Honours Bachelor of Commerce

I was studying at the Umeå School of Business and Economics in Umeå, Sweden – one of the larger cities in Northern Sweden.

Studying abroad has always been something that I have wanted to do. The idea first surfaced from when I was travelling a number of years ago. I wanted to be able to travel somewhere in the context of ‘living’ rather than merely ‘visiting.’ Being able to establish a routine in a completely different culture seemed like a very attractive idea to me.

In so many ways I feel this experience has enhanced my education. Stepping outside of our culture and into the day-to-day life of another community and country gave me a whole new perspective of things. 

My biggest takeaway from studying abroad was how similar we all are. After a little while you begin to notice that aside from all the noticeable differences, such as language and culture, we are all cut from the same cloth.

 When studying abroad, make sure to do your research. Knowing as much as you can about where you are going will only help you. Make sure that you do everything in your power to make the most of it.

Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation
Thunder Bay, ON

I initially became involved with this course as a step to furthering my goal of becoming a global citizen with a diverse travel and education background. That is also one of the many reasons why I came into the Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism program as a whole. The battlefield tourism trip specifically, was an incredible experience, which not only allowed us to glimpse the beginnings of Canada’s true independence, but to experience the trial by fire that it was. When joining the course, I knew I was going to learn a lot, and be privy to a wealth of education, which is only available beyond the walls of the traditional lecture hall. Beyond this, I was also looking into some personal research about Aboriginal Canadian representation and achievements in relation to the wars. Closely related to that, I also had the fortune of being able to search for past connections with my great uncles, grandfathers, and a great aunt who were involved in various military operations, but had the good fortune to return home. 

It is only when you are standing at the sites and the many memorials and ceremonies that I think a person truly experiences what had occurred throughout the course of the World Wars. It’s one thing to read books or watch movies, but to be there, standing on war torn ground, or on the beaches where our soldiers fought and died to ensure we have the rights and freedoms we do.  

I am original from Thunder Bay, but I’ve always chased the freedom in adventure. I would recommend this trip to anyone. It was an opportunity to be seized, and I am grateful to have been able to do it.

I chose to attend Lakehead because of its world-renowned research facilities and because of its active involvement in archaeological studies and cultural engagement in Northwestern Ontario. 

There are many aspects of Lakehead that make student life a wonderful experience. In particular, Lakehead provides students with opportunities to become involved in exciting and interesting research projects at the undergraduate level. Many professors at Lakehead encourage involvement in research programs through volunteering and because of this encouragement, I have gained practical experience, which will help me throughout my academic career.

Recently I was able to represent Lakehead at the Canadian Archaeological Association annual conference along with fellow students from the program and showcase some of the ongoing undergraduate research projects from the Anthropology Department. I was fortunate enough to receive the award for best undergraduate research poster for my project on the Gunflint Formation, a geologic formation commonly used in the distant past to access raw materials for the manufacture of stone tools. My project was exciting because I have always been interested in stone projectile points and because of my research I have a better understanding of stone tool manufacturing in Northwestern Ontario. I plan to continue my education at Lakehead at the graduate level in the Northern Environments and Cultures program then possibly enter into the archaeological consulting field. 

I chose to attend Lakehead because of its world-renowned research facilities and because of its active involvement in archaeological studies and cultural engagement in Northwestern Ontario. 

There are many aspects of Lakehead that make student life a wonderful experience, in particular, Lakehead provides students with opportunities to become involved in exciting and interesting research projects at the undergraduate level. Many professors at Lakehead encourage involvement in research programs through volunteering and because of this encouragement; I have gained practical experience, which will help me throughout my academic career. Recently I was able to represent Lakehead at the Canadian Archaeological Association annual conference along with fellow students from the program and showcase some of the ongoing undergraduate research projects from the Anthropology Department. I was fortunate enough to receive the award for best undergraduate research poster for my project on the Gunflint Formation, a geologic formation commonly used in the distant past to access raw materials for the manufacture of stone tools.  My project was exciting because I have always been interested in stone projectile points and because of my research I have a better understanding of stone tool manufacturing in Northwestern Ontario. I plan to continue my education at Lakehead at the graduate level in the Northern Environments and Cultures program then possibly enter into the archaeological consulting field.

Applied Bio-Molecular Science
Thunder Bay 

"Growing up in Thunder Bay, I had the opportunity to see how involved Lakehead University was in the community and meet many students that had attended the school. Personally, I found the most appealing thing about Lakehead University to be its size. Small Universities not only make it easier to become involved and make friends, they also give students the opportunity to get to know their professors and become involved in research projects at a much earlier stage.

After completing my second year in Applied Bio-molecular Science at Lakehead, I have already had the chance to spend the summer working in the Bio Refining Research Institute Laboratories on campus. Working in the lab has not only been an amazing learning experience, it has also allowed me to become involved in research that is relevant right here in Thunder Bay. I hope to continue to take on research projects as I finish my undergraduate degree here at Lakehead."

Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts), Native Teacher Education Program
Thunder Bay, ON

I am an Anishinaabe artist who lives and works in Thunder Bay, and I’m a member of the Red Rock Indian Band. I identify with my Indigenous and non-Indigenous roots and draw on life experiences to explore the relationship between cultures and people. In 1997, I graduated from Lakehead with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education through the Native Teacher Education Program (NTEP). In 2012, I returned to school to pursue my dream of becoming an artist and I’m currently a part-time student in the Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts program.

Going back to school after fifteen years wasn’t an easy decision to make, but the close-knit community within the Visual Arts department at Lakehead has been welcoming and supportive for me. The professors are incredibly approachable, knowledgeable, and talented while students in all years interact and provide one another with feedback on a continual basis. It’s an environment that fosters creativity, innovative thinking, sharing, collaboration, and teamwork. This experience has had a positive impact on my artwork and helped spur my involvement in a number of community arts projects and initiatives throughout the past few years.

 Currently, I am devoted to, and a dedicated committee member of, Neechee Studio, a Definitely Superior Art Gallery program that provides Aboriginal youth with access to free art workshops delivered by professional Aboriginal artists. I am continually exploring traditional and contemporary art forms in order to create art that will inspire discussion and create awareness about Aboriginal issues as well as guide others to communicate and heal through the arts.

Honours Bachelor of Social Work
Coldwater, ON

My path to Lakehead University as a mature transfer student was a difficult decision. I transferred from Georgian College Orillia Campus to further my knowledge in mental health and gain the skills and tools necessary for becoming a community social worker. The Professors and staff at Lakehead have made the transition into University an easier one. Everyone is kind and approachable, providing all the necessary information and knowledge for success. Attending a school with professors that are approachable and flexible makes navigating the university systems manageable and prepares students for the challenges faced in student life.

With a full time course load getting involved on campus can seem impossible but at the Lakehead Orillia campus it is made so easy. With activities and booths set up constantly in the main building, you are able to get involved just by walking to and from class. It is important for me to know what goes on in the Lakehead community and I am given that opportunity whether it's posted on the wall around campus or emailed to you in a campus information update.

 I chose Lakehead University for social work because of the competitive HBSW undergraduate program offered. Lakehead offers a reapplication process for the professional years of the program and this ensures that only the best prepared for the field of social work end up registered social workers in the community. Lakehead provides the education required to make changes in the community and in the world. For me becoming a social worker is based on my belief that everyone should have access to health care, food, shelter, clothing, education and, minimum earning opportunities. Social work is my passion; I want to work for change and I want to stand for equality in our society. I want to listen and support the vulnerable population, facilitate empowerment and advocate for social justice while collaborating and working with others to change the inequities that affect our communities. I want to become a social worker to build community and create equity on a global scale to create real change. 

Honours Bachelor of Social Work 
Coldwater, Ontario

I transferred from Georgian College to Lakehead University to further my knowledge in mental health and gain the skills and tools necessary for becoming a community social worker. The professors and staff at Lakehead have made the transition into university an easy one. Everyone is kind and approachable, providing all the necessary information and knowledge for success. 

I chose Lakehead for the competitive Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) undergraduate program. Lakehead offers a reapplication process for the professional years of the program and this ensures that only those who are best prepared for the field of social work end up as registered social workers in the community. Lakehead provides the education required to make changes in the community and in the world.

For me becoming a social worker is based on my belief that everyone should have access to health care, food, shelter, clothing, education and, minimum earning opportunities. Social work is my passion; I want to work for change and I want to stand for equality in our society. I want to listen and support the vulnerable populations, facilitate empowerment and advocate for social justice while collaborating and working with others to change the inequities that affect our communities. I want to become a social worker to build community and create equity on a global scale to create real change. 

Honours Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Colborne, ON

I remember in my grade 12 year how hard it was to decide what University to attend since every university I visited had something I liked. However, I chose Lakehead University because when I visited the campus, I fell in love with the atmosphere and environment that Lakehead offered. The Lakehead campus is full of trees and has a river that flows right near residence, but best of all it even has a lake! Because I came from a small country town, the Lakehead campus made me feel as if I was home. 

Lakehead is a smaller university and because of that you are not a number. The professors will recognize you and know you by name. I especially love that about Lakehead. Because of the smaller class sizes, you are able to get to know the professors more and I find that makes you a lot more comfortable approaching them when you need help. I was having a hard time one week and one of my professors noticed, and she came  up to me and asked how I was doing, and she helped to make a plan to get me back on track. In this moment, I noticed that the professors here care about how you are doing, and they want to help you succeed. This professor had a huge impact on me as a student since she reminded me that things get overwhelming at times, but there is always help if I need it.

Lakehead University has opened up many doors and opportunities for me. One opportunity was being able to go on exchange to the University of Helsinki in Finland. Doing an exchange was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It gave me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and to meet people from all over the world. I was also able learn about a new schooling system and make professional connections with professors in my field of study. Another bonus of doing an exchange was that I had the opportunity to do some traveling. I visited St. Petersburg, Russia, saw the Northern lights in Northern Finland (Lapland), explored the city of Stockholm in Sweden, and even got a job in the Arctic Ocean in Norway. These were things I might have never done if I didn't do an exchange, plus I got to experience all these adventures with friends that I met from all over the world, which made it even that much better. If you have the chance to do an exchange, I would highly recommend it. You learn a lot and will make memories that will last you a life time.

Now that I have had all these opportunities, my time at Lakehead is getting close to its end, which saddens me, but I do feel that Lakehead has prepared me for what's next. Because of my program, I have been getting summer jobs in my field and been able to apply what I was taught to work. I feel that when my time does come to graduate I will be ready to start my career in forestry and I couldn't be happier about it. Thanks to Lakehead University, I have been able to achieve all the things that I wanted to.

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

Living and studying in northern Ontario allows me to continue to take part in outdoor activities (like competing with the Nordic Ski Team) while studying at a university with a small-school advantage. This has given me a place to grow, build my confidence and access supports if I need them.

Because of the amount invested in undergraduate research at Lakehead, I found that Psychology had great research opportunities. This, along with intimate class sizes, allowed me to do course work projects and summer projects in research areas related to my interests. For my 4th year thesis project, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Christopher Mushsquash on research related to substance abuse in the north.

At Lakehead, I always felt valued as a student, that my contribution mattered and still matters. Because I took advantage of all of the opportunities available to me inside and outside the classroom, I was successful in 6 of my 7 medical school applications. After I completed my Psychology degree, I chose to study at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.