After graduating from the 2-year Welding Engineering Program, I honestly never believed that I would be in a position to teach, not to mention only three years after graduation.

I was hired by The Bucket Shop to teach an 8-week condensed welding course to Indigenous women in partnership with Keepers of The Circle.

I truly believe that this opportunity presented itself because of the strong skills and knowledge I acquired during my studies at Northern College, Kirkland Lake Campus.

My education has allowed me to prosper in this role and has also allowed me to make one of my dreams a reality.

– Noel Penfold

I came to Canada and to Northern College in January of 2018. Everything was new for me here, especially in Northern Ontario. I don’t know how to express how much Northern College and the Northern community has given to me. I’ve learned so much from my professors, Deans, my employers, and from everyone! I’ve grown so much, achieved what I never thought I would and I am on my way to achieving so much more. I am developing a strong character and loving it!

One of the things I like most is that people are so welcoming here. Once you get used to living in the North, you will never regret coming up here. Don’t miss a chance to come here, accept challenges, and win your game. We are all here to support you.

– Maninderjit Kaur

My name is Hope Koosees. I am of Ojibway and Cree heritage which is commonly known as Oji-Cree. I affiliate with Attawapiskat First Nation. I grew up in Moosonee, Ontario, where I graduated from Northern Lights Secondary School. I then graduated from Northern College with my post-secondary diploma in the Police Foundations program. 

To come from a small knitted First Nation community, I really liked the idea of smaller class sizes here at Northern College which means more one-on-one, personalized support for each learner. With their high quality programming and caring environment, Northern College really helped me gain the skills I needed and I was employed within a month after graduation. 

– Hope Koosees

I couldn’t have come to Northern College at a worse moment in my life. I was a single mother with two children and had just lost my father to suicide while recovering from post-partum depression. With determination and resiliency, the only thing I knew was that I never wanted to be that vulnerable again. Instead, I wanted to be the person who could help others; like those who had helped me. I joined the Social Service Worker Program at Northern College and after graduation, I became a person who helps others – which was exactly what my goal had been. I faced many challenges along the way but overcame them all with the help of Northern College. They helped me with childcare support and my mental health care. This really made a difference! The friendships I built within my program and the community created a sense of belonging as I was supported in all aspects of my being: emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. Because I went to Northern College, I am strong. I am determined. I am resilient!

– Andrea Jolly