Meet your Valedictorians – Part 1

Posted on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Spring Convocation is coming up right around the corner! As we prepare for the upcoming celebration, meet some of your valedictorians who will be speaking to their respective classes during their ceremonies!

Fiona McCarthy KennedyFiona McCarthy Kennedy

Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree, School of Hospitality and Tourism

What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College? 
Algonquin College has provided me with many opportunities that have allowed me to grow in ways I could never have imagined. My favourite memory from my time at Algonquin College is going to the TIAC’s annual Tourism Congress. Being given the opportunity to network with students and industry leaders enriched my overall learning experience. I am forever grateful for the opportunity. 

What advice do you have for fellow graduates? 
The world has changed significantly since our first year at Algonquin. Although we may fear uncertainty in our careers, we are well equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in our fields – don’t forget that.

Samantha KuszelSamantha Kuszel

Computer Systems Technology – Security Advanced Diploma program, School of Advanced Technology

What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
So many things! The study groups at the Observatory, the laughs in labs, the shared camaraderie (and sometimes commiseration!) between the students, even the selection of food on campus – the list could go on forever!

What made your experience at Algonquin College authentic?
Definitely the dynamic between the students and profs. I found the professors to be very accessible and understanding towards their students. I’ve attended a post-secondary institution before, and sometimes it’s hard to get office hours with profs and TAs – not so with Algonquin staff. 🙂

What advice do you have for fellow graduates?

  • Never give up; when it’s bad, you can always rescue something about it.
  • Don’t ever sell yourself short – you’re more powerful than you think!
  • Follow your dreams and listen to what your heart is telling you.
  • Listen to your body as well – be kind to yourself.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
  • Pass your positive vibes along to those in need, even small gestures make a world of difference. 🙂
  • Never stop learning, never stop growing – a curious mind is a valuable asset.

Patricia CoynePatricia Coyne

Fitness and Health Promotion program, AC Online.

What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
One of the benefits of attending the Health and Fitness Promotion courses online was having the opportunity to share personal experiences related to each topic through open discussion boards.  Some of my favourite memories from this program were made by connecting with classmates and facilitators to share knowledge and discuss ideas.

What made your experience at Algonquin College authentic?
All of my classmates and facilitators struggled together to overcome the challenges of online learning, adjusting for pandemic measures, and managing personal matters. The facilitators, the IT Team, and the students all worked hard together to get to this graduation!

What advice do you have for fellow graduates?
Over the course of our programs, we were dedicated, resilient and resourceful, we remained courageous and kind, and we helped each other to reach our goals. If we continue on in this way, we can achieve anything!

Neethu JamesNeethu James

Computer Programming program on Algonquin College’s Perth Campus.

What is your favourite memory from your time at Algonquin College?
 I have a lot of good memories. To begin with, one of my favourite memories is when the professors and the college took us to Perth Outfitters in our first semester, where we were able to do some fun outdoor activities like kayaking, pedal go-karting etc. I really had a great time there with my classmates and our professors. Another memory that I cherish is the time when we used to commute from Ottawa to Perth for class. (Most of us in my class lived in Ottawa and we used to commute to Perth every day for class in a bus provided by the college). Our professors also travelled with us on the bus, and one of the professors would always sing for us a Hindi (Bollywood) song that he knows. This also allowed me to know the professors better and build a good relationship with them.

What made your experience at Algonquin College authentic?
I don’t know if I understood this question correctly. But I would say studying at the Perth campus was a unique experience for me. The size of our class was small, we were only 19, whereas on the Ottawa campus for the same program there were around 200 students. This enabled me to know and work closely with all of my classmates and I was able to make some great friendships that will last forever. Also, since ours was a small campus we knew almost all our staff and they knew me by name or face, from our Dean Christopher Hahn to our custodian Jennifer. They would come to talk to us when we were in the student commons or the corridors. If I were to study at the Ottawa campus, I do not think this would have been possible. 

What advice do you have for fellow graduates?
“Never lose hope or stop trying.” We completed our studies during very challenging times. No one expected that there would be a pandemic and that our method of study would have to be shifted to remote learning. With all the other stresses that we had to face and the changes, we were all able to successfully complete our courses and graduate. And I am sure it was not an easy path – I wanted to give up my studies many times and there were days when I cried and am sure some of you may have been in the same boat, but we all persevered and emerged successfully. But if we had stopped trying, it would have been a completely different story. This is a great lesson for us that we should never give up when life throws curveballs at us. It is just a phase that will also pass. 

Madalyn HowittMadalyn Howitt

Journalism Program, Faculty of Media and Design and Language Institute.

My favourite memory from my time at Algonquin College was finally meeting some of my classmates and instructors in person! After a fully remote learning experience, I had the opportunity to safely meet others in my program for a special journalism project in downtown Ottawa. Seeing all the faces of the people I’d gotten to know over Zoom was a thrill!
My advice for my fellow graduates is to never forget the strength and determination you tapped into to make it through this year. Graduating college is a great achievement in the best of years – in this one it’s an extraordinary accomplishment.
My advice for future students is to get involved with your program and the school beyond just your classes. Take on an editorial role, volunteer, take an extra-curricular – the connections you’ll make with other students and your instructors will be what you remember and cherish the most from your college experience.

Move information about the Algonquin College convocation ceremonies can be found here.


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