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Durham College dad alum shares his love of learning with his three kids who are all DC students

For Attila Kovacs, lifelong learning isn’t just a philosophy – it’s a way of life. A proud Durham College alum, he has a sticker on his laptop with a quote from writer Isaac Asimov: “Education is not something you can finish.”

He has shared that mindset with his children and all three are following in his footsteps at DC, each pursuing their own dreams.

Originally from Hungary, Attila holds a high school teaching diploma and a mechanical engineering degree. A few years ago, after moving to Grafton and finding his commute of more than an hour and a half for his job as a tool designer far too long, he decided to pursue a new career path.

Inspired by his wife, a nurse for three decades, he opted for the weekend-delivery Practical Nursing – Flex Program at DC, graduating in 2021.

“I worked during the week and studied on the weekends,” he explained, adding the flexibility allowed him to support his family while studying. “I was commuting to work from Grafton to Scarborough, so it was on the way home from work on Friday evenings, I would just stop at the Oshawa campus and then went back on Saturdays and Sundays.”

After graduating, he enrolled in the RPN to RN Bridging program at Ontario Tech University and is due to complete his Bachelor of Science in Nursing this spring, all while working at two long-term care facilities in Cobourg and Port Hope.

“The college nursing program is hands-on and patient-centred, focused on bedside care,” said Attila. “They taught us how to perform procedures so I really liked that.”

He’s an example for his kids, who are all finding their own career paths at DC.

Matthew is in his second year in the Welding Engineering Technician program, Adam is in his first year of Culinary Management, and Szandra is a first-year Paramedic student.

Szandra entered the paramedic program directly from high school and says that the best thing about being a DC student is the tight-knit community that developed in the program and how people really help each other.

“I really like the lab space here too,” said Szandra. “Durham College is the only college that has a 24-hour lab space, so I can go and practice scenarios at midnight if I wanted to, as long as I have my friends with me.”

Adam is also a first-year student, but took a gap year after high school. He said he decided to pursue a culinary career because he always enjoyed helping his parents in the kitchen. He participated in the culinary Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in high school, so he was familiar with DC’s kitchens.

He said the teachers are the best part of his program.

“I can learn so much from all of them. They’re all wonderful chefs who have worked in the industry and that’s how people learn—having someone teach you who has gone through it.”

Matthew is due to graduate from the welding program this spring. He got a chance to try welding at his father’s former job on Take Your Kid to Work Day and it’s something that remained at the back of his mind. As an adult, he likes that his trade is in demand in many different industries.

“I really like that with one skill set, there are so many different directions I can take things,” he said, adding that his favourite part of the program is working hands-on and practicing in the weld shop at the Whitby campus.

“Our teachers encourage us to try and see what works for us, they give us direction on a good place to start—although welding is joining two metals together, there’s more than one way to make that happen, so you need to find a way that works for you and will be effective as well.”

All three students say they take inspiration from seeing both their parents continue on a path of lifelong learning.

“My dad is going to school and improving his life and our lives, it’s shown me it’s worth it, and you have to work for success,” said Adam.

Following in his parents’ DC footsteps

When Carter Graham began his studies in the General Arts and Science program at Durham College (DC) last fall, he was carrying on a family tradition.

Both his parents are alumni of the program. His father Andrew graduated in 2006 while his mother Michelle followed in 2008. So, when Carter was considering his own post-secondary options, the path was clear.

“We both had success with that program, and he was a little unsure of what he wanted to do,” explained Michelle. “It’s a good starting point.”

Students in General Arts and Science have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects while earning credits that are transferable towards future post-secondary programs. At the same time, they strengthen the essential academic skills that they’ll need to succeed.

For Carter, the program has come as advertised. He’s immersed himself in the college experience while learning about a variety of topics, from the history of the universe to the history of video games.

“It’s been great,” said Carter. “I’ve met a bunch of people in my program that I’ve become friends with. All the teachers are really good, and everyone is very welcoming. I’ve taken some fun classes. It’s widened my knowledge on certain things.”

It has also helped him narrow his focus as he considers his future prospects. Having always had a passion for astronomy, for instance, he took a course on it to see if it merited further study.

His father had a similar experience in the program.

“It gave me a good overview of different things that I never got to study in high school,” said Andrew. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so it was a great way to get my foot in the door in college, try a bunch of things and see what interested me.”

For him, the journey took him to DC’s Advertising program, while Michelle enrolled in Child and Youth Care. Carter will also be extending his time at DC after graduation, having been accepted into the Trade Fundamentals program for this fall.

For each member of the Graham family, the General Arts and Science program proved to be an important steppingstone on their academic and professional journeys.

“It has great value,” said Michelle. “It helped direct me when I was unsure of what I wanted to do.”

It’s now done the same for her son.

“It’s definitely given me an insight on what interests I could study in the future,” he said.

A family affair: A mother leads the way for an education legacy

When Brenda Lynch enrolled in Durham College’s (DC) Business Administration-Accounting program in 1986, she had no idea that all three of her children would later follow in her footsteps.

Beginning her journey at DC as a mature student, Brenda’s youngest child was in kindergarten and her eldest children were 10 and 13.

“One of the things I remember was how helpful the financial aid office was,” explained Brenda. “Going to college as a single mom with three growing kids, I was grateful for the assistance they provided, helping me figure out which bursaries and grants to apply for. I also had teachers who really wanted to help me succeed.”

After graduation, Brenda continued her education and received a Certified Management Accountant designation before landing an accounting position at EHC Global, where she ultimately held the role of Financial Analyst until retiring in 2021. During her career, she stayed connected to DC, bringing on many co-op students – recognizing the skills and experience they bring – as well as returning to the college as a guest speaker, member of the Program Advisory Committee, and even as an instructor.

Almost a decade after Brenda took her first steps in the halls at DC, her eldest child Paul Smale graduated from the college’s Business–Marketing program, closely followed by his sister, Melissa Petty, who graduated from the Early Childhood Education program. Both Paul and Melissa found jobs in their areas of study after graduation. Paul is now a Senior Business Management Analyst at TD while Melissa works in an elementary school.

The youngest of the family, Sarah Smale, graduated from DC’s Paralegal program in 2008. She was able to leverage her co-op placement with the federal government’s Department of Justice to secure a role as a Legal Assistant, and then as a Paralegal, bringing her to live and work in Iqaluit, Toronto, and Ottawa. After working in the federal government for 10 years, she returned to Durham Region and decided to take the next step in her career by enrolling in DC’s Victim Justice and Interventions graduate certificate program.

“It’s a hard decision to go back to school after all of these years,” said Sarah. “For anyone who is questioning what they want to do next, going back to school is really going forward. It’s a commitment, but give it a go!”

Brenda shared a sense of pride when reflecting on her and her family’s success. “I know that they saw the struggles I went through when they were still in school and I was trying to support everyone. I don’t think it really registered with me that my kids were graduating from the same school I did until afterwards and I thought, ‘We’ve all done it!’”

Finding support and success: A mother and daughter thrive at DC

In 2019, Rania Watts stood at a crossroads in her life. Encouraged by her husband to fulfill her dream of furthering her education, she began a journey that would soon include her daughter, Jordan. Together, they discovered a community of support and opportunity at Durham College (DC).

"My husband is the catalyst of this story," shared Rania. "When I graduated from Centennial College in 1997, I always wanted to go back to complete my education after earning a Social Service Worker Diploma. However, I ended up working right away. In the fall of 2019, he encouraged me to return to my studies."

Rania’s search for the right program led her to the Victim Justice and Interventions graduate certificate at DC. "I found the support I received from the staff to be tremendous," she says. This experience motivated her to explore more programs, leading to her application to the Behavioural Science – Honours Bachelor degree (HBBS) program. "Let's put it this way, there was a lot of screen refreshing until the acceptance was received at 1:48 a.m. early on a Thursday morning.”

Jordan, inspired by her mother's enthusiasm, decided to join her at DC. "When I was in Grade 11, my mom told me how good the atmosphere was at Durham College. Though she was online, she loved the support provided to her," Jordan said. Passionate about art, she enrolled in the Fine Arts – Advanced diploma program. "It was comforting to attend school where I had a personal connection."

Returning to school after nearly 25 years was daunting for Rania. Concerns about finances, academic performance, and being decades older than most students made her a little nervous, however, the Financial Aid and Awards office at DC helped alleviate some of these worries. "DC made it very clear that they would do everything in their power to help me," she says.

The Financial Aid and Awards office at DC was a cornerstone of Rania and Jordan’s college experience. Rania, managing a tight budget while supporting three children, calls DC’s informative webinars “amazing” and is where she discovered DC’s bursaries and the benefits of OSAP.

We work with students to uncover their unique circumstances and then assist with creating a financial plan to help them through college. Teaching students how to manage their finances is also a big part of what we do as well.

Celeste Coles Manager, Financial Aid & Awards, Durham College

Rania has received a number of bursaries throughout her time at DC, including the Entrance Award for the Behavioural Science Degree, DC’s General Bursary, and the Eva Loraine Cornish Memorial Award. For Jordan, bursaries such as the Durham College General Bursary and the Roger Anderson Charity Classic Award have provided much-needed financial relief.

"The amount of support we received was immense; not just financial, but emotional as well," said Rania.

For Jordan, who was transitioning directly from high school to college, she struggled with anxiety and worried about maintaining good grades and staying passionate about her program. Thanks to DC’s supportive environment, these fears quickly faded, and she found comfort in the kindness and patience of DC’s employees. "From the moment I applied to DC, I knew I was in the right place," she said.

Rania was particularly impressed by the college’s emphasis on mental health and self-care. "One of the reasons that I decided to stay at DC was because of the support that I received from all of my professors while I was studying Victim Justice and Interventions," she says.

Looking forward, Rania intends on completing the HBBS program, and returning to DC for the Music Business Management advance diploma program. And Jordan looks forward to graduating from Fine Arts.

Whether you’re returning to school after many years or transitioning directly from high school, DC’s services and supportive community are there to help you every step of the way. "There is a solid infrastructure in place that offers innumerable support," said Rania.

Jordan adds: "All in all, you are not alone."

Sport Management student following in his uncle’s DC footsteps

Student Spotlight: Coulter Babcock

Coulter Babcock isn’t the first member of his family to study Sport Management at Durham College (DC).

That distinction belongs to his uncle Brent Fisher, a 2007 graduate of the program who went on to a successful career as marketing director for the Ontario Hockey League’s Owen Sound Attack.

So, when Babcock (a lifelong sports fan and standout baseball player) was considering his post-secondary options, the choice was easy.

“Since the day I was born, sports have been everything I’ve ever lived for,” he said. “Whether it’s coaching, playing, or learning, it’s all I ever wanted to do. It’s all I ever will do.”

The first stop on his educational journey took him south of the border, where his skills on the baseball diamond earned him a spot on the team at Prairie State College in Chicago while he studied physical therapy. An unfortunate injury ended his tenure there prematurely, and he returned home.

Having heard so much about his uncle’s experience at DC, his next step was an obvious one.

“He definitely inspired me to take this program and kind of follow in his footsteps, but take it my own way.”

Since arriving at DC in September of last year, Babcock has benefitted from his uncle’s experience. They often speak to discuss assignments, and he has connected his nephew with a number of other graduates of the program who have their own wisdom to impart.

Having spent so much time playing sports like baseball, basketball and curling, he has relished the opportunity to learn about what goes into making the action possible.

“I love being able to see what it takes to run a team. A lot of people on the outside think it’s all about the players, but a lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes and that’s what I really enjoy.”

He’s not alone. Babcock and his uncle are just two of the thousands of students who have benefitted from the program since its inception over 50 years ago. Introduced in 1972, it’s Canada’s longest running program of its kind according to program coordinator and professor Sheldon Koufman. Its alumni have gone on to work internationally at all levels of the sports business, from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to the National Football League and beyond.

“The program never gets stale,” said Koufman. “We continuously update the curriculum to meet the needs of industry and current students.”

A number of those alumni have given back to the program over the years. They’ve served on program advisory committees, shared their knowledge and experience with new students, and even hired graduates right out of school.

For Babcock, his path is clear. He’ll complete the program at DC and, if possible, return to the baseball diamond with the Durham Lords. But regardless of his own athletic future, he intends to continue his education in university with the goal of becoming a sports psychologist. Recognizing the stigma that still surrounds mental health, particularly in the world of professional sports, he is eager to make a difference.

“I’m a big advocate for men’s mental health. I’ve done a lot of work with Bell Let’s Talk,” he said. “Being able to be there for the athletes, to get them ready for games and ready for life, that’s always interested me.”

Learning all about the business of sports at DC will give him the perspective he needs to understand the people he’ll be helping, whether they’re on the field or the sidelines.

Two generations, one classroom: A mother and son’s unique journey to DC

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: CHERALEE AND JAMES CLEARY

Cheralee Cleary has fond memories of walking her son, James, to his first days of elementary school but never expected that nearly two decades later, their roles would be reversed.

For 32 years, Cheralee worked as a registered nursing assistant in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. As her license renewal with the College of Nurses approached in 2021, Cheralee started exploring her options and even enrolled in a refresher program at a different college at the peak of the pandemic.

“I was feeling pretty defeated and that’s when James suggested Durham College,” she said.

Already enrolled in Durham College's (DC) Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificate program, this time it was James who stepped up to ease his mother's first-day jitters.

Durham College was the first place I felt at home. Right away, I noticed how accessible everything was on campus. No matter who I talked to – a fellow student, an instructor or the information desk – everyone was happy to help.

– James Cleary, Practical Nursing student

And their DC story doesn’t end there.

Building on the momentum of their Pre-Health Sciences program, in 2023 James and Cheralee enrolled in DC’s Practical Nursing program and continue to reap the benefits of studying – and living – under the same roof.

“When we study together, we like to knit pick each other’s answers,” said James. “It helps us remember key information for tests and let’s us have a bit of fun with it.”

It’s hard to stop being a mom at times, but Durham College makes it so easy to go back to school at any age. The professors are so approachable and the number of resources available to you make the transition so smooth.

– Cheralee Cleary, Practical Nursing student

When asked about their plans after graduation, Cheralee looks forward to putting her new skills to work in long-term nursing care and building on her wealth of experience. As for James, his future specialty has yet to be determined, although surgical nursing tops his list these days.

“I’d like to taste the rainbow – I want to go everywhere.”

For now, they’re content with their friendly competitions and working toward the special moment when they’ll both cross the Convocation stage together next year.