Graduate Spotlight: Patrick Steen

Patrick Steen is confident that his experience in General Arts & Science at Durham College (DC) will serve him well as he transfers to Ontario Tech University this fall to study Forensic Psychology.

Although his post-secondary education is just beginning, he’s eager to celebrate his achievement with his fellow graduates at Convocation 2026.

Before that, he spoke to us about going back to school, how mature students can flourish at DC, and what his future holds at Ontario Tech.

Why did you decide to attend DC?

I decided to attend DC for a few reasons. First, the location was convenient and close to home. Second, I really valued the flexibility of the program and the pathways available to continue into university afterward. Finally, this was actually my second attempt at post-secondary education at Durham. My first experience was during the beginning of the pandemic, and I struggled to adapt at the time. Coming back gave me the opportunity to redeem myself and prove what I was capable of. The student advisors here also played a huge role in helping me figure out what program and career path were right for me.

What was your DC experience like?

My experience was excellent. I honestly couldn’t have enjoyed it more. One of the best parts was meeting like-minded people who came from both similar and very different backgrounds, all of whom were brought together through General Arts & Science. It created a really supportive and interesting environment to learn in. The staff were also incredibly welcoming, approachable, and always willing to help.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

My program mainly served as preparation for university, and each course contributed to that in different ways. Many professors used their own university experiences to shape the way they taught, which helped give us a realistic idea of what to expect in future studies. The courses that connected most closely to my career goals also helped me build a strong foundation of knowledge that I can continue developing through more in-depth study at university.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

I would absolutely recommend General Arts & Science to other students. One thing I especially want to emphasize is that it’s never too late to come back to school. Mature students are more than welcome, and DC creates an environment that makes the transition into post-secondary education feel comfortable and manageable. At the same time, the college supports students coming directly from high school, so it really feels like a community where people from different stages of life can succeed together.

What is your advice for future students?

My advice for future students would be to never skip classes and to stay engaged and passionate about your learning. There will be challenging moments, but consistency really makes a difference. It also helps to build a strong group of classmates who can support each other, whether that’s staying on top of work or offering motivation when things get tough. Having that kind of support system can make the experience a lot more manageable and enjoyable.

What do you love most about DC?

One of the things I loved most about my experience at DC was the campus itself and how much I was able to use it outside of just attending classes. It’s a great environment for studying, with plenty of resources available to support students when they need them. There are also always events happening around campus, which makes it easy to take breaks from studying, get involved, and enjoy the student life experience as a whole.

How do you feel about graduating?

It feels a bit strange graduating since I’m still continuing my education and this program essentially represents my first year of a longer academic path. However, I also feel really good about it. It’s an important milestone – I’m proud to be able to celebrate all the effort and progress I’ve made throughout the year.

What are your future goals?

To continue my education at Ontario Tech, building on the foundation I developed here. I want to take the skills and academic habits I learned during my program and apply them to more advanced studies, with the long-term goal of progressing further in my chosen field and career path.

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories about how DC has helped them thrive.