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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.

Leading with purpose at Durham College and beyond

Graduate Spotlight: Liam Croft

Liam Croft has made an indelible impact on Durham College (DC).

The Mechanical Engineering Technology graduate strengthened student engagement as President of the DC Engineering Club and represented student interests on the DC Board of Governors.

He has guided students on their career development path as a Co-op Ambassador, and on the Program Advisory Committee he has provided feedback to improve the curriculum and align it with industry needs. And he’s done it all while excelling in both coursework and experiential learning.

As he prepares for a well-deserved break, he told us about his post-secondary journey, representing his fellow students on the DC Board of Governors, and why he’ll always be DC Proud.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I actually went to Western University for a while, doing engineering there, which I enjoyed. Then the pandemic happened, which forced me to take a look at what I wanted my career to be and what I wanted my life to be. I happened to have friends from high school that were already in this area, and one of them was going to Ontario Tech University. I’d heard from a professor at Western about how good some of the college level engineering programs were, because he’d done it himself. I wanted to give Durham College’s program a shot, so I applied, and it was the best decision ever.

What was your DC experience like?

I’ve had such a great time. DC has done so much for me in three short years, it’s actually kind of crazy. I hope to be able to give back throughout my career.

Why was it important for you to get involved in student life at DC?

It’s a combination of different things. The biggest reason, probably, is my peers, and also the support I’ve received from the college. I’ve been very fortunate to have so much support on so many of the different initiatives I’ve tried to work on. As I’ve met more and more people, it’s been about trying to support them.

What was it like serving as Student Governor on the DC Board?

It was great. They made me feel welcome, so that helped a lot. It was a little intimidating, but after a short amount of time, I was able to feel more at home and start contributing. The thing that I really tried to work on was providing advice to members of the Board on what’s relevant to students. When you’re working to guide an institution, it’s easy to dive down a rabbit hole, but at the end of the day, it’s important that we’re staying relevant to the people that we serve the most, which is ultimately the students and the community. Sometimes it was a matter of just interjecting a little bit, like ‘these are the things that my peers are most concerned with.’

How did you manage your time so well, and how can other DC students do the same?

It is a lot, I won’t lie. It’s really about priority setting. Generally speaking, you have a pretty good idea of the time commitment beforehand. Ultimately, school comes first. There’s maybe not as much free time as I’d like in my life at the moment, but I’m so passionate about some of the things I’m working on.

How do you feel about graduating?

It’s definitely bittersweet. The last three years have been great. I’ve loved it. It has been a very busy time, so I am looking forward to taking a few months off and relaxing a little bit, because I think I need it. I’m excited to step into the beginning of my career, and go from there. But I don’t think it’s going to be the end of the chapter with DC. I think I’ll always have tight connections here.

What are your future goals?

I’ve been in school for seven years, so I’m planning on working full time for a little while. I’m looking forward to not being in school for a minute. Then I’ll most likely go and get a degree through a bridge program. I’m also half Australian, so I want to go and spend some time over there for a while. Beyond that, I’ll keep trying to work my way up and see where my strengths are, where my weaknesses lie. Getting to some kind of business leader position in the next five years would be awesome. I think I’ve got a lot of learning to do before I get there.

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

Paralegal graduate finds her calling, community at DC

Graduate Spotlight: J. Sarah Armstrong

J. Sarah Armstrong is dedicated to lifelong learning and community empowerment.

Before arriving at Durham College (DC), her many post-secondary accomplishments included an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in biochemistry and a minor in mathematics, a Diploma in Massage Therapy, and Graduate Certificates in Professional Accounting, and Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting.

When she crosses the stage at Convocation, she’ll add a diploma in Paralegal studies to that impressive list.

In advance of that, she spoke to us about discovering her true calling in legal advocacy, and how DC is unlike any other school.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

During the pandemic I made the decision to change my career, as I was in an industry that was greatly affected by the closures, and I had children doing school online at home. After two years of education at another college, I decided to move to DC to complete my legal studies. I was pleasantly surprised that DC, my own community college, was listed in the top five schools that provided paralegal programs in Canada (and friends of mine raved about the community feel of the Oshawa campus).

What was your DC experience like?

Finding a sense of home at DC was a pivotal part of my journey. Balancing single parenting with the demands of law studies tested my time management skills, but the growth and fulfillment I gained made it entirely worthwhile. My friends were not wrong; the campus had a community feeling that facilitated connecting with peers and professors. I found like-minded people in my program and found the faculty to be truly invested in the students’ journey to success. My experience at DC helped me grow both personally and professionally and affirmed that advocacy is a meaningful and impactful pursuit. In reinventing my career by returning to school, I also transformed personally—gaining confidence and discovering a true passion for the law.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

DC connected me with mentors in the field; professors who are currently practicing law and modeled different approaches to working in the legal field. There were opportunities on campus that extended past the classroom, and in connecting with passionate professors, I also was able to engage in off campus activities that broadened my understanding and challenged me to unlearn some long-held biases. I am very grateful that they encouraged and supported me in competing in intramural mooting (litigation) competitions, which allowed me to network with respected people in the field, prior to graduation. Competing for DC was an honour, and I plan to pay that forward by participating in alumni activities in the future. For now, my academic path is finished, and I will move into the legal field with a passion for advocacy, and a focus on addressing inequities that impact access to justice.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

Absolutely! Durham College has a very good reputation for producing graduates that are well respected in the legal field and has a rich campus life. Whether students plan to become licensed paralegals or simply use the education to improve their career journey and their advocacy skills, it is a beneficial program to complete.

What is your advice for future students?

For people who are rebuilding their life after separation and divorce, it is never too late to start over. It’s never too late to change directions and explore something new. There are so many rewarding aspects of going to college beyond the academics, and even if you don’t know exactly where to start, start somewhere, come to the campus and explore the options. Don’t be afraid to approach faculty — they are rooting for your success. I also suggest that future students engage in activities outside the classroom, to allow building a sense of community, and organically apply their new skills in real time. The social and intramural activities give an added layer of feeling at home on campus.

What do you love most about DC?

Community! Over my prior post-secondary career, I had taken programs at three other colleges/universities – but DC is the first campus where I felt a deep sense of connected community. That makes a big difference to the academic experience. At DC I felt like I had a seat at the table, that my voice was heard and valued.

How do you feel about graduating?

I feel immensely proud of how far I’ve come. Choosing to reinvent my professional path, as I approached 50, initially felt uncertain and daunting. But now, standing on the other side of graduation, I’m deeply grateful I took the leap. In pursuing something new, I unexpectedly discovered my true calling—law. I think it is important for my children to see that it is never too late to pivot to a new chapter, that learning and studying can be a lifelong adventure that brings you to the next right place.

What are your future goals?

My plan includes sitting for the Law Society of Ontario licensing exams to allow me to practice law in Ontario as a Paralegal. I am keeping an open mind about what area of law I will pursue. My interest in Human Rights law overlaps many jurisdictions of law and legal advocacy. I have not ruled out proceeding to law school in my future – but time will tell, and practicing as a Paralegal may bring me to new goals not yet identified. I am committed to advocating for meaningful reforms—both incremental and wide-reaching—to eliminate barriers to access to justice.

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

Pursuing a culinary calling at Durham College

Graduate Spotlight: Ashley Sedgwick

With a passion for sustainability and a drive to learn, Ashley Sedgwick dove into a fast-paced 16-month journey through the Culinary Management program at Durham College (DC). From exploring the gardens at the Whitby campus to taking part in an unforgettable trip to Peru, she seized every opportunity that came her way.

Now, as she prepares for Convocation, she’s looking back at an experience that shaped both her career and personal growth. She spoke to us about how DC gave her the skills, support, and opportunities to thrive in an industry she loves.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I was working in a kitchen and they decided to close once their lease was done. I was left with all of this free time all of a sudden, and I thought, why not try going to school? I’ve always been very driven, and I realized that a lot of the jobs I would enjoy working in would require a college diploma. DC is kind of my hometown college, so I picked it mostly because of location, but I’m really glad that I went with DC. There was a lot of emphasis on sustainability, which is my big focus in the industry. I’m really glad I got to work with all the field-to-fork principles.

What was your DC experience like?

It was really fun. There was a lot to learn. I really enjoyed going in and doing something completely different every day, and getting to see how I like catering and butchery and baking. There were a lot of different experiential learning opportunities, volunteer events and competitions, and a trip to Peru. I worked two different jobs on campus. There were just so many opportunities everywhere you looked. I did the condensed version of the program, so I had 16 months straight, and I loved every moment of it. Even when it was super stressful, it was always really fun. There were always things to look forward to.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

They gave us a lot of opportunities to see what we like in the industry and what we don’t, which I think is a huge part of preparing someone to go into it. Then you can go forward in an area that you know you enjoy. I think everyone left with a lot of skills that they didn’t have before. Being in school is a lot different from working, but it’s definitely good to have a toolkit for going forward and moving on in your career.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

I absolutely would. All of the faculty were really incredible. Everyone really cared about what you were doing, and wanted to push you. They really encouraged your growth. I felt like I personally knew all of the faculty, and all of the faculty knew most of the students, and there was so much guidance. All of the chefs in the Culinary Management program are very skilled. They all have a lot of experience in different areas, and they’re really great mentors. I had a lot of culinary growth in the program, but also a lot of personal growth just seeing how the chefs dealt with different challenges.

What is your advice for future students?

My advice to incoming culinary students would be to show up on time and be professional, ask questions, go to all the classes. What you put into the program is what you’ll get out of it. If you are not coming to classes and you’re not doing your best, you’re not going to get all the program has to offer you.

What do you love most about DC?

I loved sitting out in the gardens on the Whitby campus; getting to go out to the fields and see everything growing. I liked getting that field-to-fork, farm-to-table experience. I learned a lot about our food system and where things come from. It’s really special to go out to the gardens and pick something and bring it back to the kitchen. I think that’s a really unique experience.

How do you feel about graduating?

Really good. I’m excited. It’s going to be really fantastic to see everyone again. It’s kind of bittersweet, because we were seeing each other every day. I think we will all miss that a little bit, but it’s really exciting to be going forward. I know that everyone’s going to be moving on in their careers, and I’ll get to see people down the road and see what they’re up to.

What are your future goals?

I really loved school, so I definitely think that could be in the cards for me in the future. But right now, I have a job for the summer, and then I’ve got a job lined up after that. I’m doing work on a farm, dealing with food insecurity and waste mitigation, because that’s something I really enjoy doing. After that, I’ll be doing some admin work with a catering company, which will be really cool, because that’s another side of the industry that I haven’t seen. One thing I really loved about school is the variety, so I can’t really see myself settling into a job in the near future. I want to go from place to place and learn as much as I can, and really broaden my experience.

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

Animal Care a stepping stone to dream job at Toronto Zoo

Graduate Spotlight: Griffin Yan

Working at the Toronto Zoo has always been a dream job for Griffin Yan.

Though he spent years at the popular tourist destination in guest operations, his true goal was to work with the animals themselves. With that in mind, he enrolled in the Animal Care program at Durham College (DC). After excelling in the program, and before he even officially graduated, he nabbed a coveted role taking care of the animals at the zoo.

He spoke to us about his love for the zoo, pursuing his dream job and why students should make all the connections they can while in school.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I had been working at the Toronto Zoo previously, in a guest facing role. I ended up leaving, and I started work in another field, but I wasn’t super happy with it. Animal care was always something that I wanted to pursue, and I had heard of quite a few colleagues that had pursued the Durham College program. It was nice and close, and I’d heard great things about it.

What was your DC experience like?

It was a fantastic experience. I thought all of the classes were great and relevant. The instructors were all fantastic, and they really made the experience a lot better. It was only one year, so it was really short, but in that year I became really close with all my instructors and our cohort was really great. I made lots of friends.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

It was nice, because it gave me another perspective. Having worked at the zoo for quite a long time, I had a good idea of how it worked. But the DC program is heavily geared towards the veterinary side of things, which really opened my eyes to a whole other perspective of animal care. That was valuable experience to gain. And my field placement was awesome. I went and worked at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, so I got to work with monkeys, which was really cool. The instructors were fantastic, and having that resource was the biggest thing for me. I’m a big advocate for always having lots of connections.

What’s your new job at the Toronto Zoo like?

I’m responsible for basically all of the daily husbandry of the animals in my particular area. I’m assigned to the Outer Savannah, which is essentially one section of the African Savannah section. I’m not signed off with all of them, because some of them are classified as dangerous, but the animals that we work with are giraffes, hippos, baboons, cheetahs, lions, hyenas and hornbills. We do feeding, training, and cleaning and maintenance of the exhibits. It’s been really cool, and I’m super fired up to finally be a part of it.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

100%. It was great. You have a relatively personal experience with your instructors, at least if you seek that out. It’s nice and short, so for those people trying to fly through it, that’s obviously a benefit. I really had a lot of fun with it. The labs were enjoyable and the content was great.

What is your advice for future students?

The biggest piece of advice I would give is to get close with the instructors. They work in the field, so they have all the experience and there’s an endless wealth of knowledge that they have. Take advantage of that and use those connections that you build through the program.

What do you love most about DC?

Our cohort was really great, so I managed to make a ton of friends throughout my time in the program. The relationships and the friendships that I built was probably my favorite part. And the connections with those instructors; I can’t really stress how valuable I find that. It was a really tight community.

How do you feel about graduating?

I’m excited. I’ve bounced around a lot from school and different jobs and things like that, so it feels nice to finally be on the path.

What are your future goals?

My hope is to stick it out at the zoo. I grew up a massive zoo fan. I was always obsessed with the zoo. I always dreamed about working with animals. That was really my goal growing up and I had sort of abandoned that goal, so getting to come back to it has been awesome.

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

The future looks bright for Cloud Computing graduate

Graduate Spotlight: Irene Joseph

Irene Joseph’s time at Durham College (DC) has been marked by academic excellence.

She has excelled in all her courses on the way to earning the “Highest Ranking Graduate” award for the Cloud Computing program, and made the most of DC’s multitude of extra-curricular activities to grow her skills and knowledge.

Before she crosses the stage at Convocation, she tells us what impressed her most about her DC program, shares advice for future students, and more.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

Taking a closer look, I would say that Durham College chose me. To borrow a quote from The Alchemist, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” And that’s exactly what happened. It felt like a series of events—perfectly timed and aligned—led me here. Everything clicked into place from the right program and ideal intake to the perfect location, as if I were being guided toward a path I was always meant to take. It wasn’t just a decision—it felt like destiny.

What was your DC experience like?

Honestly, it was a rollercoaster of victories, plot twists, and occasional identity crises. But I discovered a lot, made some wonderful friends, and consumed an alarming amount of coffee. I felt truly blessed to get amazing support from faculty and classmates, which made the tough days manageable.  Eventually, the journey evolved from academics to growing and learning my potential and implementing strategies, and the occasional panicking before the notorious assignment deadline at 11:59 p.m. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

My program was intensive and well crafted. Over these eight months, I was led through an array of courses and tools by industry professionals that prepared me to stand out in the crowd of career aspirants. It showed me the current market trends and ways to tackle them with hands-on experience. It didn’t just teach me what to do, but why it matters, which gave me a clearer sense of direction moving forward.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

I would recommend my program, but not for the faint-hearted. If you are ready to strap up your boots and are determined to let nothing stand in the way of your learning and growth, then this is the program for you. It’s challenging, fast-paced, and packed with industry-relevant skills rendered by remarkable professionals.

What is your advice for future students?

Choose a program you’re genuinely passionate about. I’ve seen too many students pick something based on salary charts or other perks, only to end up dreading every day for the foreseeable future. Life’s too short to be stuck doing something you don’t enjoy. As Marc Anthony once said, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What do you love most about DC?

My best memories of DC are the happening PIT (with the lonesome student playing the piano in the corner and the free food), the crazy marketplace, the gym that I vowed to visit three times a week but never got around to, the Tims with the stupefying queues and the library I never visited.

How do you feel about graduating?

It feels glorious. It’s an incredible feeling to know, with absolute certainty, that I crossed this tide. And what makes it even more meaningful is the thought that along this journey, I didn’t just achieve something for myself; there’s a chance I may have inspired someone else along the way, too.

What are your future goals?

My immediate goal is to dip my toes into the real world and spin off my career. I would love to be part of an organization that contributes to our community, and in the long term, I aspire to build innovative, scalable tech solutions that make life easier. And one day, I dream of sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace in the winters of Canada rather than trudging to college to attend my midterms.

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

Biomedical Engineering Technology grad credits hands-on learning at DC for lasting impact on his career

Graduate spotlight: Priyansh Maheshwari

A hands-on approach to learning, including a successful field placement, has helped Durham College (DC) Biomedical Engineering Technology graduate Priyansh Maheshwari launch his career.

An international student from India, Maheshwari pursued his program straight out of high school after the program outline sparked his interest. He explains biomedical engineering technologists are responsible for looking after medical equipment in hospitals or field service settings including repair, maintenance and procurement and ensuring equipment meets standards set by Health Canada.

“During my time at Durham College, I gained invaluable skills and knowledge that set the foundation for my career in biomedical engineering technology,” he said. “The hands-on learning approach, combined with strong academic support provided to me by my mentors, allowed me to excel in both technical and practical aspects of the field.”

Prior to graduating, Maheshwari completed an eight-week placement at Niagara Health.

“I especially appreciated the opportunity to participate in a field placement program at the end of my term where I applied my learning to real-world challenges, performing inspections and repairs on medical equipment in a hospital setting.”

In addition to gaining experience through his field placement, Maheshwari said he also made connections that served as a reference for him and helped him land a job with Vancouver Island Health Authority.

“I am enjoying my experience here and I love to apply what I have learned,” he said. “At some point, my target is medical sales and both my time at DC and my current role are preparing me for it.”

During his time as a student, Maheshwari worked on campus as a Test Centre Assistant and a Biomedical Laboratory Assistant building work experience but also creating opportunities for him to meet new people and make friends.

“I worked on campus during my school years and the colleagues that I worked with are amazing people, I love them and honestly its their support which has helped me grow further everyday. Being a part of the Test Center team was one of the most cherished memories of DC.”

DC Automotive Technician grads shine in skills competitions picking up real-world skills

Graduate Spotlight: Alexander Hartley and Destry Young

Competing in skills competitions has proved to be a confidence boost for Durham College (DC) Automotive Technician – Service and Management (Motive Power Technician) students preparing to enter the real world of work.

Alexander Hartley was thrilled to win a gold medal at Skills Ontario this spring, and enjoyed the opportunity to compete nationally where he placed fourth at Skills Canada in May.

“This has been huge for me and my success in the trade and it will continue to be as I move up in the automotive industry,” he said.

In addition to competing, Hartley describes participating in a special project team and helping to build kit cars as a DC highlight.

“This gave me more experience in the aftermarket side of the auto world. I can’t thank my professors and the school enough for the time and experience they’ve given me,” he said. “I absolutely love the atmosphere of Durham College with so many other like-minded people around me who are also into the trades and many that love the automotive sector as much as I do.”

Looking towards the future, Hartley said he wants to eventually open a custom car shop.

His classmate, Destry Young, is also looking at owning his own business after graduating this spring. He wants to run a business focusing on restoration while doing various other jobs like selling parts, general repair and towing in between large projects.

Young said he began his college journey with some hands-on experience so his focus was on becoming a licensed mechanic.

“Having now completed the program and meeting many great professors through both my classes and the skills competition, I can say going to Durham College became significantly more than a step towards getting licensed,” he said. “The theoretical and hands-on knowledge I gained, primarily in second year, complemented what I had already learned from working in the trade and I believe it has put me leaps and bounds ahead of where I was two years ago.”

Young also competed in the Skills Ontario competition earning a bronze medal.

“As part of the skills competition, the professors and mentors at DC were able to provide me with priceless knowledge to help my understanding of everything that goes into making cars work,” said Young. “And that knowledge combined with my real-world experience has drastically boosted my confidence towards being a successful technician and eventually licensed mechanic.”

As he graduates, he said the thing that stood out the most about his DC experience was the openness of the classroom environment where faculty were open to both questions and suggestions on improving the learning experience.

“The best thing about DC was absolutely the people I got to meet along the way – good friends, mentors, and professors that helped to push me further than I ever could have gone alone.”

Video Production grad overcomes adversity to launch life-changing business

Graduate Spotlight: Paula Sojo

At the age of 18, Paula Sojo was diagnosed with a severe case of Crohn’s disease, resulting in a permanent ostomy. She struggled with feelings of shame until a friend gave her a birthday gift of hand-sewn ostomy covers. That’s when she realized she had nothing to be ashamed of and that she had become a member of a larger community.

Determined to help others, she teamed up with her brother to found Ostome Fashion, a thriving business that provides fashionable and empowering options to all ostomy users.

A soon-to-be graduate of Durham College’s (DC) Video Production program, she has applied her college lessons in a variety of subjects to the promotion of her business. She has also taken advantage of the extensive entrepreneurial supports available at DC.

With help from family, friends and mentors, she has not only changed her life, but promoted representation and acceptance and empowered an entire community.

As she prepares to graduate, Paula spoke to us about her wellness journey, the supportive DC community and more.

Why did you decide to study Video Production?

I always had a passion for video making. As a six-year-old, I would take my parents’ cameras and document everyday life at home. It wasn’t until high school that I became aware of this program as a possibility through my computer and technology class. I instantly fell in love with the Adobe suite and knew that I should pursue this passion further.

What did you find valuable about your program?

My experience in the Video Production program at DC has been everything I ever dreamt of and more. I began the program in 2020 as a first-year student and although all of my classes were online, I still really enjoyed connecting with my professors and collaborating with my peers. Unfortunately, shortly after my start in Video Production, I fell ill and had to defer the program for three years until I was able to come back. I was hesitant to return at first since my abilities now were different and limited. Regardless of that, I took the leap and made an effort to finish the program and could not be happier with the experience I had. The school was extremely accommodating of my disabilities and my professors were incredibly understanding of my needs. I learned so much in this program about video production but also how to be in a creative field as a disabled person.

Have you found a mentor at DC?

The one mentor who comes to mind the most is Amanda Watson. I first met her in my Grade 10 year as she was my teacher in the dual credit photography program and was later surprised to have her as my professor in the second year of the Video Production program. She taught me so much about the video production industry as an entrepreneur but more importantly, how to stand out in any market as a business. Her teachings were incredibly valuable and really left a mark in my journey. It was also with her help that my business was recognized throughout the college.

When did you decide to start your business?

I was turning 19 in the hospital and I got a package of ostomy covers that a family friend had hand sewn for me. In that moment, everything changed. A light bulb went off in my mind and I thought, this doesn’t have to be just a medical device. This can be a fashion accessory. I began to teach myself how to make these covers and I started matching them to my outfits as well. I started posting about it on Tik Tok, and the response that I got was amazing. Slowly but surely, people started asking me where they could get these covers themselves. So, we found some people that knew what they were doing and we started making some covers. We launched in September of 2023.

How has your DC education helped your business?

I’ve been able to apply all of my DC learning to my business. From my first-year classes in photography to my second-year classes in entrepreneurship, I have used all of this valuable teaching in developing and promoting my business.

How did the DC community help you?

The community at DC is unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced. Every person that I’ve come across has been so kind, welcoming and ready to present new opportunities to me. One particular person who comes to mind is Sundar Manku, Manager of Entrepreneurship Services. As the word about my small business began to spread throughout the college, Sundar contacted me to express his interest in how he could support my business. It was with his help and dedication that I was able to take part in and win the Fast Start Pitch competition.

Describe your experience in the Fast Start competition.

It was such an incredible experience. Having never partaken in a pitch competition before, it was the perfect opportunity to do so in a welcoming and educational environment. The experience was extremely valuable and I made some incredible connections with peers and professors. After my business won first place, some investors and Sundar himself took the time to give us feedback and resources to help us in our future endeavours. I am so grateful for my experience at DC and the Fast Start competition.

What do you want people to know about ostomies?

It’s really hard when you first get one and you’re learning to cope with a body that you didn’t necessarily ask for, but ostomies aren’t gross. They’re an opportunity to live again and they should be treated as such. I created a brand that stands for radical acceptance and representation and a light that ostomies have never been shown in before.

Journey to DC: Two Journalism grads describe how looking for options during the pandemic set them on the path to earning their diplomas

Durham College journalism students Branden Rushton and Bhavya Shah both began their journey towards a diploma as a way to find career options coming out of the pandemic and now they’re both ready to graduate.

Rushton explains a Durham College diploma wasn’t his initial plan.

“I was going to go into acting but then the pandemic hit and the idea of going to school online for acting was not very appealing.”

He decided to explore his options, completing a General Arts and Science program in 2020 and Business Fundamentals in 2021.

“I went into it to try and be more pragmatic about my education,” he said. “I enjoy writing and the idea of journalism sounded cool.”

In 2022, he enrolled in the Journalism – Mass Media program.

Through the program, he formed lasting friendships, received guidance from impressive industry-experienced professors, and gained hands-on experience. With plans to pursue communications and potentially teach in the future, Rushton highly recommends DC to aspiring post-secondary students.

“I learned many skills while taking the program, from audio recording and editing tips, to enhancing my interviewing and communication skills and managing, putting together, and hosting a news broadcast show for a live audience.”

His classmate Bhavya Shah, a mature 24-year-old student from India, was also looking for a path before applying to DC.

“I wasn’t really doing much, because of COVID-19,” said Shah. “I completed my Bachelor’s in psychology and graduated late, in October 2020. I worked at a construction site for about six months, even worked with an online newspaper for some time between October 2021 and July 2022.”

Shah was browsing schools to go to when his eyes settled on DC’s Journalism – Mass Media program.

“I had looked up Durham College while researching for a suitable program in India, and instantly knew it was the one,” he said. “I think it is the Durham Region which fascinated me a lot. I love being surrounded by nature and am more of a rural guy than an urban guy, as I have lived an urban lifestyle for 22 years and am not overly fond of it.”

Shah blossomed through the program, overcoming social anxiety and embracing different roles.

“I’ve done some social media for my singing, but through this program, I was able to learn how to handle a camera and being forced to take social media photos and videos on my own and this awakened the newfound passion of social media,” he said.

As they graduate this spring, both students are looking forward to applying their skills as they launch their careers with Rushton pursuing a communications role while Shah is hoping to launch a career in social media.