I graduated in 2007 from both the General Arts & Science program and Paramedics program after 4 years of school, with two diploma's and one certificate in Pre-Health Sciences.
This experience has changed my life in so many ways that to attempt to explain them here would be almost impossible and would not do justice to the professors who walked this path with me, sometimes guiding, sometimes dragging me kicking and screaming towards the end goal of graduation.
If I have to select a personal achievement experience that stands out for me, it would be passing the fitness requirement for the Paramedic program, after having struggled with it for at least a year. In order to pass, I had to quit smoking after 22 years and increase my personal fitness level substantially. Both positive life changes that I have maintained to this day.
I have reshaped my life philosophy completely, based on what I learned about myself and from the teachers who showed me a world remade with knowledge and taught me "not philosophy but to philosophize, not thoughts to be imitated, but to think" (Kant).
Although, I was training to work in the paramedic field, sometimes life has some unusual twists and opportunities and when they present themselves for that brief moment, you have to be prepared and willing to act. For me, it was an opportunity to become a Franchisee with Cash Converters - Canada that presented itself. It was an opportunity that I couldn't refuse. Who knows what opportunities might arise for me in the future, including the possibility of working as a paramedic. But in the meantime, I was very happy with what I am doing, and I know I wouldn't be where I am now, without my education at Confederation College.
My favourite memories & staff at Confederation:
- HU 250 Terror Management Theory - I was in the first group ever run for this program and it was the pinnacle of my learning experience at Confederation College. Thanks John Kornichuk and Sue Hoffman for bringing the students involved in this awesome class on this journey of discovery.
As for teachers who made a difference, where do I start? ...
- Anita Graham for tutoring me in much more than just Stoichiometry, and whose door was never closed,
- John Kornichuk who showed me that contemporary applied ethics could be both contemporary and applied thanks to a little help from Aristotle and friends,
- Sue Hoffman who joined forces to team teach a course that changed lives in my world
- Cheryl Vaccher who taught me that psychology at any stage is about the people, not apart from them
- Jackie Cottingham who took interpersonal communications and taught me to understand my basic human rights.
- Also one other person stands out ...Tony Wood whose advice and guidance was one of the defining factors of my education experience. Thanks Tony.
There are many other teachers who helped me and deserve note, but time and space prohibit.
I have learned the confidence to turn my hand to anything i choose, and know I have the tools to succeed.
My advice to others? ... Just Do It!