Archives

Canadian Olympian Will Bring Determination Message to Students at Waterfront Campus

Melissa BishopWinning gold at the Pan Am Games was a very special moment for Melissa Bishop. After years of training, the Canadian Olympian celebrated one of the greatest races of her career and triggered an outpouring of pride across the Ottawa Valley.

As she now prepares for the World Track and Field Championships in China, and ultimately another crack at winning a medal at the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Bishop will find time this fall to tell her inspiring story at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus.

Becoming a world class athlete in a sport as competitive as running requires motivation, perseverance and commitment—all attributes demonstrated by Bishop’s gruelling training schedule. Bishop is a role model for all young people who have a dream and are willing to do what it takes to be successful.

Algonquin College has invited Bishop to be part of its orientation for new students. She will Melissa Bishop on podiumspeak to the incoming class on September 15th in the Student Commons area about determination, telling her story about the highs and lows of being an amateur athlete. It will be an inspirational message to the students at a time when they are just getting started on their career pathway.

For many students, the first few weeks of post-secondary education can be intimidating. That’s why colleges plan a variety of orientation activities focusing on opportunities for students to connect with other students and college staff. These activities can focus on academics or social experiences.

Bishop can relate to what it’s like for a student to experience post-secondary education for the first time. After graduating from Opeongo High School, she moved away from home to attend the University of Windsor. While in university, she continued to work towards her goal of making Canada’s Olympic team while completing a Bachelor’s Degree. In 2012, she competed in the London, England summer games, but a disappointing performance, has left her hungrier than ever to return to the Olympics in 2016.

Now 26 years of age, Bishop recognizes that she still has lots of work to do as she prepares to face the world’s best athletes. In fact, she must still qualify for Canada’s Olympic team by finishing in the top three in her sport at the country’s national track and field championships. Given her passion for running and her determination, we can expect to see Bishop next summer in Brazil, proudly representing her country.

Bishop’s visit to the college will be very special for the students. Many will have never met an Olympian and at a time when a lot of young people are apprehensive about their future, Bishop’s engaging story will deliver a clear message that hard work pays off.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Get an Early Start on Your College Studies

The academic calendar says you don’t start classes at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus until Tuesday, September 8th, the day after Labour Day, but there’s no reason why you can’t get started earlier. In fact, the College recommends students complete some academic preparation classes before beginning their formal studies.

Why? Because it helps students succeed!

Grads Checklist

The College has two great opportunities available to students in August. The first is what is known as Jump Start, a one week program that focuses on helping students get organized for their studies. It includes helpful tips on time management, organizational skills and study habits. It also blends in some English, Math and computer applications.

There is also an optional science program where students can brush up on their chemistry and biology skills. This is important for students who will be enrolled in a program that has science involved such as Practical Nursing, Environmental Technician or Radiation Safety.

There are 60 seats available in the Jump Start program, with 30 students taking part in each of the two week-long sessions. Classes run during the day. While the program is free to incoming students, they are required to pay a $50 deposit to hold their seat. The money is refunded upon completion of the Jump Start program.

Success Strategies

The second option is a Success Strategies Course that will be offered in the evenings during the month of August. Students will take classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights and successful completion of the course will earn them a general education credit that can be applied to their full-time program.

The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, analyzing your learning style, solving problems, working in a team and establishing personal and career goals. Classes will run from August 4 to 27th from 6 to 9 p.m.

All Algonquin College students are required to have a General Education credit to graduate from their full-time program, so taking this course before formal classes begin in the fall, is very advantageous for new students. This course is also being offered free of charge.

Students that are interested in these classes can register by contacting the college Fees office at 613-735-4700, ext. 2702.

Going to college is a big step. Being well prepared is a good decision that will help you get off to a great start.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at the Waterfront Campus.

 

 

A Business Worth Steeping

A number of our Business students are on the cusp of graduating and it’s Business alumni like Lisa Banville, co-owner of Tealee who inspire these soon-to-be grads to follow their dreams.

Tealee Logo

After graduating over two years ago, Lisa found she had the basic skills she needed to turn her passion into a business called Tealee.

As a result, the 24 year-old marked her tea business’s one-year anniversary in October. Tealee began when her boyfriend and now partner, Sami Devine, suggested that he could build a website for her own business. That was all Banville needed to run with her idea – tea. She now has created eight original tea blends that are sold at grocery stores around Ottawa.

Both Banville and Devine are continuing their studies with Algonquin College by working towards their Canadian Tea Sommeliers certification. The added certification should help to ease the pressures associated with importing teas from all over the world. Banville and Devine plan to venture into tea plantations and purchase directly from the growers.

Tealee Tea

Tealee has a lot of plans moving forward, including turning this part-time hobby into a full-time venture. They hope to open up a storefront in the Ottawa area in the next five to ten years.

It is success stories like Tealee that continue to foster and encourage innovation here at our Waterfront Campus.

Do you have an alumni success story? We want to hear about it!

Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz, Here 2 Help

Algonquin Remembers Them

More than 113,000 Canadian soldiers were killed during the first two World Wars and close to 1,000 more have died in the Korean War, peacekeeping missions and the most recent conflict in Afghanistan. On November 11th, ceremonies will be held across the nation as Canada pauses to remember its war dead.

Lest We Forget

Algonquin College has always had a close working relationship with the Canadian military, as the Pembroke Campus each year has many students that are directly connected to Garrison Petawawa. This includes current members of the military, retired service men and women that are transitioning to a civilian career, military spouses and dependents. The College also has several staff that are members of military families.

Ron Kinsley

In recent years, the local military community has suffered some great losses. Many of the 157 Canadians that were killed in Afghanistan were based in Petawawa. Others that served in the war torn region were badly injured or left mentally scarred by their experience overseas.

Each year the College holds its own Remembrance Day service in a moving tribute to the men and women that have served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Wreaths are laid by college staff and students in remembrance of soldiers, and a World War ll and Korean veteran lights a candle, a symbol of the eternal flame that glows 365 days a year at cenotaphs across the country. At the end of the service, students and staff shake the hand of the veteran, a small gesture of appreciation to an aging man who remembers the horror of war and stands as a reminder that we must never forget.

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus will go silent. On Remembrance Day, pause to remember them.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager, Community and Student Affairs

How to Choose a College – There’s a Method

As a high school student you are more than likely experiencing a variety of emotions right now: ExcitmentStressedBewildered

  1. Excitement – you are finally getting to spread your wings and fly. You know exactly what college and which program you are applying to.
  2. Anxiety – you feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available to you. You don’t feel as though you are in a place to know “what you want to be when you grow up.”
  3. Bewildered – Grade 12 snuck up on you and you aren’t in a position to apply to the program of your choice.

If you are getting ready to apply to college and don’t know how to choose between all your different options, you may wish to read the advice below. We’ll walk you through the things you will need to consider when choosing a school to attend!

  • Consider what you want to study. This is the most difficult part. This is essentially deciding what you want to do with your life. You can always change your mind, of course, but you will want to try to choose a school which offers the program(s) you would like to study. You can choose something you’ve always wanted to do or you start in a more flexible program like our General Arts and Science, which offers flexibility and the chance to explore of a variety of areas.
  • Consider the location – book a tour! Consider where you would like to go to school. This is a place you will be living for anywhere from 1 to 4 years! It is important to choose a location which you will be happy with. This may be a big city, or a smaller more connected campus like our Waterfront Campus. Choose a campus where you will be comfortable.
  • Find out about facilities and available resources. You will want to decide what kind of facilities and resources are important to you. Some schools provide assistive services through their Centre for Students with Disabilities, different schools have different housing options, some schools will have a gym/fitness facility, some might have health services, or any number of other services.
  • Meet with instructors. With the programs you consider, talk to the coordinator of the program which you plan on studying with. Make a list of questions. This will help you get a better view of the kinds of things you will be studying.
  • Be realistic. Understand that some programs are difficult to get into and, though it may be your dream to attend, you might not be able to get in. You can have excellent grades, but perhaps you aren’t prepared for additional admissions testing. Don’t panic. Study and prepare for additional testing, but also have a Plan B in place, perhaps you should also apply to a prep course like General Arts and Science – Pre-Health Science or make sure your have a second or third choice as part of your application.

Preparation Don’t stress too much, just put yourself in the best situation to make an informed decision. Is there a piece of advice that you wish you had been given when you were choosing your college or program? Share you thoughts. Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz, Here 2 Help

Outdoor Adventure Grad Wins Amazing Race Canada

After never winning a leg on ‘The Amazing Race Canada,’ Pete Schmalz, Outdoor Adventure grad 2010 and Mickey Henry pulled off the only one that mattered, taking home the Amazing Race Canada grand prize. These two best buds from the Muskokas were the perfect pairing for this extraordinary adventure that saw them explore Canada and the world. 600x338_Mickey-and-Pete-at-final-challenge-(2)_1 Mickey and Pete took an early lead on the final leg during a rafting challenge that required them to paddle across the Ottawa River. Thanks to Pete’s expertise as a river raft guide with our outdoor training partner, Wilderness Tours, and the skills he learned during his time at Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus this challenge wasn’t an obstacle.

600x338_Pete-and-Mickey-take-an-early-lead-over-Meaghan-and-Natalie-(3)

“The entire thing feels like one crazy, big dream. I didn’t think in a million years we were going to win. The Olympians (Natalie and Meaghan) beat us on every leg. I can’t believe we won,” says Pete.

But the two friends finished the challenge first and headed to the finish line at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, ON. After host Jon Montgomery confirmed they were the first team to arrive and had won $250,000, along with the chance to fly free for a year on Air Canada, two Chevrolet trucks and “gas for life” from Petro-Canada, Mickey and Pete were so ecstatic they took off their pants. That’s right, on national television, these champs took off their pants! This is a perfect example of the free spirited nature of students who take part in our outdoor training programs and a major reason why never finishing first didn’t phase this long-haired, carpe diem duo.

John Montgomery with Amazing Race Canada, season 2 winnners Pete and Mickey give John a hug.

“The whole way through we kept saying next time, we’re going to win the next one and we never got to take our pants off the whole time so the last one was like screw it we’re doing it,” says Pete. “We’d been wearing our good luck Speedos for like three legs,” says Mickey with a laugh.

So, what do the two plan to do with their winnings? Pay back student loans of course. After completing the two-year Outdoor Adventure program here at our Pembroke Campus, Pete took advantage of one of our articulation agreements or degree pathways with Thompson Rivers University, B.C. Not only did Pete earn 20 certification and some business fundamentals with the Outdoor Adventure program, but he leveraged his Algonquin education and enter directly into the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers. In a total of four years, Pete earned an absolutely unique diploma and a degree! Based on Pete and Mickey’s outstanding accomplishment, I feel there could very well be a large number of Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist grads auditioning to be part of The Amazing Race Canada – because they have what it takes to win! Do you have what it takes to win The Amazing Race Canada? Do you have a “Pete” or “Mickey” in your life that would be the perfect partner for this race? Check out other great articles featuring our “amazing” grad, the Huffington Post and The Globe and Mail Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz, Here 2 Help Guru Photos source: The Amazing Race Canada website

The Summer Melt

Every year, thousands of students make their way into the post-secondary system, embarking on a journey that will be one of the most memorable of their lifetime. It will also be an experience that will position them for success in the workplace, but this blog is not about the students that go on to college or university to earn a credential, but rather the students that don’t.

These students have the same hopes and dreams, but instead of enrolling in the program they had intended to, they abandon their plan before starting classes.

In colleges, it is known as the “summer melt.”

melting-strawberry-icecream-400x400

So the question is, why don’t these students follow through with their intentions to attend post-secondary schooling? At a time when colleges and universities are facing the reality of a demographic shift in most parts of the country that will impact enrolments moving forward, enrolment managers are paying a lot of attention to this phenomenon.

Choosing to attend a post-secondary institute is both a logical and emotional decision. With that decision comes a lot of considerations, including answering questions like: Am I making the right program choice or do I have the necessary funding to pay for college? As applicants make their way through the admissions funnel, there are lot of things that can happen to give an applicant cold feet.

What colleges are trying to figure out is what are the triggers that lead these applicants to become drop outs, before they even begin their post-secondary journey, and more importantly how can they intervene to help these students stay on course.

In my opinion, it starts with building a relationship early and maintaining that relationship through the many months involved in the admissions cycle. There needs to be a lot of communication with applicants to offset those emotional feelings that can sway a student to make a decision that they probably will later regret. The applicants may not know there are services and supports available to them that can assist with helping them overcome some of the barriers that may have them thinking about pulling the plug on their college plans.

Those connections could involve meeting with faculty in the program they are considering, taking a campus tour, participating in a summer orientation college preparation session, sitting in on a college webinar, or opening up an on line conversation with a college student services representative. All of these touch points help an applicant feel secure in their decision, and stop them from melting away.

Undeclared

Parents, spouses and those closest to applicants also play a critical role in offering reassurance that the student is making a good decision by attending college. I know, because about five years ago my daughter was experiencing the same doubts during the summer months about whether she was choosing the right program. In her case, she had been accepted into an Early Childhood Education program, but eventually made the decision to enroll in an Office Administration-Executive program. It was a good choice and has led to a full time position with a large company with plenty of opportunities for advancement.

As parents, we could have said, take a year off and think about it some more. For some applicants that may work, but my experience has told me that it often doesn’t. These students often don’t resurface in the admissions funnel the following year, and it may be several years before they re-consider attending college, if they do at all.

Research in the United States has suggested the most vulnerable summer melt students come from low income families. Many may be the first person in their immediate family to attend post-secondary education, inherently putting significant pressure on them to succeed. That in itself could be overwhelming and as the start of fall classes creep closer, the emotional knee jerk reaction may be to relieve that pressure by taking the path frequently travelled by so many others who melt away during the months of June, July and August.

If you know a student that is having second thoughts about attending college this fall, do them a favour, and recommend they meet with a college advisor. That conversation could make a world of difference on whether they melt away or they carry through with their original plans to attend post-secondary schooling. It’s also a decision that could be life altering. It’s that important, given today’s competitive labour market and the need for post-secondary training.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus

Read other articles about Summer Melt phenomenon at colleges: (Note-the articles are American based as Canadian institutes have been slower to adopt the summer melt terminology and therefore less has been written about the topic by Canadian academics)

A Grad’s Journey

It’s one thing to hear about a program from a recruiter, a Guidance Counsellor or your parents – it’s another thing to explore the post-grad journey of an alumnus who has actually taken the program that you are interested in!

Life's a Journey

At the Waterfront Campus, we love to keep tabs on our grads and to hear from our alumni. Matt Van Nus, Algonquin alumnus, recently shared some of his thoughts on the Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist programs and all his accomplishments in the last ten years since he moved on from Algonquin College. Matt’s story is unique in that he graduated from the ODAN program in 2005 and immediately jumped into the ODA program – I say unique, but not totally unheard-of. Alumni Kayaking

Matt’s first stepping stone was working as a Rafting Guide for Wilderness Tours before having the opportunity to move-up to Assistant Trip Leader, working mostly on family trips cruising the Ottawa River. In August of 2007, Matt and his wife Caitlin, a graduate of the Practical Nursing program, moved to Port Sydney to work for Ontario Pioneer Camp as a lead in the Outdoor Education Centre. After four years, Matt worked his way up to Senior Instructor and built on the certifications that he earned with the ODA program, most notable Level 2 ACCT High Ropes Instructor!

Alumni, Rock climbing In 2011, Matt had the opportunity to flex his climbing skills and to put his forestry and flora knowledge to good use working for an arborist company. This position was short lived as it didn’t speak to Matt’s passion for education. In late 2011, Matt became the Assistant Outdoor Centre Director at the Mini-Yo-We Outdoor Centre and he hasn’t looked back!

“There is not a week that goes by where I do not use the skills that I learned at Algonquin. I still have opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, climbing, hiking, maple syrup, and so much more on my free time with my family and friends. I am also constantly using the business skills as well as many of the naturalist skills that I learned while at Algonquin.”

Alumnus Skiing

It is not only reassuring to hear that the skills learned at Algonquin are more than applicable, but it’s also invigorating to take this post-grad journey with an alumnus and explore the wide-open world that awaits our grads. Are you an Algonquin grad? We want to hear from you! Take us on your journey and help guide future Algonquin grads with your inspiring words. Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz

Algonquin Alumnus Jason Blaine Rocks PMC for Charity

Jason Blaine is one of Canada’s top Country music recording artists! He is also a Pembroke native and a graduate of Algonquin College’s Business program and recently he did what more college graduates should be doing! He gave back to his college and his community.

In the United States, alumni play a huge role in supporting the overall well being of the institution that they graduated from. In Canada, there are a few universities such as St. FX in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and Queens in Kingston, Ontario, that have a strong hold on their alumni, but most Canadian colleges and universities struggle with alumni relations. Unfortunately, most graduates move on with their lives after finishing up their schooling, and don’t keep their connection to their alma matter.

Recently, Blaine, who has lived in Nashville, Tennessee for several years, came back to his hometown of Pembroke to hold his first charity concert and golf tournament. The event was a resounding success, raising $50,000 for local charities including Algonquin College’s new Pembroke Campus capital campaign and the Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke.

Jason Blaine Kira Isabella Gord Bambord_72Jason Blaine with celebrity friends Kira Isabella and Gord Bamford

Married, with three young children, a crazy travel schedule, the pressure to write and record more hit songs, and all of the challenges that come with living a public life, Blaine didn’t have to spend the hundreds of hours required to plan and execute a great concert and golf tournament event, but he did! Why? Because his hometown and the college he graduated from, matter to him.

Jason Blaine at Grand Opening

Not every post-secondary graduate has the profile that Jason Blaine does, but every one of them can make a difference at the college they graduated from. Whether it is taking the time to visit future classes to share their college and work experiences with students, or making a financial contribution to a bursary program or a capital project, both time and financial gifts contribute to the success of a school.

Jason Blaine thanks golfers at his first annual golf classic tournament_72Jason Blaine thanks golfers at his first annual golf classic tournament.

What Jason Blaine has done by establishing his own Charitable Fund is inspirational. It is also a call to action to all Algonquin College graduates to consider giving back to their college and their community.

Jason reveals amount raised for charity_72Jason reveals amount raised for charity.

I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts on this blog or about other Algonquin graduates that are doing great things in their community. Please share.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger

 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year here on campus and it’s not because a majority of our students are gone for the summer! This is our favourite time of the year because the faculty, support staff and management team love celebrating the successes of our graduating class.

Nursing students look on as President MacDonald gives speech

This past week we had the honour of watching over 180 students walk across the stage at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. Their smiles could be seen from a mile away as could the realization that all their hard work, late nights and endless cups of coffee got them to this extraordinary moment. All the “cheerleaders” who watched these students grow and accomplish such wonderful things, including friends, family, special guests, faculty and support staff cheered and clapped as this enthusiastic group of students celebrated each other.

Dr. Kent MacDonald, Algonquin College President said it perfectly, “We are in an arena which has a long history of celebrating champions,” he said, and stated it is no different this evening. “You are a very impressive lot.”

The theme of the evening was a challenge to our graduating class – figure out how to give back to your communities and live a life of purpose. This is not a small challenge by any means, but a challenge nonetheless that we know our students are committed to fulfilling.

Charlie Butler, Pembroke GraduationPhoto taken by Stephen Uhler, Observer Multimedia Journalist

We also had the privilege of presenting an honorary degree to Charles Butler, Pembroke businessman and exceptional supporter of our Waterfront Campus. Mr. Butler shared some very wise words with our graduates, “You have earned an education from the college, but it is now up to you to do something with it,” he said.

No matter where they end up, Butler said they should never forget their home community or their college, and to share the wealth with them, either with volunteer time or money.

These words were echoed by valedictorian Anthony Rea, a Social Service Worker student who has dedicated the last two years of his life to support his local community of Renfrew County through various charitable events and his volunteerism.

Convocation 2014

Though not family and not necessarily friends of our students, we, at the College, are invested in the success of our students on campus and take great pleasure in celebrating each and every student who crosses the threshold of what could be to what will be.

Did you have a “cheerleader” in your life that supported you through your educational journey? Tell us about it!

Posted By: Jodi Bucholtz