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Graduate spotlight: Diana Santos
When Diana Santos left Nigeria to pursue post-secondary education in Canada, they were already a published artist, having illustrated a number of graphic novels. But the uncertainty of freelance work compelled them to seek out a more dependable outlet for their artistic skills, which is how they wound up in the Graphic Design program at Durham College (DC).
Three years later, fresh off a successful field placement at a marketing and creative agency, they spoke to us about their art, making a home in Canada and what comes after Convocation.
Why did you decide to attend Durham College?
Before I came to Canada, I knew I wanted to study graphic design, so I made a list of colleges that I could attend, and Durham College came out on top. The program webpage was very detailed, and I liked the course outlines and the broadness of what we were going to learn.
What was your DC experience like?
I loved it. The first year was honestly amazing. On the orientation day for first-year students, the Dean came in and said, ‘this is the place to make mistakes. Be bold.’ So I took that, and from the get go I just kind of went crazy with ideas. And I think that’s what connected me with my professors.
What was your experience like as an international student?
Thankfully, I was a little older. I feel like if I came here at 18, I’d be struggling. But I came here at 22 and I was a little bit more equipped to handle being alone. Thankfully, DC had ways to help international students. One big one was that they picked me up from the airport and drove me to the hotel where I stayed, which was helpful.
What was your favorite thing about your program?
I loved the professors. They see me, and they always know I’m just going to say whatever’s on my mind, and I feel like that’s what truly helped me. They supported my crazy ideas. Then, last year, I had a hard time with housing instability, and I didn’t know if I could finish the semester, but they helped me through. The support that they gave me was what helped me finish that semester.
How did your DC program prepare you for your career?
What I appreciated was the support and advice from my professors. We do consultations where they’re basically art directors, and we show them our work. That really helped me because sometimes they would suggest things that I didn’t even remotely consider. That really helped me to open my mind to more possibilities.
Would you recommend your DC program to other students?
One hundred percent, yes. With the broadness of what they teach, you really can go into anything. You can literally go anywhere.
What is your advice for future students?
My number one piece of advice is to not hold back. There are no stupid ideas. Just go for it. The worst the professor is going to say is, ‘hey, this is not hitting the brief, but at least you said what you wanted to say.’
A lot of people don’t take advantage of the things that DC offers. Try to get to know your professors, and try to get to know your classmates.
What advice do you have for international students?
Going to another country is definitely a big step, but the experience and the kinds of people that you meet is invaluable. You should do everything. I wish I would have done more, because I stayed inside a lot. Sometimes the residence will host events; just go, especially to the free ones. I met one of my best friends on one of those outings.
What do you love most about DC?
I like how supportive the college is. I appreciate that they are there when you need them. This year, not only was I facing housing insecurity, but I was facing financial instability. I had to choose between tuition or housing, and I chose tuition, so I owed the residence. I was feeling overwhelmed with everything. I went to the international student office and met with one of the student advisors, and they said, ‘we can give you part of your tuition back and put you on a payment plan.’ So I was able to pay the residence, and now I’ve now paid off my entire tuition. They understood my situation.
How do you feel about graduating?
I feel good. It’s scary to think about what comes next, but seeing how everything played out, I know I’ll figure it out.
What are your future goals?
I’m hoping to stay in Canada with the post-graduation work permit. Through my internship, I was able to get a lot of amazing experience. I did work for clients like Nike, Sephora, the city of Guelph, and others. They told me they’re here for any references that I need, which is great.
I’m hoping to get more agency work. I quite liked marketing and advertising, which I didn’t expect that I would, but that’s what the internship helped me learn.
Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories about how DC has helped them thrive.
