Honours Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Thunder Bay, ON

I chose to attend Lakehead University because it is a smaller University, which enables me to connect with my professors while pursuing my studies in chemistry.  There are several research opportunities on campus for undergraduate students like myself to explore the field of chemistry to a greater extent.  I was fortunate to be a research assistant for Dr. Aicheng Chen’s research team where we developed biosensors as well as electro catalysts for energy conversion. I greatly value this experience because I was able to extend my knowledge of chemistry in real life situations. This experience makes Lakehead University exceptional and prepared me for transition in post-graduate studies.

In addition to academic growth, Lakehead University offers opportunities for community involvement.  During my spare time, I volunteer at Lakehead University Food Bank and I tutor other students in Chemistry. Furthermore, I stay active by participating in the intramural basketball league at Lakehead Fieldhouse. By volunteering, tutoring, and playing on a team, I have broadened my social environment to include peers with a variety of interests. I feel that Lakehead University is unique because it enables me to grow not only intellectually, but also physically and socially.

Native Nursing Entry Program
Kitigan Zibi, QC

 I am from Kitigan Zibi in Quebec.  I chose the Native Nurses Entry program because I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a good education and also to meet new people. Moving from another province, the NNEP workers and teachers made me feel welcomed and I had a safe place to learn. The friends I have made throughout the program continually encourage me to move further in my education. Being the program it gives me an insight of what the bachelor degree will feel like and how the workload will be. Entering the NNEP program was the best thing I could have done for myself because I have made lifelong friends and I am bettering my education at the same time. 

Medicine, Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology
Thunder Bay, ON

Although everyone brings this point up I really feel I benefited from the small class sizes. It allowed me to develop a rapport with my professors and made seeking help and guidance easy. I enjoyed the academic side of my undergrad more because I always felt supported by the Lakehead faculty.

I was also able to get to know most of the students in my program. This was great from the perspective of student life as I met a lot of new people and remain good friends with many of them. It was also helpful academically as we would often all work together to solve problems or help each other out at times of need both inside and outside of school.

My undergraduate degree at Lakehead helped me develop a strong knowledge and skill base upon which I am now working to build my medical training. Academically, at Lakehead I was able to take a wide variety of courses that ranged from languages to advanced biochemistry, which helped me develop a well-rounded knowledge base. I was also able to take courses that focused on unique aspects of Northern Ontario's biology, chemistry and aboriginal culture.  As the Northern Ontario School of Medicine places an emphasis on learning to thrive in Northern Ontario, I really feel that the courses I took at Lakehead have, and continue to help me through my studies at NOSM.

 Participation in varsity sport has also prepared me in many ways for medical school. Perseverance, time management, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and plain hard work are all essential aspects of competitive sport.  On a daily basis the skills I have developed through ski racing aid me in both school and life in general.

I ran on the cross-country running team under Kip Sigsworth in my last year of undergrad at Lakehead. I competed in the states as well as in Ontario. I also qualified to race on the team at the OUA championships in Ottawa. In addition,I competed on the cross-country team at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and races throughout the maritimes. 

 I raced on the Lakehead ski team all four years of my undergraduate degree. I participated in team training this year and raced locally however due to my time commitments with school I was not able to race and train as much as I would have liked to this past season.

Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology
Medical School
Thunder Bay, ON

Although everyone brings this point up I really feel I benefited from the small class sizes. It allowed me to develop a rapport with my professors and made seeking help and guidance easy. I enjoyed the academic side of my undergrad more because I always felt supported by the Lakehead faculty.

I was also able to get to know most of the students in my program. This was great from the perspective of student life as I met a lot of new people and remain good friends with many of them. It was also helpful academically as we would often all work together to solve problems or help each other out at times of need both inside and outside of school.

My undergraduate degree at Lakehead helped me develop a strong knowledge and skill base upon which I am now working to build my medical training.

Academically, at Lakehead I was able to take a wide variety of courses that ranged from languages to advanced biochemistry, which helped me develop a well-rounded knowledge base. I was also able to take courses that focused on unique aspects of Northern Ontario's biology, chemistry and Aboriginal culture.  

Participation on the varsity Nordic Ski team has also prepared me in many ways for medical school. Perseverance, time management, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and plain hard work are all essential aspects of competitive sport. On a daily basis the skills I have developed through ski racing aid me in both school and life in general.

Fine Arts, Education
Newfoundland

"When I first came to Lakehead I was pretty scared, I didn’t know anyone. My entire family lived in another province so leaving home was pretty overwhelming. But it wasn’t until I was walking to class one afternoon during early September that I realized Lakehead was the school for me. There was something about walking along Lake Tamblyn and saying hi to all my new friends I walked passed made me feel important. It made the feeling of being alone turn into the feeling of independence.

I’ve been working on a butcher-paper dress accompanied by photos a fellow student helped me take. During this project my professor Roly Martin helped me get outside my comfort zone. He taught me to take my art to a new level; showing me how to step back and look at my art as a whole was a huge eye opener. Roly did not only teach me how important craftsmanship is but more importantly how to see myself as an artist.

A pivotal experience for me at Lakehead was when I was walking across campus in my second year and saw a few friends. I decided to stop and chat with them and ask how their semester was going, one particular girl I didn’t know said she knew me because someone showed her my artwork. She said she was pretty impressed; we began to chat about my work and my program. It was then I realized I was doing something important with my education.

Honours Bachelor of English/Concurrent Education
Cambridge, ON

I chose Lakehead so that I could become more independent since at the time I was very dependent on my family. I also chose Lakehead because I love the outdoors and I knew Lakehead would allow me the opportunity of spending lots of time outside and doing things I love.

My favourite professor is Cindy Soldan and she completely changed my life. She is so enthusiastic about English and the courses that she teaches that I felt so excited to go to class and listen to her talk about what she loved. I struggled for a while with classes and she did everything in her power to help me out and provide me with solutions about getting ahead in my schooling and doing well.

I previously worked for residence as a Resident Assistant and my job was to make sure that students are happy, healthy and safe. This was truly a rewarding experience as I got to help students have the best time at Lakehead and help them with anything they might need. I love knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of other people and enjoy my time in residence. It is very hard to be homesick when you are constantly doing things and having events to participate in. Residence has truly had a significant impact on me becoming more independent and allowing me to have the best time possible during my time at Lakehead.

I have had the great pleasure of connecting through residence with many international students and it is the best thing I have ever experienced. I have been able to learn about different cultures, different dances, and languages. Lakehead opens up a whole other world to you when you are here because there are so many different clubs to get involved with, different people to meet, and different experiences to have. I have done so much at my time so far at Lakehead that I know I am ready to graduate next year and take all my learning experiences and transfer my skills that I have learned to a career after Lakehead. I am excited to start a new chapter in my life and I am not as scared anymore because Lakehead has truly prepared me for what is next to come.

Master's of Public Health, Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Fort Frances, ON

I chose Lakehead because it was close to my hometown and I was looking for a smaller University that would become my home away from home. 

Currently, Dr Lisa Korteweg has been the professor that has had a significant impact on me.  Dr. Korteweg is my PhD supervisor from the faculty of Education. Dr. Korteweg has been my number one supporter and has challenged me to think and explore my interests in various ways that have helped me develop as a young academic.  Dr. Korteweg has also consistently shown me respect and interest in the history and culture of Metis people, which is important to me as a Metis person!  

I tremendously enjoyed my years living in residence.  I made some long lasting friendships while living in Bartley residence; friendships I hold dear to my heart today, as they are partly responsible for my success and for the person I have become.  Lakehead has never failed me in the sense that it has been a great school meeting my needs as a young student, as an Aboriginal student, as a young mother student, and now as a woman just entering her 40s!

I got involved in various social aspects of University life through my social connections living in residence!  Our home was full of a team of people and showed great pride in various successes as we worked through the first year of our University journey together.  

I have great memories of Lakehead contributing to drooping my social and life skills, as well as giving me the theoretical knowledge I needed to secure my first job.  Today I work at Confederation College in Thunder Bay supporting and advancing the learning of students and faculty with a specific interest in Aboriginal student success.  I haven't been able to leave Lakehead yet and although my journey initially started in 1994, today after many years later, I am about half way through my PhD.  All of my degrees are from Lakehead; I am a true lover of the Northwestern Ontario University that is often forgotten about but has a very special place in my heart! 

Psychology, Concurrent Education
Sarnia, Ontario

"Lakehead University was an easy choice for me. What caught my eye was how approachable and informative the recruitment officers were when presenting information about Lakehead. They made a point to express that you won’t just be a number but a name to your professors. Also what was attractive was the smaller class sizes, this would give me more opportunity for my questions to be addressed and to receive one on one tutoring. I never found school easy, so I was sold.

After the first few weeks of school I started to make those connections with professors and sent frequent emails about questions I may have had. This turned into the best choice I could have made as one particular psychology prof saw my hard work ethic and took it upon himself to mentor me all the way through my undergrad. The professors at Lakehead have hands down exceeded my expectations of what I would like in a prof. This made it easy for me to reach my goals.

I became a Residence House President in 2^nd year where I lived with and mentored first year students all through their year. I also became involved with the Student Success Centre L.E.A.D program in 3^rd and 4^th year. I love seeing prospective students get excited about Lakehead in hopes of experiencing the same positive outcomes I did."

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Science Without Borders)
Brazil

My experience at LU could not be better. I started in the English program where I learned the necessary fundamentals to get into university. After that, I did a research project. This gave me the opportunity to discover things, learn more about new technology and present an article at an International Conference. This University experience, teaches me different ways to study and it has allowed for more understanding and knowledge. I have the opportunity to work at Lakehead University Residence as a House President and this activity has changed my experience in Canada because I have met so many people, improve my English and made so many friends.

Every single moment that I’ve had in Canada will be part of me forever, but some of them I will always remember such as: the first snow fight and snow man, first time doing snowboarding and skating, the first day of classes and the feeling of being in a different country with a different culture. Canada is amazing and welcomes everyone. people

Studying in Canada was my goal when I was in Brazil and this opportunity has made me even more thankful for everything in my life. Now it is time to set up new goals, as I will graduate from University and maybe go on for a Master's degree and potentially come back to Canada.