Convocation 2022 Valedictorians
Posted on Monday, May 30th, 2022
Meet some of your valedictorians who will be speaking to their respective classes during the 2022 Spring Convocation ceremonies
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
What I really appreciated from my time at Algonquin College was how we all came together to support each other through the many challenges these past two years. Adapting to a remote learning environment was not easy for any of us – professors included. My class was comprised of students ages 17-62 and we all had various strengths that we used to our advantage to help each other be successful. While I never met any of my classmates or professors in person, I really appreciated the care and support we all showed each other from day one.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
I have worked very hard and taken many chances in pursuit of happiness and success in my life. Despite many obstacles, I have overcome a lot of hardship and difficult circumstances to get to this day. This is the first time that I have received recognition in any capacity for my efforts and it means so much to me. I really appreciate that I have the opportunity to share my story and perhaps a little inspiration to others who may find themselves feeling lost or struggling to know what lies ahead. I hope that everyone knows that success in all forms is always possible if you choose to continue to learn.
What advice do you have for your fellow graduates?
Try not to consider this the end of your educational journeys, but instead as a single stepping stone in what will be a lifetime of learning. Life can change in an instant and our paths can deviate at any time, for better or for worse and how we respond is what truly matters. Allow yourself to accept that sometimes we have no control over what happens. Instead, try to remain open to new ideas and to change, and prioritize life-long learning so you can be prepared for all the unexpected things to come. Good luck on your journeys!
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
I have many good memories from my time at AC. My biggest takeaway would have to be how many of my best times include moments spent with my fellow students in discussion about project or assignment work and how we could count on the support of each other whenever we needed it.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
It is an honour and privilege to be chosen. It has been a pleasure to learn along side and get to know my fellow graduates. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak as a representative of our class and program.
What advice do you have for future students?
If this is your dream, follow it and don’t give up even if you feel like it. You are worth it! Put yourself out there; build relationships. In the end it’s the journey that counts!
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
My favourite memory from my time at Algonquin College is related to our group works. Every time, during group activities, there were always those free five minutes in which I had a chance to talk to and learn more about my colleagues. In such a multicultural classroom, every conversation was a chance to discover more about the world and, at the same time, find that even though we came from the most diverse backgrounds, we shared so many things in common.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
I come from a family of educators. My grandfather was a teacher and the principal of the only school in my neighbourhood. I have learned from him how to be a positive influence among my colleagues, overcome difficult situations to achieve a higher goal and, more than anything, treat others with kindness. He was the person who gave me more support and courage while I was in the process of applying for this course to study overseas. Sadly, he passed away one month before I started the course, so he was never able to see me actually moving to Canada. Becoming a valedictorian, for me, means that I am honouring his name.
What advice do you have for future students?
For future students, make the most of this course. You will be exposed to great professionals that will make you feel more passionate about teaching. Remember that all the assignments are there for you to have a good amount of practice before the real-world demands you to demonstrate those skills. Enter the course willing to learn. You will see many approaches and theories; make the most of them. And, if you are lucky like I was, you will meet new classmates that will turn into friends, and also into your family.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
My favourite memory at Algonquin College is learning to recreate everyday sounds in my video foundation class. It was the first time I got to know how movie sound effects are made. Broken metal, discarded plastic, squashed cans… all the humble tools can be turned into musical instruments, making miraculous sounds like the roar of dinosaurs. It was such an interesting and eye-opening class taught by an incredible professor.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named valedictorian to me means a valuable honour in college. I am so grateful to all my professors who supported me throughout this journey. Without them, I don’t think I could have come out on top.
What advice do you have for future students?
Do what you love, love what you do. It may be difficult to find what you truly love at a node who just graduated from high school, but at least you have to know what you don’t like first. Do what you love, even if the outside world is cynical, you will never turn back. Reluctant to do things, even if you get the whole world, there is still no joy in your heart.
Olivia Clutterbuck
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
There is no one memory that stands out. I’d have to say getting to know and befriend my peers is something that I will always be grateful for.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
It means the world to me. I went from being a third-grader who couldn’t read to a sixth grader with collegiate reading level. I’ve worked hard for everything I have achieved.
What advice do you have for future students?
Cliché, but keep calm and carry on.
Lindsey Roberts
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
My favourite memories are studying with my classmates in the Student Centre. The space was very open and welcoming, aesthetically pleasing and quiet.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named valedictorian means that all of my effort, all of the highs and lows, all the trials and tribulations, were worth it because, in the end, I graduated with excellence.
What advice do you have for future students?
Your program is going to be hard. You are going to have days where you don’t think you have the energy to finish all of your assignments and study for all of your exams. Stay the course. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going. At the end of your program, when you are handed your diploma, you will be very proud of your resilience and of your determination.
Shamit Tushakiran
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
There are many to choose from, but the one that stands out is walking into our first lab back on campus in Fall 2020, after we had been away from school for six months. It was very clearly going to be a different experience with masking and distancing, but it still felt great to know that there was a plan in place and we would still be able to make the most of our time at Algonquin College. After a summer of uncertainty, it was incredibly exciting to be around people again and work with each other!
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named valedictorian for my faculty is an incredible honour. It feels like a validation of all my efforts throughout the program, and a reminder that my potential is often greater than I believe. I was never a great student before, and I didn’t have the highest hopes for myself coming into this program. Doing well in my classes and being selected as the valedictorian tells me that maybe some of those stories I told myself about being bad at school and science don’t hold much weight anymore.
What advice do you have for your fellow graduates?
It’s no secret that we’ve had a strange and unpredictable ride through our education, and I think that can contribute to feelings of being an imposter in our industry. I constantly need to remind myself that even though so much of my schooling happened from home, I still met all the entry-to-practice expectations for a new massage therapist. My advice is to let those doubts wash over you and past you, and to choose to be bold in your pursuits. Despite all the challenges we faced, we’ve earned our place in our industries – and no one can take that away from us.
Asma Mohamed
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
There were so many memorable moments during my program that enriched my life. One particularly special moment for me was our assessment and planning class presentations. Our professor tasked the students with researching a topic and teaching the class about that topic. Watching the presentations allowed me to learn about important issues that are affecting our communities and see the academic growth of my classmates.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named a valedictorian is an honour and I am humbled to have been selected. For me, it means that my dedication to my studies is celebrated and recognized by my educational institution. It is a beautiful way to end this journey that has made my life more meaningful.
What advice do you have for future students?
Try to adopt a beginner’s mindset in all areas of your life. We all have different experiences and skillsets, but being open-minded and approaching subjects as if it was your first time will help you learn far more than you thought possible.
Build those good habits early on because overnight success is a myth. Your future is determined one decision at a time, so try to learn good time-management skills and practice self-care because your future self will thank you for it!
Kasia Gocal
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
The moment I found out I got an A in the hardest Java class with the toughest prof at Algonquin College. To this day I consider it my biggest achievement.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
It means to me that if you believe in yourself and work towards achieving your goal you will achieve it. I was once just another immigrant who didn’t speak English well. That one day my third month in Canada I was yelled at, at a Subway store where I worked as a sandwich artist. The customer couldn’t communicate with me and I could appreciate their frustration. I am a valedictorian now, I do speak English and I am capable of communicating, leading teams and encouraging others to reach for their dreams. If I can do it everyone can. I hope this will contribute to the success of other immigrants, how they feel about themselves and what they believe is possible for them.
What advice do you have for your fellow graduates?
Do not quit, if you want it – go get it. You can change your approach, and it’s ok to change goals, but do not quit, you are better than that. And believe, believe in the process and in your ability to find your perfect way of achieving your greatness.
Barbra Dean
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
Getting to know and spending time with many brilliant young minds attending the program with me. Algonquin College has inspired me to keep building my dream and reminded me of how strong the human spirit can be when we genuinely care, share, and support one another.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
It is incredibly validating! I took the chance of a total life change leading me to this program. I am assured it was the best thing I could have done to love myself.
What advice do you have for future students?
Never be afraid to do what you love! Talk is cheap and we are the ones who determines our worth.
Karen Spillane
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
I’ve been very fortunate to have many memorable moments throughout my time at Algonquin College. Still, the one that stands out the most for me is opening the email notifying me that I had been nominated as valedictorian with my youngest son nearby. My sons and my family have been my biggest champions and supporters throughout my studies, and their joy in seeing me receive this recognition was deeply gratifying.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named valedictorian is particularly poignant for me because it is the ultimate confirmation that going back to school at a mature age was the right decision. I was worried about taking the risk of going back to school and, at times, doubted being able to juggle school and family responsibilities. This acknowledgement symbolizes that the work and sacrifices made to achieve my diploma were worth it, and I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to be chosen for this recognition.
What advice do you have for future students?
Pursue something that interests you or that you feel passionate about; it’s so much easier to be successful at something when you feel engaged in what you’re learning. Strive to participate in class and make a point to get to know fellow students as well as the professors; this alone will make you feel much more connected to your learning experience and set up a support network throughout your studies. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ask for it before the problem gets to be overwhelming, and this doesn’t just apply to academics. Don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out; enjoy the journey a little bit, even the unknowns. Finally, your life exists beyond your studies, and it’s essential to allow time to recharge and pursue interests that exist outside of academics; balance is key.
Connie Cheung
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
Wandering around the school with two of my best friends that I met at the College, and we would chat with every chef and staff who worked at the College. It has been a difficult time for everyone throughout the pandemic, which it is not easy to get close to people or get to know new people while everyone is so aware of social distancing. Therefore, being able to interact to people at the College makes it feel like home, where everyone is friendly and genuine. They would make your day better even though you’ve had a tough day. True friendship is difficult to find, but at the College, I found true friendship and saw the kindness in people.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
It is my honor to being named valedictorian. It has been a long way, but I know I have proved myself inside and outside the classroom. It sums up the effort I have put in during the time of my studies, and it tells me that I belong to the culinary industry. It would always be attached to me, to remind me the long journey I have come through and drives me forward.
What advice do you have for your fellow graduates?
We should keep learning, keep asking questions. This industry is like a life-long schooling, where there is no end to what we should know. I think this is the best part of the culinary industry, where everyday is different from the day before. Let your determination and curiosity be your motivation on your high and low times.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
I found out a student that began tutoring with me went from a C- to an A by the end of the term. I was really proud of being a part of that with her and seeing her come to believe in her own capabilities as a student.
What does being named valedictorian mean to you?
Being named valedictorian is a really honouring experience. I am particularly grateful to be recognized as academically successful because I am neurodivergent. I was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type in my thirties. ADHD often goes undiagnosed in girls and women. I had to both learn about the personal implications of the diagnosis and learn to advocate for my learning needs. Algonquin College really helped me navigate these skills successfully.
What advice do you have for your fellow graduates?
I think I will I leave the advice giving to those more qualified. As an Early Childhood Educator, I have learned about the impact Fred Rogers has had on my field. Mr. Rogers was a pioneer in understanding the social emotional development of young children. He said, “Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.” This sentiment reminds us to not only live more compassionately but in a manner that is loyal in the way that we strive to understand one another.
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