Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology, currently at NOSM
Kenora, ON

I chose to attend Lakehead University because it is the closest University in Ontario to my hometown and I was intrigued by the smaller class sizes. I wanted to know my professors and not be “just another student”. I found that knowing my professors facilitated my ability to learn and I was not afraid to ask questions. Moreover, when I applied to medical school, I was able to get a great letter of support from one of my professors. The letter was able to show my academic credibility as well as some personal characteristics that other professors from larger schools may not be able to witness. As a result of having smaller class sizes, I also became really close with my classmates. By the time I graduated, my classmates felt more like family as we had bonded both in and out of the classroom.

In terms of the Kinesiology program at Lakehead University, I really enjoyed the hands-on approach and variety of subjects. The Kinesiology program teaches you about healthy lifestyles and requires active participation. There were also opportunities for classmates to teach new activities and sports to each other. A few classes even involved reaching into the community to learn about programs and development. Therefore, Kinesiology also taught me how to work with people from different backgrounds and lifestyles in order to be successful. Socially, Lakehead University has much to offer. There are many sports and fitness clubs, a large pub, and many coffee shops. I was able to meet many people from a variety of programs through such venues. Furthermore, Thunder Bay has much to offer in terms of entertainment and adventure, and is fairly easy to navigate. Ultimately, I really enjoyed being a student at Lakehead University and I believe my experiences helped to prepare me for my future in medicine.

Bachelor of Education (1-year)
Toronto, ON

My name is Stella Vittoria Sicilia, I am a 24 year old sister, daughter and educator. I come from a large family of two younger sisters and a male twin. I have always had that on-the-go lifestyle, not only because of my large and flamboyant family, but also through my upbringing in the big city of Toronto, Ontario. The diverse city exposed me to fast pace living. The high speed lifestyle however did not stop me from attending Lakehead University in the great north city of Thunder Bay and today I am proud to be an alumni of Lakehead University ’14 from the consecutive bachelor of education program.

Having been raised in the biggest city in Canada I felt that a rural experience might be best. Lakehead University just jumped off of the screen for myself. I had heard of it because I have some distant cousins that live up there but did I want to go to school in the North and away from home. After further research I came to find my answer was a resounding YES!! They offered the consecutive program exactly how it made sense to learn it, other than the courses that taught you how to be a teacher there was a course on each subject that a teacher would teach to their own students, math, science & technology, gym, music, art, and language. They offered reasonable classroom sizes at Lakehead, the same size as if you were a student yourself back in grade school. This size allowed for relationship building between peers and faculty. You were placed with other students of your teachable and therefore could relate to your classmates and use each other to build upon. There was professional onsite delivery program meaning that some of your classes were physically in a public school, which gave all those students, including myself, the advance of being around children months before our placements. Also the recruitment staff was really helpful, when I was researching information on the different universities Lakehead was the most helpful through emails, telephone and correspondents which told me that they would be the same to their own students.

My math professor, Dr. Jennifer Holm made a significant impact on myself like all of my other professors. This class was the most challenging for me and since I had a very rough beginning, this course was already looking downhill. I believe Professor Holm understood my situation right away, and so she kept her encouraging eyes on me. She was always there when I needed help and when I got frustrated with the course material she would spend her own extra time to work me through it by explaining and re-explaining. The course seemed to be impossible, but in the end I did well and I attribute that success to her. She broke down confusing concepts, took notice of my progress and made specific arrangements that aided my success.

I would recommend to any student considering teacher’s college as an education path to go to Lakehead University. The academic life is one that encourages you to excel and aids you to accomplish that goal. 

The student life is a positive experience; the whole town embraces the students of Lakehead. Not to mention all the amazing sites to do and see in the city of Thunder Bay. There are always fun and safe events that emphasize great school spirit at Lakehead University, Thunder Wolves hockey games just to name a favourite. I am very proud of being able to say that I was and am part of the Lakehead University community. I learned so much living away from home and in particular in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

I have great plans for my success in this great country. I plan to run for office one day at some political level. There is a lot I want to do and I know that many doors will be opened to me. Recently I have been accepted in an educational program that I was wanting to pursuit and the biggest accomplishment I have received since graduating (May 2014) is that I received a permanent full-time position with the largest school board in Canada, Toronto District School Board as a teacher for the Elementary level. I think that no matter what aspirations you have for your future in education, you should consider attending Lakehead University.

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science in Media Studies
Orillia, ON

I chose to attend LU because being in a smaller school setting is something that really appealed to me. I like being able to recognize a lot of faces wherever I go because it makes my school experience feel more personal. By going to Lakehead, I am able to live at home (seriously, staying at home isn't all bad!), save a LOT of money, and enjoy my parents' hospitality!

Getting to interact with your profs is SO beneficial, I honestly can't imagine how other students in larger schools do it! It's great to be able to have smaller class-sizes which are centered on critical discussion and debate, and it's nice to feel like there are people behind you who actively strive to see you succeed.

Academics are definitely important, but the relationships you form and the memories you make are just as important! I can't say enough about the group of friends I have made in my Media program. They are the most genuine and generally awesome people I have ever met, and I'm pretty sure I'd be nowhere without them. We all have a lot in common, and I believe we are vital to each other's success and maybe each other's sanity when life gets super hectic! They have really helped shape my academic and student life at LU :)

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science (Media Studies)
Orillia, ON

I chose to attend Lakehead because being in a smaller school setting is something that really appeals to me. I like being able to recognize a lot of faces wherever I go because it makes my school experience feel more personal.

Getting to interact with my profs is very beneficial. It's great to be able to have smaller class-sizes which are centered on critical discussion and debate, and it's nice to feel like there are people behind you who actively strive to see you succeed.

Academics are definitely important, but the relationships you form and the memories you make are just as important! I can't say enough about the group of friends I have made in my Media Studies program. They are the most genuine and generally awesome people I have ever met, and I'm pretty sure I'd be nowhere without them. We all have a lot in common, and I believe we are vital to each other's success.

Aside from my studies, I enjoy getting involved in clubs. I'm the co-chair of Communications for the new Lakehead Student Centre project, and being an active member of that committee has thrown me into student life in a whole new way, where I hone my media skills and help create a building focused entirely on students.

Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism, Bachelor of Arts in Geography & the Environment
Thunder Bay, ON

After a gap year abroad spent working and playing in New Zealand’s wild outdoors, I knew that Lakehead University would offer me the learning opportunities that I sought. Lakehead University’s School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism (ORPT) is one of the leading programs of its kind across the country. ORPT offers numerous practical experiences yet maintain a strong academic focus. Courses such as the Theory and Practice of Parks, the Theory and Practice of Tourism, and Programming fit directly with the education and experience requirements of my perspective employment opportunities. For example, in one of my classes, I was able to design a new program for the Friends of Jasper National Park, an organization that I had worked for the previous summer. Not only did this make the project more meaningful and reinforce the class theory, it offered me the opportunity to give back to a past employer/community. Through my geography classes, such as geomorphology, climatology, and GIS, I have been able reinforce and expand on my learning in ORPT.

Not only does Lakehead University offer individualized learning opportunities, it is located on the north shore of Lake Superior, in the midst of spectacular ice and rock climbing routes, an intricate network of lakes and rivers that foster endless amounts of flat and white-water paddling, world class cross-country skiing, and more. Lakehead University’s students take pride in making the Thunder Bay area fun and accessible, often through clubs and organized events. For the past two years I have been the co-president of the Northshore Telemark Ski School (join us on Facebook), a long-time club that strives to provide students with an affordable, inclusive opportunity to learn how to “free their heels” on alpine ski slopes. Such clubs and events are an important part of student life at Lakehead University as they help connect you with like-minded people and foster life-long friendships. Through a challenging and supportive environment, Lakehead University has helped make it possible for me to reach my academic and personal goals, while continuing to prepare me for the future. 

Honours Bachelor in Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism
Bachelor of Arts in Geography and the Environment
Thunder Bay, Ontario

After a gap year abroad spent working and playing in New Zealand’s wild outdoors, I knew that Lakehead University would offer me the learning opportunities that I sought. Lakehead University’s School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism (ORPT) is one of the leading programs of its kind across the country. ORPT offers numerous practical experiences yet maintains a strong academic focus. Courses such as the Theory and Practice of Parks, the Theory and Practice of Tourism, and Programming fit directly with the education and experience requirements of my perspective employment opportunities. For example, in one of my classes, I was able to design a new program for the Friends of Jasper National Park, an organization that I had worked for the previous summer. Not only did this make the project more meaningful and reinforce the class theory, it offered me the opportunity to give back to a past employer/community. Through my geography classes, such as geomorphology, climatology, and GIS, I have been able reinforce and expand on my learning in ORPT.

Not only does Lakehead University offer individualized learning opportunities, it is located on the north shore of Lake Superior, in the midst of spectacular ice and rock climbing routes, an intricate network of lakes and rivers that foster endless amounts of flat and white-water paddling, world class cross-country skiing, and more. Lakehead University’s students take pride in making the Thunder Bay area fun and accessible, often through clubs and organized events. For the past two years I have been the co-president of the Northshore Telemark Ski School (join us on Facebook), a long-time club that strives to provide students with an affordable, inclusive opportunity to learn how to “free their heels” on alpine ski slopes. Such clubs and events are an important part of student life at Lakehead University as they help connect you with like-minded people and foster life-long friendships. Through a challenging and supportive environment, Lakehead University has helped make it possible for me to reach my academic and personal goals, while continuing to prepare me for the future. 

Masters of Science in Forestry
St. Joseph Island, ON

I chose Lakehead University because I was interested in the Natural Resources Management program, particularly at the graduate level, and wanted to work with northern Aboriginal communities around resource management issues. My supervisor, Dr. Peggy Smith, has taken me under her wing and has encouraged me throughout my studies to persevere through struggles and continue to grow as a young Aboriginal professional. It was through Dr. Smith and other faculty members that I became involved with a project that focuses on reducing diesel consumption in northern remote communities by utilizing the local natural resources. It allowed me to pursue my interests in resource management combined with my desire to do research, which benefits Aboriginal communities. Throughout my time here at Lakehead, I have had the opportunity to become involved with numerous clubs and extracurricular activities ranging from being a mentor with the AMP program, to a member of the Loggers sports team, in which we plan and organize the annual powwow, and sit on various boards and councils. Being involved with different clubs and organizations, as well as my research project, has opened many doors to career opportunities and further studies. Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I plan to continue my studies at Lakehead University at the PhD level, or attend the new law school. 

I chose Lakehead because of the reputation of the NRM program. Also, Lakehead is the only school to offer free tuition to students attaining an average of 95% in high school.

I have always wanted a job that is both physically and intellectually challenging. By providing quality education in my field of study, after only first year, my education from Lakehead allowed me to get a great summer job as a forest regeneration summer student at Domtar. 

Finding time to deal with the various aspects of life while taking a full course load can be tough, but it is important to stay disciplined and still enjoy life. The most surprising thing I have learned during my time at Lakehead is that (in my experience) University is nothing like high school teachers make it out to be. It is not an intimidating experience and is actually quite enjoyable.

After graduating, I would like to become a Registered Professional Forester. I have ambitions to enter politics and aspire to be the Natural Resources Minister. The decision of which University to attend can be quite intimidating, but I have no doubt that Lakehead was and is the right choice for me.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Thunder Bay, ON

One of the benefits of the computer science program at Lakehead is that it gives you the option of taking one of three different paths depending on what interests you. There are different paths such as the science option for people who enjoy mathematics, the hardware option for people who enjoy physics, and the business option for people who are interested in both business and computer science. I decided to take the computer science hardware option since I like to mix computer science with other disciplines such as physics.

There are also great research opportunities for undergraduate students at Lakehead. I have worked at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) for two summers working on research projects involving High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Hyperpolarized Gas MRI. My roles in these projects have included modifying high-performance computer simulations and writing software to analyze MRI images.

Lakehead's co-op program is also a great way to gain experience. Having real-world work experience on your resume will put you far ahead of other candidates in the competitive job market. I have completed one co-op term so far with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) helping to set up high-performance computing software. The experience I have gained through research opportunities and my co-op placement has been extremely valuable to both my education and my career path.