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With a new school year underway, we spoke to Durham College (DC) alumni about their experience, what they wish they’d known on the first day of classes, and the advice they’d offer to new students.
Alumni Spotlight: Max Morrow
Max Morrow knows what it’s like to be a new student at Durham College (DC).
He’s a two-time DC graduate, completing the Advertising and Promotion and Human Resources – Business Administration programs. This September, he’s beginning a new academic journey at Ontario Tech University in their Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management program.
With extensive post-secondary experience, and a lengthy tenure with the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), he has plenty of wisdom to pass on to this year’s new crop of students.
What were some highlights of your time at DC?
Some of the best parts of my time at Durham College were the experiences I had outside the classroom. I started the Durham College Human Resource Association, which gave students a chance to grow and connect beyond academics. I also served as the Student Director for the Faculty of Business and Information Technology on the DCSA Board, where I helped represent student voices and provide input on key decisions.
On top of that, I was part of the Program Advisory Committee, the College Advisory Council, and even helped with the approval process for the first HR degree program. I also sat on the Human Resources Student Advisory Council, where we worked with local businesses and community partners.
Being involved in all of this made my time at DC really fulfilling. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and apply what I was learning in real situations.
What advice do you have for new students at DC?
Participate as much as you can. Take the chance of answering that question you might be afraid to answer, or getting into groups with the DCSA and meeting new people. Take one day at a time, keep organized, stay on top of all your deadlines, communicate with your professors. Put yourself out there and feel uncomfortable; it’s really just learning and growing. Coming out of your comfort zone will make the experience a lot easier for you.
You kept very busy at DC. How can students improve their time management?
Time is always going to be a challenge. I made it all work by keeping my mental health a priority and focusing on building strong relationships along the way. By prioritizing that, it really allowed me to be more flexible and open up my schedule and just be more available to things.
You completed a work study program with DC’s Human Resources department. What makes those opportunities so valuable?
It was a great complement to my education. What I was learning in the classroom was being practically used in the actual field, and that was really cool for me to see. I’d recommend work study positions for students, 100 per cent, because you get your feet wet and see what your field is actually like. It’s building that little bit of experience and knowledge of the field that you’re about to enter into very shortly, and you’re building a great network for yourself.
How can students make the most of their time at DC?
Get involved with your community. Join the DCSA clubs. Play sports, if that’s your thing. Just get involved in every aspect while you can, because it’s such a short time and it goes by so quick.
