Software Engineering (Co-operative Education)
Thunder Bay, ON 

I chose Lakehead for a variety of reasons. Lakehead was cost effective, I could remain near my family and friends and I would be attending a school where the professors would have the time and would care to know who I was and what I wanted from my education. I most certainly did not feel like a number. A great indication of how close we Software Engineering students were to our professors is that they became familiar with our programming styles. Some professors would even contact us and reach out with one-on-one help if they noticed we didn't quite get something or our marks were slipping. To this day I am still in contact with some of the professors I had.

Student life at Lakehead was also a unique experience. Because our department was small, we Software Engineering students became very close. We studied together, we hung out together, we supported each other. It was also easy to meet and talk to new people almost anywhere. I recall one time I was studying in the library with some of my peers and we were having a particularly difficult time with some concept we needed to know for an exam. A fellow engineer overheard our struggle, came over to our table and went over the concept with us.

Lakehead also has many clubs and committees you can join to meet new people that share your interests or work with to plan the events you'll remember many years after you graduate. For example, I was on the committee to organize the engineering ring ceremony celebration after party so I could have a hand in making that night a night to remember for all of us.

While I was at Lakehead, I had the amazing opportunity to complete a cross-discipline degree project for a real, local company. I was able to work with electrical and software engineers to complete the project which landed one of fifteen spots in the Ontario Centres of Excellence Connections Competition from over 350 projects. The competition took place in Toronto, Ontario and there were many companies there looking to recruit new graduates.

Through Lakehead's Career Services, I was able to complete an internship at IBM Canada as part of my degree which gave me experience, skills and connections I could not have received any other way. From these experiences and connections I was able to be rehired by IBM Canada after graduation.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Waterdown, ON

I am a third year student in the forestry program at Lakehead and I’ve got to say, I love every minute of it. When I was looking for schools to go to, I’ll admit that Lakehead was not my first choice. But after I met the professors and students at the Ontario Universities Fair in Toronto and talked to them about the school, my decision was made pretty quickly. When I first came to Lakehead I didn’t start in my current program. I was actually in the Environmental Sustainability program at the Orillia campus. It was a fun program and I learned a lot, but by Christmas I realized that it wasn’t for me. One of the classes I had to take was part of the forestry program and I really enjoyed it so I thought I would give forestry a try instead. I talked to my TA, a previous graduate of the forestry program, heard all her stories and figured that that might be a better fit for me. When it came to switching, it was not as hard as I imagined it would be. I was lucky though, as a lot of the courses I had already taken matched those required for my new program so I didn’t have much to make up. Throughout the whole process my new program chair was very helpful and accommodating. He helped to make sure I got credit for the courses I had already taken and also helped me to plan my schedule so that I could get back on track with everyone else. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m glad I did it. Before I came to university, I was afraid of being just a number to the professors, but here it’s not like that. Lakehead is very different from other universities. Here, my faculty is like a big family. Every professor I have ever had a class with knows my name and has taken the time to talk to me a little bit. It makes asking for help and getting advice a whole lot easier. While the classes I’ve had to take have definitely been difficult (that’s just how university is), there are lots of resources to help me get through them. Not only do I have my professors, but I have all my classmates and a library that full of books, papers and other resources that are easy to access and full of great information. Whatever I need, I can always find it somewhere. My favourite thing about Lakehead and being in this program is that my classes are not just lectures. Yes, I have to sit in a classroom most of the time, but I also get to take part in lots of labs and even a weeklong field school in September. Everything we learn in the classroom is also presented in a hands-on and engaging way. To me, getting to see how the things I am learning connect to the real world make learning them seem that much more worthwhile. I have learnt so much from being at Lakehead, and sometimes without even realizing it. We take learning seriously, but we aren’t afraid to have fun and get a little dirty while we’re doing it.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology
Thunder Bay, ON

I am a fourth-year undergraduate student completing my Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology at Lakehead University. I graduated from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Sir Winston Churchill High School, Thunder Bay. From a very early stage, during my high school years, I developed an interest in the field of biological sciences. During my last year of high school, I competed against seven students and won the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) Summer Research Contest. I was privileged to be the first high school student in Thunder Bay to assist in research at TBRRI. I got an opportunity to work with world-renowned scientists on a research project regarding early prostate cancer detection techniques. Through this project I gained hands-on experience in scientific laboratories and my interest in the field increased. 

I chose Lakehead because students are not just treated as a number here, but the professors care for their long-term career goals. Professors at Lakehead have affiliations with various organizations in Thunder Bay, allowing undergraduate students to gain work experience in their respective fields while completing their studies. Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, for example, has played a vital role in helping me in the process of pursuing a career in the medical field. I continued my research position at TBRRI during my first year of undergraduate studies at Lakehead University. Currently, I am working as a research intern in Dr. Wensheng Qin’s biorefining research laboratory at Lakehead University. My project involves biodegradation and molecular analysis of bacterial enzymes. This project has allowed me to apply the skills I learned at TBRRI and introduced me to various new DNA molecular methods. My interest in biodegradation and molecular analysis of bacterial enzymes has further instigated my curiosity to consider it as my future Honours thesis project. Conducting research in the field of biological science has augmented my knowledge above and beyond my program’s curriculum. Recently, I was awarded the NSERC USRA (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Award), which will provide me with funding to continue my research during the summer. 

 Apart from academic opportunities, Lakehead also encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities. I have been in the LEAD (Leadership Experience and Development) program for over a year and have helped welcome newcomers during orientation events. Through LEAD, I also tutor students in various subjects and help them build confidence in their ability to achieve not only academically but also socially. I also stay involved with the annual Science Olympics of Northwestern Ontario. Activities like this allow me to share my experience with high school students and encourage them to pursue their studies at Lakehead University.

  As the President of the South Asian Student Association (SASA) of Lakehead University, I have been able to portray South Asian culture in Thunder Bay. SASA has celebrated many South Asian festivals during which I have organized various events and performed Indian group dances. My passion for involvement in extra-curricular activities led me to be elected for the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Board of Directors position for the 2014-2015 academic year. I am very excited to join LUSU and contribute my expertise to making Lakehead a wonderful experience for students.

  Overall, Lakehead has given me the education and experience I need to pursue a career in medicine as well as shaped me into a more confident and outspoken individual.

Geography, Concurrent Education
Bogota, Colombia

"I chose Lakehead because of my major - what’s a better place than Thunder Bay to study geography? I also chose Lakehead University because I did not want to be just a number to my professors. Last year, I had become very sick for a couple of weeks over midterm and assignment due season. My professors were very understanding and helped me catch up and get back on track.

I worked at the Student Success Centre as a Student Success Assistant over the summer and got to work on several projects that are run by the office. It was a great experience that allowed me to learn many great things as well as work with people within the university. I became a LEADer and I am also a Resident Assistant on campus. I am actively seeking ways to give back to Lakehead University and the people who have made my experience here such a great one. Lakehead has taught me so many things. I have made life long friends and have been encouraged by professors who push me to continue to have the drive and determination to reach my goals."

Author and naturalist William Longgood once said that dreams and dedication are a powerful combination. No one knows this better than Orillia hometown girl Olivia Manovich.

 As a first-year Lakehead University student, Manovich attended the school’s Education Job Fair armed with a handful of resumes, eager to make some meaningful job connections. One of the exhibitors, Elite Education, would take her resume and five years later offer her the opportunity of a lifetime: a teaching job in the United Arab Emirates.

“It wasn’t just something I wanted to do. It was something I needed to do,” Olivia says of her upcoming adventure. During her last week of placement in her final year of the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science/Bachelor of Education program, and only 12 hours after her job interview for a position overseas, Olivia got the call. She would be teaching kindergarten in the city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, beginning this August.

Upon attending Lakehead, Olivia wasn’t satisfied with just earning her education; she wanted to make a lasting impression. During her five years at Lakehead, Olivia was constantly involved as a student leader and spokesperson. In this role, she participated in recruitment events, campus tours and public events, such as the President’s Breakfast, Open Doors Knowledge Event, and Community Research Days.

Manovich also brought her community interests and passion for helping children to students on campus. She organized a highly successful Operation Christmas Child program, which involved hundreds of students, who contributed to filling shoeboxes to send to underprivileged children. She also advocated for Compassion Canada, an organization focused on helping children in developing countries.

At her graduation in June, Manovich’s contribution to the University was recognized with two prestigious awards. She received the President’s Award, recognizing student leadership; and the Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship.

“I was so surprised to learn that I had won these awards,” said Manovich.  “It is such an honour and I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet Marilyn Dennis [widow of Lloyd Dennis] and learn more about Dr. Dennis’s life and his outstanding contribution to education.” [Lloyd Dennis, who died in March 2012, was honoured with an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Lakehead University at its 2012 Convocation.]

“Lloyd would have been so proud of Olivia’s accomplishments,” said Marilyn Dennis. “And he would be so enthusiastic about her new teaching adventure. He especially loved kindergarten teachers.”

When asked how she feels about her upcoming move, nervous and excited are the first two words to pop into her head. Scared would probably rank pretty high on her list too if it wasn’t for the overwhelming support from her family, which will make her transition easier. “My family has always been very supportive and are always there for me. They never questioned my decision to work overseas and instead encouraged me. I feel very blessed – to have such support from my family, from my University community and from my hometown.”

Written by Stephanie Edwards, a third year Lakehead University student who is working with Lakehead Orillia’s Communications office this summer.

Honour's Bachelor of Arts and Science, Interdisciplinary Studies

"I came to Lakehead because it is in the top universities regarding the Honours Bachelor of Education program and offers the perfect program for what I want to do in the future. With the small classes, you are able to really voice your opinion and work together with other students to critically think about issues. Most of the classes are not structured in just lecture format, they allow students to problem-solve, which is great for me because I enjoy engaging in classroom and group discussions.

I have also been involved with promoting Lakehead through being a student representative and leader through tours and different social events. I like getting involved because being involved makes me feel a part of my school.

My future plan is to teach internationally, I have always wanted to travel and be a teacher, and with my degree from Lakehead I will be able to accomplish my dream. The program I am in is accepted at international schools, and I feel prepared to be teaching in traditional and non-traditional schools abroad."

Honours Bachelor of Environmental Science (Geography), Bachelor of Education
Keswick, ON

When I was choosing which school to go to, I didn’t know much about Lakehead University because it was so far away, but I was really drawn to the uniqueness of my program. At the time, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do when I was done university, which made me unsure if I was even ready for post secondary. When I finally decided on Lakehead, it was because LU offered the program that left the most doors open, which for me was really important. 

    So far I’m incredibly happy with the decision I made to go to Lakehead! I absolutely love my program; and all my professors have been really approachable and understanding. The material is interesting, and the labs for my classes are very hands on and practical. My first semester was the most challenging, as there were so many things to get use to, new friends, new school, and a new city. However, my friends and I all made it, and by second year we had mastered university life, and couldn't wait to go back. 

     I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to participate in two international exchange programs, one in Italy and one in Singapore. Going on an exchange was the best thing I have ever done. I made so many friends, visited multiple new Countries, learned about unique cultures, and had the trip of a lifetime. This has been the biggest highlight for me thus far, and I’m already looking for more study abroad opportunities.

    As I’m about to begin my fourth year, I can happily look back at all the experiences I’ve had, life-long friends I’ve made, and knowledge I've gained through education and recreation and although it hasn’t always been easy—there have definitely ups and downs—I can say I’m proud to have chosen Lakehead.