, basketball. I think Lakehead provides all that I wanted that makes this experience complete.

Professor G. Philips made an impact on me as a student a few times. He is the Business Department Chair and is a supporter of the basketball team as well. Whenever I needed help due to my language barrier and my athletic schedule he helped and guided me. Anthea Kyle is also a great person that gave me a lot of academic support during the year and so my sincere appreciation goes out to her. 

The success of my basketball team inspires me every single day as a student in Lakehead. It helps me stay focused towards my personal and my team's goals and motivates me to achieve greatness in academics as well.

After the school year was over I volunteered with my coach Manny Furtado to encourage Aboriginal kids to participate in physical activities once a day in  Shkoday AbinojiiwakObimiwedoon, and I had the opportunity to learn a lot of new things about their culture and beliefs. It was interesting and I encourage all the international students to use your Lakehead experience to learn about new cultures. 

My participation in the basketball program in Lakehead is affecting me in the connections to the community and is where I have met my best friends. My team has become my best friends and my family, and the basketball fans in this town are the best in Canada and come to watch us, 'Thunderwolvs' every weekend. It gave me the chance to stay in very good connections with some of them outside the basketball court. 

Coming to a foreign country with in a new culture and studying in a university level in a foreign language, with a very demanding schedule as a student athlete is an experience that will encourage me to conquer new goals in the future. The frame that Lakehead provides, made me create some tools to manage my time, made me tougher and together with the athletic and academic staff taught me how to handle pressure enjoy the moment even if it's supper busy. Those are priceless tools for anyone's future. 

Honours Bachelor of Music
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose to go to Lakehead to further my education in music because it is such a closely focused program. I am able to discuss things with my professors. Professors know my name; I am not just a student number in a lecture hall with hundreds of other people. We as students are able to receive one-on-one time with the professors, which can help further our understanding of new concepts. My piano professor Dr. Evgeny Chugunov had a very large impact on me. I had never played piano before, and yet he was always patient and encouraged me to do my best. I grew as a musician working with him and learnt that it doesn't matter where you come from, it matters how hard you are willing to work to achieve your goals. The student life around campus is so welcoming! During my first few weeks, students were encouraging the participation of the clubs within the school. It's important to have student involvement because we are the ones who impact change and acceptance within the university. Lakehead prepares students for the future by providing us with the skills we will need in the workforce. It provides many opportunities for students to get involved within the community, which is crucial as it teaches us how to apply our knowledge in a setting outside of the classroom.

Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology
Mississauga, ON

When I started at Lakehead University, I was quite shy and being a seventeen-hour drive from home really forced me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I have met such great people at Lakehead and the transition was made easy as most people were in the same position. Throughout my undergraduate program it was nice to be at a school where you could recognize familiar faces and feel welcomed. I enjoyed the Kinesiology program and felt I gained so much from it in comparison to other schools. It equipped me with the theoretical knowledge and laboratory sessions that allowed me to often apply that theory. The fact that I had the opportunity to evaluate development and movement patterns in children within the community is an experience that other schools do not have. Several students that I have discussed with about their previous kinesiology undergraduate experience did not have a required thesis (group or individual). At the time, I remember being frustrated through the process but I learned a lot about research and the topic I was investigating by doing my own research. Throughout the program the professors were readily available if you needed additional help or counseling, especially Glen Paterson. It is incredible to think that Lakehead University was able to touch on several aspects of learning in a four year degree that stay with you past graduation day.

I am now finishing my second year of Chiropractic College at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto and I am currently a peer tutor for anatomy for first year students. I will be graduating in 2017 and will finally be working in a rehabilitation field that I have desired to work in since elementary school. My transition into CMCC went well as I had great foundation to fall upon.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Scarborough, ON

I was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, with the dream of escaping to a northern locale with more ‘breathing room’.  After completing my Bachelor of Commerce at McMaster University in 2006, I enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry (HBScF) program at Lakehead University.  I graduated from the HBScF program in 2010 and took an internship position with a small, non-profit organization: The Northwestern Ontario Bio-Economy Corporation (NOBEC).  After my yearlong position with NOBEC I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Forestry (MScF), which I completed in 2014.  I chose Lakehead to further my academic career because of its excellent reputation, small Faculty of Forestry (now the Faculty of Natural Resources Management), and proximity to the great outdoors.  I particularly enjoyed the fact that the professors and technicians in the Natural Resources faculty actually took the time to get to know their students as individuals, and treated them as equals, instead of just nameless student numbers.  Speaking directly from my personal experiences, they care and they sincerely try to help students achieve their best.  Even though I took some extra time to finish my master’s, my supervisors were extremely supportive and nurturing of my capabilities.  During the final months of my MScF, I was hired as a Forest Economics Intern with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.  After about a year, I moved on to become a Northern Development Advisor with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.  I am currently nearing the end of this contract position and have decided to pursue a career in the private sector.  I was recently hired as an Impact Analyst for a virtual company called The Evidence Network, and also work as a freelance editor for another virtual company called Kibin.  Life has taken me in some interesting directions, but I would never have discovered my true strengths and passions without my time at Lakehead. Thank you.

Music
Milton, Ontario

I chose Lakehead University because of its small student body; when recruiters tell you at Lakehead you're a person, not a number, they mean it. I have never regretted my decision on choosing this university. In every course I have taken so far in my university career, every single one of the professors have been great. I can't count the number of times I stayed after classes just to chat with the professors.

Whether you live in first year residence, the townhouses and apartments, or off campus, many options are available to all students. Students can join clubs and teams if they're interested, go see a free movie in one of the lecture theatres most Monday nights, and of course, visit the on campus pub, The Outpost. I'm a part of LEAD and am on the Equestrian team. Through both I have met countless new friends and get to have new experiences that I would not get if I didn't involve myself.

Lakehead prepares me for my future by helping me become more independent. Being so far away from my family, I have matured and involved myself within the school (something I rarely did in high school) and connected with various other students, faculty, and admin to make the process not only smoother, but more fun.

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead to stay at home and enrich my education through the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program.  My first two years introduced me to all aspects of business.  All of the Profs are really great and are always available to help you outside of the class.  By the end of second year you know most of them on a first name basis.  

My favourite place to hang out would have to be the outpost.  It’s a great place to go in between classes with your friends to relax, order food or just hang out.  When it comes to study I’ve found the best place to study is in a cubicle on the second floor of the library.  LUBA has many events planned throughout the year for business students and I recommend going to as many as you can.  It’s a great way to socialize with Profs and students outside of the classroom. 

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
Thunder Bay

My first two years of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce program introduced me to all aspects of business. All of the professors are really great and are always available to help me outside of the class. By the end of second year I knew most of them on a first-name basis.  

The Lakehead University Business Association (LUBA) has many events planned throughout the year for business students, and I recommend going to as many as you can.  It’s a great way to socialize with profs and students outside of the classroom.