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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.

Durham College Photography graduate Brooke Warner builds her portfolio and the foundations of a career

For Photography graduate Brooke Warner, her time at Durham College (DC) has been all about opportunity to not only showcase her talent but to launch her photography career.

She decided to pursue photography at Durham College in 2021 and will graduate at Spring Convocation in 2024.

“I have loved every minute of my photography program and the valuable lessons I have learned here as a student,” said Warner.

“I have had so many opportunities because of my faculty and professors and was lucky enough to complete a Work Integrated Learning Project with the City of Oshawa and the Fire Department,” she added. “I also competed at the 2024 Skills Ontario Competition, representing the college in photography and served as a member on my Program Advisory Committee.”

Warner found success at the recent Skills Ontario Competition, earning a silver medal provincially and then a bronze medal at the Skills Canada National Competition.

Being a DC student made it possible for Warner to display her work on a larger scale and led her to real-world work opportunities in her field.

She exhibited her work at both the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) and Station Gallery. At the RMG, Warner showcased a striking portrait of Oshawa firefighter Jessica Crombie. The photo was part of a collection of photographs she called Heroes of our Community focusing on Whitby and Oshawa firefighters.

“Additionally, I had the opportunity – for the past two years – to photograph the 2023 and 2024 versions of the Field to Fork Cookbook in conjunction with the culinary students at the Whitby Campus which is an amazing addition to my portfolio.”

Warner said her favourite thing about Durham College is the caring faculty.

“I love the feeling that you matter at Durham College, your professors know your names, and you’re not just a number,” she said. “That made me feel that I matter and that bettering my education is important to my professors just as much as it is to me.”

As well, she credits DC faculty for helping her prepare for the future.

“DC has helped me prepare for my career because my professors have encouraged all of us as students to self promote ourselves throughout our semesters so that way when we graduate, we already have promotional pieces and materials to put forth and a website to showcase our talents to get potential jobs.”

Moving forward, Warner aspires to work with the police, paramedics, and firefighters to photograph their stations, personnel, and training through documentary portraiture to showcase community heroes.

Her advice to current students?

“Don’t compare yourself and your work to others, compare your latest works to your first attempt to see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve improved and grown in your field.”

Fitness and Health Promotion student says field placement taught her skills that can’t be learned in the classroom

As she graduates this spring, Melissa Lenis is ready to launch her career in wellness with a confidence boost from a successful field placement where she built connections and applied what she learned in the classroom.

Lenis spent time exploring her options before choosing a career path. She began her journey at DC in Police Foundations in 2014 before switching to 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications in 2018 where she earned a diploma. Ultimately, she decided she wanted to work in wellness and is now graduating with a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion.

“I’ve always loved coming to DC,” she said. “I live in Whitby so it’s close to home, you get a bus pass, campus is easy to navigate, the programs and Gen Eds are interesting and the health benefits are great. As a mature student having dental, therapy or chiropractic services mostly covered is a big deal as it’s expensive without any assistance.”

She said she attended a DC Open House in 2022 to meet faculty in the Fitness and Health Promotion program and impactful conversations led to her applying right away.

“I could tell they were passionate about what they do at DC, and knew this was a perfect program for me.”

Lenis said her program has prepared her for a career in many ways. A highlight was her job placement at a long-term care home.

“I had no experience working with seniors let alone with a variety of physical and cognitive limitations, but I wanted a challenge. I have a lot of experience in gyms and with fitness for the general population, but this was a great opportunity to try something I’ve never done before.”

Through her placement she gained experience with group exercise classes, one-on-one exercise based on care plans, physical assessments for residents and documenting.

“I’ve loved placement and made many connections with the residents, their families, my supervisor and my peers, and I’m continuing to volunteer as I don’t want to leave the residents,” she said, adding that she felt pride in seeing the long-term care residents making progress.

“Having placement in a program, you get to learn many skills that can’t be learned in a classroom. In class we were taught about exercise prescription for the elderly population, but getting to apply the information learned as well as adapting to new situations with each resident — everyone is a unique individual with a plan tailored to them — made me feel incredibly prepared for a future career in fitness and wellness.”

Looking towards the future, Lenis said she wants to launch a wellness business coaching women to eat intuitively and to nourish their body and mind.

“The fitness industry is heavily influenced by diet culture which leads to body image shame, food restrictions, labelling food as ‘good’ and ‘bad’, over exercising to burn off calories after eating what is deemed as a big meal and a million other disconnecting behaviours,” she explains. “I want women to not feel shame in what they eat or how they look, and to move their body every day in a way that is enjoyable to them.”

Her advice for anyone considering her program is to pursue it.

From part-time studies to a three-year diploma, DC Accounting student inspired to explore new career options

Accounting student Riley Coleman began his journey as a part-time student and with support from his Durham College (DC) peers and faculty, he’s now graduating with a three-year diploma.

“The classmates and professors I met along the way have helped shape not only my career but me as a person,” said Coleman, who is graduating with an Accounting – Business Administration diploma this spring. “My three years at Durham have been the most rewarding schooling I have done.”

He began his journey as a part-time continuing education student. At the time, he was helping the bookkeeper in his father’s office and decided to enroll in classes at DC.

Coleman found he really enjoyed accounting courses at DC and after taking a short break from his studies, he decided to enroll as a full-time student in his three-year program.

He said DC’s dedicated faculty helped him prepare for his next steps.

“I thought I knew what path I was taking when I went into the program. My experiences with my professors and seeing their passion for specific subjects helped me realize I had the same passion for those subjects,” he said.

Coleman’s program included co-op, which he did with the Government of Canada. He said the experience “was amazing for preparing me for the workforce and interviews”. He was fortunate to be hired on full-time after his co-op ended.

Eventually, he said, he may want to start his own firm.

Coleman’s advice to students at the beginning of their journey is to jump in and enroll in a DC accounting program.

“Take that next step,” he said. “The program itself is amazing and the professors are just as amazing. It will help and guide you on the path you want to be on and maybe even open up some doors for you.”

“Your journey at DC is just the beginning of an extraordinary career path”: DC Supply Chain Management student on returning to school and finding success

Graduate Spotlight: Temilola Abiola Komolafe

Durham College (DC) Supply Chain Management — Global graduate, Temilola Abiola Komolafe, says she felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness when she began her program, similar to what she felt 24 years ago when she first stepped onto a campus.

“Life’s unpredictable twists led me from a fulfilling career in human resources in my home country to a fresh start in Canada,” explained Komolafe, who is originally from Nigeria. While she felt like a first-time student again, she soon found a supportive environment at DC, she explained.

“The welcoming atmosphere and the collective spirit of my peers and professors alike made it evident that success here was a shared goal.”

Her decision to study Supply Chain Management stemmed from a family conversation. Her husband has a master’s degree in logistics management and aspires to establish a logistics company.

“We realized that my understanding of this domain would not only support his venture but also catalyze my growth,” said Komolafe. “Durham College emerged as the ideal choice for this journey.”

Komolafe said DC helped her access new opportunities and embrace new challenges and her studies had a direct impact on her job search.

“I was able to ace the technical parts of my recruitment process thanks in large part to the college’s strict focus on practical abilities,” she said. “DC’s one-of-a-kind method of combining theory and practice helped me stand out during job interviews, particularly for work requiring advanced Excel skills.

“One of the courses I had in my first semester – Business Acumen for Supply Chain Management Professionals – was crucial, and it turned out to be an unexpected advantage as I was getting ready for my interviews. This class helped me articulate my value offer to prospective employers.”

Her advice to students is to embrace challenges as stepping stones.

“In the ever-evolving world of Supply Chain Management, stay curious, adaptable, and driven. Your journey at DC is just the beginning of an extraordinary career path.”

As she pursues a career in supply chain management and supports her family’s business venture, Komolafe said she wants to stay dedicated to growth, both personally and professionally.

“Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded that it’s never too late to embrace change and pursue new knowledge. Durham College has not only provided me with education but also a community where growth and success are a collective pursuit,” she said. “As I look forward to the next chapter, I carry with me the lessons and experiences from Durham College that will undoubtedly shape my future.”

Skills to succeed: DC General Arts and Science grad transitions to university

Graduate Spotlight: Maegan neve

Improved critical thinking and communication skills are what Maegan Neve said she will take with her as she graduates from Durham College (DC) with a General Arts and Science (GAS) certificate.

Neve completed the General Arts and Science – Trent Transfer program and is set to study biology at Trent University in the fall with advanced standing thanks to DC’s pathway opportunities.

“Throughout my time in the GAS program I have had the pleasure of meeting and learning from my amazing peers and supportive professor,” she said. “I came into this program to learn the critical thinking and communication skills that will help me to succeed in my university studies. It has been a pleasure working with my professors to develop these lifelong skills.”

What are your future goals? 

I will be attending Trent for Biology with a specialization in conservation biology in fall 2024. I hope to go on to get a degree in Biology and potentially a master’s degree.

How did DC help prepare you for your career? 

DC has helped me to develop the skills I will need to succeed in my university studies and has helped me to direct my interests into a career pathway.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about taking the same program as you? 

I would highly encourage the GAS program as it helps to prepare students for future education no matter what stream they choose. It helps to introduce several areas of studies that may help students to find out where they want to end up.

What do you love most about DC? 

The thing I love most about DC is the friendly and supportive professors. All of my professors have made our classes a great experience and have taught me so much!

Fascinated by food, culinary management grad headed back to DC

Graduate Spotlight: Liv Domik

Though she’s crossing the stage and picking up her diploma in Culinary Management, Liv Domik is not quite finished with her DC journey.

That’s because she’s continuing on in the Horticulture—Food and Farming program where she will pick up skills, training and experiences that naturally complement her culinary management background.

“I dream of becoming a food product developer on a corporate level or becoming a chef at a food and drink magazine,” said Domik. “I love to be creative with food and I think an environment like that would be my perfect place.”

Her journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was selected for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), a school-to-work program that allows secondary school students to complete their high school diplomas while gaining experience in the skilled trades. She began attending DC in February 2021.

“In my second year, I hit the ground running with experience in the industry under my belt and a fire in me to become the person I wanted to become,” she said. “This drive got me a job at The Springwood right out of college.”

Located in Whitby, The Springwood restaurant focuses on locally sourced food and seasonality.

Based on her experiences at DC and working at the restaurant, Domik decided to return to college for the Food and Farming program.

She said she learned key culinary skills for her industry at DC.

“I also got to learn many different cuisines and service styles which felt unique to this program.”

Domik encourages potential students to consider the culinary management program.

“People take the program for multiple reasons,” she said. “Some people take it to learn the language of food and have a deeper appreciation for it while others take it to become great chefs and own their own restaurants.”

Any advice for future students?

“I want you to remember that tough times don’t last, tough people do. Love yourself and just remember we are all a work in progress.”

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Are you looking to make a career out of a love for food? Check out these popular programs offered at DC in the Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science:

Changing career paths and preparing for the in-demand skilled trades industry

Graduate spotlight: Kathryn Fullerton

After beginning her bachelor’s degree in criminology and justice, Kathryn Fullerton felt lost and confused about her future. In search of a new challenge, she applied for the Electrical Techniques program at Durham College (DC) and hasn’t looked back.

“I finally feel like I am headed in the right direction towards developing a career that I find engaging and exciting, and a life I can be proud of,” she says.

Now, as a new graduate, we chatted with Kathryn about her experience at DC, the Canerector Scholarship she received, and her future goals.

What was your favourite part about being a DC student?

My favourite part about being a student was knowing that DC collaborates with community partners. This really helped me learn the skills employers are looking for. Durham College also adapts with industry changes, which helped me feel confident that I would be well-prepared to enter the workforce.

What are you most grateful for from your time at DC?

I am grateful for all the people that I got to meet and connect with. From the amazing professors whose encouragement helped me feel confident in myself and my abilities to the friends I made along the way. It really helped knowing that my professors – who have such vast experience in the field – believed in me. They helped me believe in myself.

What would you say to other female students who are interested in taking the same program as you?

I always felt respected at DC. Sometimes it can feel daunting to be only one of a few females in a class, but I knew I deserved to be there! To another female interested in taking the same program, or any of the other skilled trade programs, I would say go for it. This is a viable career option that’s extremely fulfilling.
What did it mean to you to be a recipient of the Canerector Scholarship?

I was so happy to be selected as one of the Canerector Scholarship recipients. It made a huge impact on my time at DC, the extra financial help made a big difference and helped me focus more on my studies.  I also felt recognized for my hard work. It really made me feel excited for my future in the skilled trades.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

After graduation I am looking forward to entering the workforce and beginning my journey towards a career I can be proud of. I plan to obtain my electrical journeyman’s license and eventually become a master electrician. After finally finding a career path I am excited for, I am really happy to be starting this new chapter of my life.

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Are you ready to start your career in the skilled trades? Check out these popular programs offered at DC in the Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship: