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Launching one student’s journey to the cosmos

Graduate Spotlight: Aciff Williams

For one aspiring astrophysicist, attending Durham College (DC) was the launchpad for a lifelong dream.

The General Arts and Science – Science and Engineering Preparation program was the perfect way for Aciff Williams to prepare for further education in the sciences at Ontario Tech University.

As his DC journey winds up at Convocation, he spoke to us about managing the highs and lows of post-secondary education, making the most of what school has to offer, and his dreams of traveling beyond the stars.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I attended an Open House at DC and met Academic Advisor Angie Wood (Faculty of Liberal Studies), who with just a few questions pointed me towards the General Arts and Science – Science and Engineering Preparation (GASZ) program, which aligned perfectly with my desires to study science and space.

What was your DC experience like?

While fast paced, I greatly enjoyed my time at DC. The countless supports and highly knowledgeable faculty allowed me to maintain solid grades throughout my courses. I also felt there was a culture of caring that extended past academia.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

DC allowed me to achieve comfort with regards to due dates, course progression and maintaining a balance in my life to maximize my ability to succeed. I feel well prepared for my next steps at university, where I will build on the strong foundation of knowledge that I was able to establish with the GASZ program.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

I highly recommend GASZ to anyone interested in the sciences. It will allow one to identify their areas of strength and weakness in the many fields covered, and in turn focus their studies to achieve their desired outcomes and progress on a path of their choosing.

What is your advice for future students?

Start strong and maintain your drive. There are bound to be highs and lows during this process, but it will be your resilience and determination that will carry you through. Accept your shortcomings yet strive to better them to a point at which you are satisfied. When experiencing great success, do not falter on your studies. Constantly refreshing and testing one’s knowledge cements it in your mind. 

How do you feel about graduating?

Graduating from this program is a small but extremely meaningful milestone in my education/ career path. I not only gained, but also solidified an abundance of knowledge. I know for certain that I am moving in a direction that brings me closer to chasing the stars.

What are your future goals?

I will next be attending Ontario Tech University, studying astrophysics and further narrowing down where I hope to finally land upon completion of the four-year program. With perseverance and vigor, I intend to advance our ever-growing interests in the cosmos. One day I hope to be standing on some distant planet, thinking of how far we’ve come. Hopefully, with any luck, I will have made a small contribution towards the realization of this dream.

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

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.

“The GASC program showed me potential in myself that I didn’t even know existed”: How Peyton DeGuilio found her drive through Durham College’s General Arts & Science program

Graduate spotlight: Peyton DeGuilio

When Peyton DeGuilio applied to Durham College’s (DC) General Arts & Science – General Certificate(GASC) program, it wasn’t part of a pre-determined plan. In fact, it was a last-minute decision prompted by a friend’s recommendation. With no clear career direction and a history of academic struggles, Peyton took a leap of faith. Little did she know that this spontaneous choice would lead her to a whole new world of possibilities.

“I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career, so the GASC program was perfect for me,” says Peyton. “I was nervous going into the program as it was my first time attending college, not to mention I never even finished high school. Thankfully though, it was even better than I expected!”

The GASC program became a turning point for Peyton, offering her the chance to explore different subjects while also gaining essential academic skills. Surrounded by a supportive community, she began to thrive. “I met some amazing professors and faculty who helped me every step of the way and I made lifelong friends.” She also credits her success to many of DC’s resources and on-campus supports, like the Student Academic Learning Services and the Access and Support Centre, which helped her stay on track.

What Peyton didn’t anticipate was how much her program would help uncover her interests as it began to pave the way for her future. “The GASC program showed me potential in myself that I didn’t even know existed, which allowed me to make the jump towards another program,” she says.

For Peyton, it wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was about realizing that she had what it took to succeed in an academic environment. “I was able to prove to myself and everyone who doubted me that not only was I able to participate in school, but thrive in it,” she said. This newfound confidence led her to pursue the next step in her journey: enrolling in DC’s Child & Youth Care (CYC) Advanced Diploma program. “I didn’t even know the CYC programeven existed before I got to DC, so by going through the GASC program I was exposed to a future career that was basically made for me.”

Looking back, Peyton is grateful for her decision to apply. “I spent so long being too scared to make the wrong decision that it prevented me from making any decision at all. I was nervous about going back to school, but the faculty at DC genuinely changed my entire perspective on education.”

As she works toward completing the CYC program, Peyton is passionate about her future goals. “I want to help children in the school system, especially those who struggle like I did. I’d love to be part of rethinking the way we support students and to create positive change for those who need it most, just like how the faculty at DC helped me.”

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