Honours Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Education (Concurrent)
Lac Seul First Nation

In 2005 I was working as a receptionist at Pelican Falls First Nations High School (PFFNHS) in Sioux Lookout, ON.  I enjoyed working with the students and I realized I wanted to be a teacher and I wanted to teach at PFFNHS. 

In 2007 I applied for the HBA/BEd concurrent program and I was accepted to the English BA program through Gateway, which had just started that year.  I was encouraged by the Gateway staff to do my best.  I was told that if my marks were well enough, transferring to the HBA/BEd program might be possible.  It was an exciting time for my family.  My husband and I moved our two children from Lac Seul First Nation to Thunder Bay for this new adventure. 

Through much encouragement and support of faculty and my family I did very well my first year and was transferred to the concurrent HBA (English)/BEd (I/S) program.  I graduated in 2012 and that September I found myself employed at Pelican Falls First Nations High School as an English/Native Studies teacher.  These are my two teachable subjects. 

I chose Lakehead because it is close to home.  We knew the end goal was to move back to the Sioux Lookout area. My professors in the Faculty of Education were very encouraging and supportive. 

Master of Education,
Toronto, ON

For my Masters in Education (2011-2013) degree, Lakehead University was a perfect fit. Lakehead’s richness in resources on Indigenous education and strong Aboriginal community greatly supported me in my learning. Upon my arrival, I was greeted with many benefits, notably a graduate scholarship that paid for my tuition. Most importantly to my studies and future career, I was able to take up a specialized research project as research assistant for Dr. Judy Iseke, a professor well versed in Indigenous pedagogy.

Coming from a large university, I appreciated that Lakehead’s size allowed an enriching and engaging experience, especially cross department interactions. Though the Education building is geographically separate from the main campus, I still had access to resources and professors in other departments. For example, Dr. Zubairu Wai from the Political Science Department has been influential in shaping my pedagogy and helping me navigate through discriminations. In addition, Contract Lecturer Taina Maki Chahal, who teaches for the English and Anthropology Departments, has played a pivotal role in sharing literatures, theories, and resources that I had not previously encountered. This ranges from introducing me to critical scholars such as bell hooks and Audre Lorde and encouraging me to research black women and critical race theories. Dr. Joyce Forbes, Professor Emeritus of English, and LU Social Work graduate Anne Potvin have helped me to link black women’s histories with my own experiences and learning. Both were trailblazers at Lakehead University; both weathered difficulties that come with being marginalized and in doing so paved the way for me and other women who have followed in their footsteps.

My time at Lakehead has greatly enriched my academic life and allowed me to contribute to non-academic areas that intersect with my studies. For example, under AFCASA, I have had the opportunity to co-organize various events such as speaker series and round table discussions that included renowned U of T professor Dr. George Dei, queer/feminist speakers, influential Indigenous scholars such as Dr. Dennis McPherson, student panelists from within Lakehead University and community members from Thunder Bay. When I first arrived at Lakehead, I thought my stay would only last the duration of my Masters degree. Since then, however, Lakehead’s unique and vibrant campus led me to stay and complete a teaching degree too. Today, as an almuni, I feel part of a northern university and a northern community and look forward to  contributing to new ways of imagining the Thunder Bay region.

 

Honours Bachelor of Social Work (One Year)
Chatham, ON

The Lakehead Social Work Department in Orillia is a smaller campus with robust academics, and a strong sense of community. The choice was clear; it was the only school I applied to. In 2010 I was accepted and began the Advanced Standing Honours Bachelor of Social Work program. The students and professors in my cohort were extremely inclusive, supportive, and very close knit. We all knew each other by name and in fact, many years later I am still very close with many of my colleagues who are now working all over Canada making a difference in the lives of others.

My experience at Lakehead University allowed me to complete a practicum in a small rural town in northern Minnesota, USA. It also prepared me to work on several high profile projects with the Ministry of Community and Social Services and later complete a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. Currently I am a social worker and the Director of a non-profit organization serving children and youth in Ottawa. My academic and student life experiences at Lakehead University were hands down the most inspiring, enriching, and impactful of them all.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Bachelor of Education
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose Lakehead because of the close proximity to home, the small class sizes and the program options. I also knew that if I went to Lakehead, I would be able to remain debt-free due to the awesome entrance scholarships. The program options were what really finalized my decision to apply at Lakehead.

When I found out I could take chemistry and concurrent education I was very thrilled. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to pursue an education degree and a science degree at the same time. Lakehead also offers many different opportunities to science students that are not offered at other universities, such as first year hands on lab experience. The professors from both the Faculty of Education and the Department of Chemistry are always available to help outside of class hours. The student to professor ratio is also very small, which I appreciate because you get to know your professor and have more opportunities to ask questions.

My favourite place to hang out on campus is the outpost because of the laid-back atmosphere. It is a good place to go and get some good food while still being able to do assignments. The study is also great if you are looking for a quieter, relaxing atmosphere.

Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science (Interdisciplinary Studies), Bachelor of Education
Aurora, ON

In 2009, I made the life changing decision to complete my Concurrent Education Degree at Lakehead University. I chose Lakehead University, and more specifically the Orillia Campus, because of its small campus community. Low student-to-teacher ratio created a student-centered environment, allowed me to excel as a student and to grow both personally and professionally. 

When choosing a program, it is important to consider your interest and strengths. A university program helps build skills that are transferable to many different occupations. The Concurrent Education Program gave me the opportunity to experience an undergraduate degree, while providing me with a small taste of teaching throughout each academic year before entering my year of teachers college. I enjoyed Lakehead’s Interdisciplinary Program as it allowed me to explore and gain knowledge about a wide variety of topics through hands-on learning. With Lakehead University’s new facility, they have fine-tuned hands-on learning. Lakehead not only includes a range of interesting and transferable programs, but the university encompasses an abundance of professors who offer astonishing knowledge, personal insight, support, and guidance. 

The best way to receive an unforgettable experience is to meet others and make a difference. It is great to get involved in the campus community. I participated in intramural sports and, more specifically, I was involved in intramural soccer. Participating in the campus community allowed me to stay active and meet students who shared similar interests.

After graduating from Lakehead University’s Concurrent Education Program, I obtained a position with the York Region District School Board as an Occasional Teacher. Lakehead University laid the foundation for becoming a lifelong learner. Following graduation, I continued to expand my professional development by taking additional courses through Lakehead University. In the future, I also plan to continue my studies through a Masters in Education. 

Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Orillia, ON

I have moved a substantial amount in my life but have spent much of it in Orillia.

There were many benefits to attending Lakehead University Orillia Campus. It was convenient for me: as a mature student, changing career paths and a single mother of two, this was a very important aspect. I kept my house and my job, which allowed my family to remain stable. I felt that the faculty was fresh and the atmosphere of the school felt alive and robust. The attraction to the small class sizes allowed for more personal relationships to develop with both the professors and my cohort. This was something that I thought was important because networking is a necessary and useful skill to develop. I also thought that with a smaller cohort there would be more time for the professors to give us, which could be crucial for comprehending the subject material. Originally I was uncertain if Social Work was the right field for me; or, if I would like to become a teacher. I decided to go with the Social Work program because it was more versatile but to cover myself I also took three teachable subjects; the minimum you can take if you want to apply for the teachers program. This was another attraction I had to the school, the remarkable versatility and flexibility within programs.

Field placements in both the 3^rd and 4^th years of the program enriched me with both incredible experience and employment. Out of my first placement I received an offer of employment for the summer through the agency and my second placement offered me full-time employment after I graduated. I accepted the offers and am currently employed with Information Orillia working as the Database/Information and Referral Manager. This employment puts both the micro and the macro skills that I learned through my schooling with Lakehead University into action. I love my job working with individuals and families to support their needs in the community as well as working with the province to ensure that local information stays up-to-date and accurate, assuring excellent referrals are made to those in need. I love my current employment but I also love learning and am excited for the Masters Program to come to the Orillia Campus as I can see myself attending it the years to come.

Sociology
Dryden, Ontario

"I am going into my fourth year of the Sociology program. I enjoy Sociology as it provides students with a different perspective on how the world works. I feel I have gained a broader understanding and appreciation of the issues in our society.

The professors often encourage discussion and critical thought, allowing students to learn to think for themselves. I am able to question things that society tells us, rather than take what I am told for granted. I have also gained interest in current events and politics, and I have learned to pay more attention to what is going on around me. The skills I have learned, as well as the connections I have made at Lakehead University, will help me find employment in the future.

Here at Lakehead, we are always promoting our small class sizes. This allows you to get to know the people in your program, as well as your professors. Having small class sizes means that my professors are available to help me and provide me with advice."

HBMusic Graduate
Thunder Bay, Ontario

"Growing up with music has been a part of my life. I love to sing so I chose to study Music at Lakehead University. The program is so great! The music department is small so if you put the time into your studies, your profs put the time into you.

In my 3rd year of the program, I had a fantastic opportunity to do some solo work with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. It was definitely a remarkable experience that I'll never forget. I've also played a role in LUMA, the Lakehead University Music Association.

Lakehead offers a lot of specialized programs so I encourage prospective students to do their research to see what my school can offer."

HBSc Bioinformatics
Thunder Bay, ON

"Bioinformatics is a wide range of subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Math, Physics, Computer Science) so you get a very complete education. The class sizes are small so you get to interact one on one with professors, and since there are so many subjects you get to talk to many professors from many backgrounds. There is no better field if you are interested in understanding the way life and all it's complex systems work. My advice to students is to focus on all your classes, you can never predict what you'll need to know in the future. Outside of class I work as a research assistant programming in the area of proteomics, which I enjoy very much.

The library is great for studying, it has plenty of quiet areas and helpful resources for students. There are countless great places to hang out everywhere on campus. Go explore and you're sure to find some place neat!"