Honours Bachelor of Science in Geology
Grimsby, ON

Lakehead University has provided me with more opportunities and learning experiences than I ever expected. My experiences with the geology department have been amazing. The department is small which allows students to make strong bonds with one another. The teaching assistants and professors want to get to know you and will know you by your name. In addition, the field trips, field school and hands on labs, provided me with experiences that no other universities offer.  For example, the first year field trips provided us with a way to explore the Thunder Bay area and to recognize the local geology, which I found very interesting. The second year field school also provided a way to bond with other students. 

For some the move away from home can be scary; however, residence has made my experience here more than just school. Residence is a very rewarding experience. For me in particular, I joined the Residence life Team and have been both a House President and Resident Assistant. I have been able to bond with many students, and have been provided with an opportunity to grow by supporting and helping other students, which I never imagined I was capable of. Lakehead has made me who I am today, and I am a proud Thunderwolf because of it.  

"LU is often pitched as being our “Hometown” university. It was a definite influencing factor that I was able to live at home and void a lot of costs that going away to other universities would heap on me, but it really was the opportunity to pursue a program that I was passionate that made me want to attend LU. I was specifically attracted to anthropology at LU because it offers a blend of science and history. In the program, I really got to branch out and experience different parts of the anthropological discipline from both biological and cultural areas. Simultaneously, I was able to pursue courses in chemistry, biology, and education in preparation for my future career. I also knew that LU would offer me hands on lab experience in my first year, which made it a really good choice.

I have been a writer for the Argus Student Newspaper for three years; I feel that getting involved in your community and having outlets are very vital as a student. Some of what I do when I’m not in the classroom is directed to prepare me for future careers, but more importantly they are all activities that are important to me personally and help me handle the stress of school.

I have realized that university is definitely about knowing how to balance life. I really have managed to figure out a balance between school, work, friends, and me time. Having the ability to compartmentalize and really manage my time well and be organized has really shaped me into a better student."

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Masters of Public Health with Nursing Specialization
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead University to complete my undergrad as I wanted to remain in my home town surrounded by my family and friends and to also stay immersed in what I love the most about our city; the quick and convenient access to the outdoor adventures and beauty of Northern Ontario.

I graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and worked at our local hospital, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), beginning on the Oncology floor and then transitioning to the Emergency Room.  In 2012, I furthered my studies at Lakehead University by enrolling in the Masters of Public Health with Nursing Specialization (MPH(N)) program, in which I completed and graduated in October 2014. I currently work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management at the TBRHSC.

I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate experiences at Lakehead University as the Faculty and Clinical Instructors truly are dedicated to the profession of nursing, they are approachable, understanding, supportive and empathetic to each student’s learning needs.  At first there seems to be a lot of students in the program and your specific classes, but it does not take long to become part of a “family” with other fellow nursing students. Some of my best friends today, were relationships established while I was in my nursing program at Lakehead University.

The MPH(N) program at Lakehead provided me with an in-depth understanding and appropriate tools to search, obtain, understand and synthesize current evidence based research related to emerging topics, issues and concerns in Canadian health care. This program has laid the foundation for my future pursuits in research and will aid to my success of the PhD program (Nursing), which I begin this May.

Lakehead is home for me.

It has helped guide my career, academic path and personal growth.

My ultimate career goal is to become a Professor at Lakehead University in the Nursing Program and provide these great experiences to our future generations of nurses!

Honours Bachelor of Commerce
Barrie, Ontario

"The small class sizes here at the Orillia campus have really given me a great opportunity to interact with my teachers and be known on a first-name basis. I feel like the relationships I’ve built with my instructors and my professors will benefit me once I leave Lakehead. We’re able to communicate with them – they talk to us about ongoing trends in the marketplace in terms of job opportunities.

I like being able to have an impact on developing the Orillia campus because it is so new. I helped start the BOSS (Business Orillia Student Society) club. I was able to participate in a faculty meeting to plan the new BOSS. I also play on the men’s soccer team. It’s great to have to top-quality fields right next door. Not only are there lots of clubs and activities here, because it’s so new, you get to develop new ones."

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science, Bachelor of Education
Nobleton, ON

I had the opportunity to complete a practicum in a grade two class in Dalian, China at Maple Leaf Foreign Nationals School. Through this extraordinary experience, I have been able to apply my knowledge and skills from my teacher education at Lakehead into a culturally-unique atmosphere. There are many differences from teaching in Ontario, but what is overwhelmingly similar is the passion for learning and education in general. Within this unique environment, I have grown as a teacher, and a person through being immersed in an entirely different culture and educational system. My learning here has been unconventional to say the least, and has enabled me to explore my passion for travel.

I originally chose Lakehead University for the unique campus dynamic that exists on the Orillia Campus and for the Concurrent Education Program. I sought out an experience that was far from ordinary that provided me with space and opportunity to grow both as a person, and as a student. Lakehead seemed to just fit. Orillia was not too far from home, but far enough to push me out of my comfort zone for a truly unique academic adventure. The small campus proved to have a bright future ahead, and I was ready to be a part of it as it grew.

Being a part of a smaller, more engaging classroom experience is what I really like about Lakehead. The professors and instructors genuinely care about your learning and it is encourages you to try harder. As a result of this, the atmosphere enables me to participate more in the classroom and contribute to meaningful discussions.

The strong sense of community that exists at Lakehead is one that is felt everywhere: in the Commons, in the classroom and out in the City of Orillia. That sense of belonging to such a friendly community is what I like best about being a student at Lakehead and easily makes me proud to be a student here. Student life on campus right now is thriving with so many different student-run clubs and initiatives that continue to grow.

On my first day here, I was scared because there was so much that was unknown and I didn’t know what to expect. After a few days on campus I quickly learned that there were so many great things about this campus, and the people that I was surrounded with genuinely wanted me succeed. After getting involved, I became more excited and proud to come to campus everyday, and I started calling this place my home. After four years that have been jam-packed with pivotal learning moments, unforgettable opportunities and lifelong friendships, I am proud to call Lakehead Orillia my happy place.

Bachelor of Education
Goderich, ON

I completed my Bachelor of Education in the Primary/Junior division in the 2013-2014 school year. I chose to attend Lakehead because of the access to exciting outdoor adventures, small class sizes and great advice I received from a former graduate.  The education program at Lakehead University was an incredible experience because of the small class sizes, caring instructors and informative classes!  My faculty advisor, Jamie Gerow had a significant impact on me as a student because of his genuine, caring nature for each individual student.  He took the time to listen to your input and valued your involvement in the program.  We were given the opportunity to create Literacy Centers integrated with a Social Studies unit and have a grade 3 class come in and have a rich learning experience, which was an amazing opportunity for our class.

There are so many great opportunities to get involved at Lakehead. Whether you want to volunteer, work on campus or attend a campus event, Lakehead has it all!  I found it important to be involved in student clubs and intramurals because it helps you gain life skills and memorable experience.  Lakehead did a great job preparing me for my future goals by holding fun fairs, seminars and resume building sessions to ensure success in the future.  I am actively applying for full teaching jobs across Canada and have already found employment as a Supply Teacher in the GTA.