History, Concurrent Education
Thunder Bay, Ontario

I knew Lakehead University was the university for me based on their fantastic entrance scholarship program. Due to my good marks in high school I was lucky enough to have free tuition for my first year of university. Aside from scholarships I was able to stay in my beautiful hometown of Thunder Bay. It’s a city that I know well and have connections with many people in the area.

In first year I was struggled with the transition to university. This was reflected in some of my classes. I decided that I should talk with some of my professors at Lakehead. At first I was nervous, I was scared they would be unapproachable, but I quickly found out the opposite. They really helped me come up with a plan of action for that year. Ever since that experience I’ve been able to relax more about school because I know that the staff at Lakehead want to help and see the students succeed.

Bachelor of Arts & Science in Environmental Sustainability
Parry Sound, ON

I was first introduced to Lakehead University when Dr. Kanavillil hired me for an internship after graduating from Georgian College’s Environmental Technology program. Throughout the year while I was working at Lakehead, an articulation agreement was made between Lakehead University and Georgian College to provide graduates of the 3-year Environmental Technology program an opportunity to further their education and earn a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environmental Sustainability at the Orillia campus in just two years. I chose to take this opportunity and work toward a University Degree.

While studying at Lakehead one of my professors, Dr. Kanavillil, offered me the opportunity to work on various water quality research projects with him. This was a chance for me to gain additional experience working in the field and in the laboratory. Dr. Kanavillil has guided me through the steps of conducting research projects from beginning to end.

Lakehead provides an academic environment with small class sizes and has a closely-knit community and faculty. This gives students a chance to get to know their professors and classmates, opens doors for research opportunities, and enables students to receive additional help with their studies.

I have been involved in several projects and research opportunities. I was able to participate in projects focused on water quality with Dr. Kanavillil, soil core samples from Kamchatcha, Russia with Dr. Pendea, and terrestrial ecology at field school with Dr. Reyes. All of these projects helped me to develop critical analysis, organization, and time management skills.

My experience at Lakehead has provided me with the hands on skills and theoretical knowledge I will be able to apply when starting a career and I believe that is one of the most valuable assets a student can take from their education.

HBA Psychology

Sioux Lookout, ON

I chose Lakehead because it offers a great Psychology program, and I knew that I could have a better learning experience being in more intimate classrooms and having more opportunity to communicate with my professors. The university atmosphere is very welcoming and supportive and is helping me reach my educational goals.

I feel that it is important for me to earn a university degree, and it is one of the many goals I wish to achieve in my life. I already have a diploma in Early Childhood Education, and receiving a degree in Psychology, and eventually a PhD in Child Psychology is a dream I have always wanted to pursue. I also want to make my family and my community proud of my accomplishments, and I want all of our people to know that it is possible to achieve their goals too. It is so important for Aboriginal people to continue in their education and be as successful as they can!

Lakehead University is very helpful in this and recognizes Aboriginal students in an encouraging and supportive way. Students are provided with assistance if needed, and I believe that this is what we need in order to feel confident in our studies. As well, there are always cultural events taking place and I am glad that the school is promoting and sharing Aboriginal cultural traditions, such as the traditional sweat lodge, smudging on campus, and the annual student run powwow.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cornwall, ON

My path to Lakehead began here, in Thunder Bay, throughout those summers spent here with family. The eventual decision was rational, as the nursing program here has a reputation for excellence, but emotional, too: I knew I was in the right place when I came to take a tour in the spring of 2012 and fell in love with the campus and university community.

I chose the BScN program because it offers the unique combination of the sciences that I love and practical applications of skill in the clinical setting. I am honored to work with and learn from the excellent health care professionals here in Thunder Bay, and these shared experiences have enriched my learning.

I think the biggest challenge facing students today is balancing the many competing demands of the university environment. As a student nurse it can initially be overwhelming when we’re asked to simultaneously prepare for clinical placements, maintain academic focus, engage in the university’s community, and become involved in the greater community. The process of learning to balance these demands teaches us to organize and prioritize. This last year in particular, I have experienced challenges that threw off my balance and forced me to adapt my practice. My family has been a great source of strength and support throughout this learning experience.

It is my position that the most important learning we do is outside of the classroom, and the most interesting things I’ve learned have been through interaction with other students. One of my favorite things to do is sit down to a meal in the cafeteria with various members of the residence life team and listen to them share their knowledge and perspective on every subject under the sun, from the latest hockey game result to international affairs. Education is sometimes thought about as a cold construct, filled with facts and reason, but it’s a concept that I’ve come to believe is warm and alive, exemplified by the sharing of information between people.

Right now, the focus of my involvement has been with the University community as a Resident Assistant with Lakehead University Residence Life. As a part of that team, I’m a resource person for students throughout residence, and ultimately we are responsible for supporting the safety and security of those students. The job description is pretty wide and specific duties vary, but the most essential part of our role is that of mental health support through personal interaction, suicide awareness and crisis intervention. I have specific training in mental health support, including crisis intervention and one-on-one support, and I’ve used those skills many times this past year.

 My main focus as a Resident Assistant, aside from meeting its many daily demands, has prepared me for health promotion. This has been realized through communication with students including information and awareness campaigns, collaboration with team members to create events on topics such as safe alcohol behaviors and positive body image, and leadership of a fitness challenge that ran throughout residence. It is my position that if students start effective health behaviors during their university years, those effects will ripple outward for the rest of their lives.

I am also a regular volunteer with the Lakehead University Student Union Food Bank, run by Adrian Arts. This non-profit center provides food and supplies to students in need, and supports many in the university community. In the community, I volunteer with the Canadian Heart and Stroke foundation as a member of the skipping team, a group that connects with students in elementary schools to promote physical fitness and fun.

 I don’t yet know what the future will hold, but right now it will be completing my undergraduate degree and then pursuing more education. I do know that I love learning, working and interacting with people, and challenge, and I think that will lead me to where I’m meant to go. 

Music, Concurrent Education
Thunder Bay, Ontario

"There were only a few schools that offered my program that had a good reputation in both education and music. I met some of the music profs when I went for a tour of the department and it was nice when one of the same profs that came to my high school to promote the Lakehead music department remembered me.

Part of the music program includes musicianship course. I took the class, and found that I was having a little bit of trouble. The professor gave me a lot of encouragement, and even outside of the classroom, I would always stop to chat with this prof and she was always giving me tips. Because of her encouragement, her enthusiasm, and her extremely positive attitude, musicianship was my favourite class of my first year.

One extra-curricular activity that I partake in outside of the classroom would be Campus Rec Sports. It is a great way to stay active all throughout the year, as well as meet a lot of other people with similar interests.
Another extra curricular activity that I am involved with is the Argus Newspaper. I am the sports editor for the 2011-2012 school year, and with this job come a lot of perks. I get the opportunity to see every school team in action when they’re playing at home."

Geology
Thunder Bay, Ontario

As a student in the Geology program, I have been able to join with the Geology Association of Lakehead University (GALU), which promotes intradepartmental events. The Geology Faculty are especially supportive of their students, giving recommendations to current students and alumni in courses and professional work.

Lakehead is a fantastic university for the Geology program.  The faculty is well known in the Mining Industry and work with us to provide the knowledge needed for jobs in the field.  Thunder Bay is located in a growing mining area and will have many opportunities for graduating geologists.  I have heard of many alumni easily finding jobs as many companies look specifically for Lakehead students and alumni.

Bachelor of Education (1 year)
Montreal, QC

After working with a UN agency in the Middle East and Africa for several years, I moved back to Canada with the hope of beginning a new career in teaching. On a whim, I applied for the B.Ed program at Lakehead. I had never been to Thunder Bay, or even met somebody who had been there! With trepidation I accepted the offer of admission and an exciting new phase of my life began. Having already attended two of Canada's largest universities, I was pleasantly surprised at entering a learning environment where professors took the time to get to know the needs and perspectives of their students. Coming from a big city, Lakehead campus was a beautiful breath of fresh air (literally!) and such a friendly and caring community to join. Having the opportunity to both learn about and work directly with Aboriginal students and elders was one of the most unique aspects of the program at Lakehead. My year at Lakehead was truly a special experience!  I’m Currently teaching ESL in Ottawa.

"I chose to come to Lakehead because of the great tradition and reputation of the education program as well as the beautiful city it is located in. Lakehead is the right school for me because I feel like an important student through constant interaction with my professors and not just a number like you may feel at some larger institutions. Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus is in a great town with a lot of entertaining things to see and do. The scenery in the area is like nothing I have ever seen before growing up in Southern Ontario. If you want a great university experience as well as the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, then Lakehead is a great choice for you!