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Finding the recipe for success at Durham College

Graduate Spotlight: Yanni Paran

While Yanni Paran was immersing herself in the Culinary Management program at Durham College (DC), the international student was also adapting to a new country and culture in Canada. With the help of family and her mentors at DC, she found a home for herself and took the first steps on the path to owning her own restaurant.

Before she moves across the country to launch her career out west, she looked back at her DC experience and the people who made her time here both memorable and successful.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I chose Durham College mainly because it was close to my aunt’s house, where I lived when I first arrived in Canada in July 2024. As an international student, that really helped me adjust since I didn’t have to worry about housing right away.

Later on, I decided to move out and rent my own place because I prefer having my own space, but I’m really glad I chose Durham. The environment here is very welcoming, and the chefs are very approachable and supportive. They also showed a lot of understanding during a difficult time in my life when my aunt got sick and passed away earlier this year. That kind of support meant a lot to me and made my experience here more meaningful.

What was your DC experience like?

My experience at Durham College has been really positive. As an international student, I didn’t know what to expect at first, but I ended up feeling very comfortable here.

One thing I really appreciated is how supportive the chefs are, not just in class, but even outside of school. For example, one of my chefs actually helped me find a summer job when I was eligible to work full-time. I asked him if he knew any opportunities, and he recommended me to someone he knows in the catering industry at the Ajax Convention Centre. I’m really grateful for that. It showed me that if you show effort, respect, and willingness to learn, the chefs are willing to support you and even help you with job opportunities.

What was your favorite thing about your program?

My favorite part of the program is the hands-on learning. Being in the kitchen, practicing techniques, and working under pressure helped me improve a lot.

I also really appreciate the chefs. They are not only skilled but also patient and approachable. I never felt scared to ask questions, which made learning easier and more enjoyable.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

The program prepared me by giving me both technical skills and real-world experience. I learned proper kitchen techniques, organization, and how to work efficiently in a team environment.

I was also able to complete my field placement at Aloette Restaurant, which is a Michelin-recommended restaurant. That experience gave me a better understanding of professional kitchen standards and helped build my confidence before entering the industry.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

Yes, I would definitely recommend it. The program gives you a good mix of theory and hands-on experience, and the chefs genuinely support their students. They don’t just teach, you can really feel that they want you to succeed, especially when it comes to building your future career.

What is your advice for future students?

My advice would be to take initiative and build good relationships with your chefs. If you show that you’re willing to learn and work hard, they will notice and can even help you with opportunities in the future. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. That’s how you improve.

What do you love most about DC?

What I love most about DC is the people, especially the chefs. They are very supportive, patient, and approachable. As an international student, that made a big difference for me because it helped me feel more comfortable and confident while studying far from home.

How do you feel about graduating?

I feel proud and grateful. It hasn’t always been easy balancing school, work, and personal challenges, but finishing this program feels very rewarding. At the same time, I feel excited because it’s the start of a new chapter in my life.

What are your future goals?

After graduation, I’ll be moving to Banff, Alberta to work as a cook at a resort. I’m excited to gain more experience and continue learning in a professional kitchen. In the future, I hope to grow in the culinary industry and eventually open my own restaurant.

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

Building the foundation of a career in the trades

Graduate Spotlight: Joseph Dooher

For Joseph Dooher, a career in the trades is a family matter. His father runs his own handyman business, and Joseph’s goal is to do the same. With that in mind, he has completed the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program at Durham College and is ready to collect his diploma at Convocation in June.

With the future on his mind, Joseph spoke to us about the value of a hands-on education and why learning more than one trade is so important.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I chose Durham College because of its proximity to home, but more importantly because of the Carpentry and Renovation program. Prior to this, I completed a year in mechanical engineering. While I performed well academically, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and the hands-on, varied nature of this program immediately stood out. The opportunity to learn multiple trades within one well-rounded program made DC the right choice for me.

What was your DC experience like?

Overall, my experience at DC was very positive. My classes were engaging, and I appreciated the strong focus on teamwork and collaboration. While field work placements could be challenging to secure, they provided valuable, real-world, on-the-job experience. Outside of the classroom, there were plenty of opportunities to get involved socially. It made me feel very welcomed.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

The combination of knowledgeable professors, hands-on projects, teamwork, and field work has prepared me well for the next step in my career. I gained practical skills such as providing customer quotes, understanding permit laws and applications, job site safety, and proper tool use. Learning how to work effectively with others on real projects has been especially valuable. Overall, the program offers a well-rounded experience that closely reflects real-world industry expectations.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

Absolutely. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in the trades, especially if they’re unsure about focusing on one specific area right away. The variety within the program allows you to explore different aspects of the trades and quickly discover what you enjoy most. That experience is incredibly beneficial when starting your career.

What is your advice for future students?

My advice would be to take full advantage of everything DC has to offer. This includes meeting new people, using on-campus facilities like the gym, exploring food options, participating in social activities, and building relationships with professors. I would also strongly recommend making good use of the DC Connect platform, as it provides valuable resources such as study materials, lessons, examples, and calendars that help you stay organized and on track throughout the semester.

What do you love most about DC?

What I love most is the sense of community. I made friendships that I expect will last a lifetime, and I truly felt like I belonged. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will always be proud to be a DC graduate.

How do you feel about graduating?

I feel both excited and a little sad as I approach graduation. I’ll miss the day-to-day interactions with my professors, several of whom had a strong impact on my learning and personal growth. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to learn from them and wish I had even more time to do so.

What are your future goals?

For the past five years, I’ve worked alongside my father in his handyman business. As he prepares to retire, my long-term goal is to eventually run my own business, following in his footsteps. In the short term, I want to continue gaining real-world experience. I’ve been volunteering with the Canadian Tank Museum for several years and was fortunate to secure my field placement assisting with their renovations. I hope to continue contributing to this project, as the museum plays an important role in preserving Canadian history.

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

Supporting people is a passion for Human Resources graduate

Graduate Spotlight: Arial Maisonneuve

Arial Maisonneuve’s educational journey hasn’t followed a straight line.

After taking time off after high school, she enrolled in a spa management program, but her passions pointed her elsewhere. Determining that she wanted to support people, she enrolled in Durham College’s Human Resources – Business diploma program, where she’s excelled for the last two years.

After receiving her credential at Convocation in June, she’ll return to DC this fall via the transfer pathway into the Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources Management to further develop her knowledge and add a degree to go with her diploma.

With the next phase of her journey in sight, she spoke to us about discovering her interest in human resources, and the importance of getting involved on and off campus.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I had close friends and some family members who attended DC, and when I finally came for a tour, I really felt that I was going to gain the best college experience.

Why did you want to study human resources?

I think with all my work experience, it really kept pushing me towards a love of business. I was given an opportunity at my last place of employment, and I really liked the recruitment process and selecting people. I also loved training people. It’s my favorite part. So that drove me to HR.

What was your DC experience like?

I love being at DC and I’ve been blessed to receive this education. The effort that professors put into their lessons has been really engaging and sticks with me when I’m studying. I have enjoyed the events that DC has put together, and the spaces, different buildings and study rooms. I joined a club, the Durham College Human Resources Association (DCHRA), that got me out of my comfort zone and helped me understand networking, which is important in my career. I feel confident and ready to go out and further my education and pursue my career.

Tell me about getting involved with the DCHRA.

I didn’t join the first year, and I absolutely regret that now. I wish I joined so much sooner. It doesn’t take up that much of your time. It does require teamwork and organization, because at the end of the day, you are a team. Yes, you have individual responsibilities, but you are able to fall back on people if you really need to. I really enjoy it. They had two positions open, and I joined as the assistant event coordinator. Next year, I’ll be co-president with a friend.

Why did you decide to continue your studies at DC next year and work towards a degree?

In the long run, I want to get to the top of my field. I want that executive or director title. This gives me the opportunity to get not only my diploma, but my degree. I can walk out of DC and achieve my Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation, and then just grow at a company from there.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

Our professors have long standing backgrounds in the profession. Hearing them discuss their real-world experience and using case studies has been an amazing way to learn. The projects and assignments were always relevant and some of my courses were so fun and engaging that I will carry these ideas with me into my future career of HR.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

Absolutely. This program is designed to give students skills that employers are going to look for in the future. You get hands-on experience and real-world knowledge to help you feel prepared to go into the workforce.

What is your advice for future students?

Just go for it. Join a club, go to the DCSA events, enjoy getting to know new people, and don’t be so nervous. You’re all going through similar experiences in college, so embrace your time here.

What do you love most about DC?

My professors, honestly. They have amazing insights. They really help you. They really want you to succeed, even when you feel like you’re not doing your best. I was pushed to do better and get out of my comfort zone, so I was just able to enjoy my time in college.

How do you feel about graduating?

I feel prepared to graduate. I have the skills and knowledge to know I will be successful at my future career in Human Resources and have the ability to achieve anything.

What are your future goals?

My goal is to get a corporate job. I would like to hopefully start in training and development, then work my way to a high title, engage with the Human Resources Professionals Association, and then possibly move to Europe for living and travel, all while developing my career to the highest level.

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

DC student seizes opportunity for work-integrated learning

When Maxwell Dinsmore applied for the Computer Programming and Analysis program at Durham College (DC), the opportunity to incorporate work-integrated learning into his education was a big reason why.

“I thought that co-op was a great way to get experience and hopefully a full-time position right out of college,” said Dinsmore.

Students in 34 DC programs can apply for an invaluable co-op opportunity, where they can put their learning to the test in a workplace environment while building their professional network before they even graduate.

“Work-integrated learning opportunities like co-op and field placements are so important, because they allow our students to build practical skills, gain confidence, and become truly prepared for their future careers,” explained Anna De Grauwe, Director, Experiential Learning.

Entrance to co-op is competitive, so Dinsmore knew that he’d need to keep his grades high in order to qualify. Immersing himself into his studies, he assured that he was near the top of the class when the time to apply came. Sure enough, he earned the opportunity to embark on a four-month, paid work term between the second and third years of the program. Last summer, he did just that at Extendicare Canada.

“It gave me a place to learn and grow while working. I got a lot of opportunities to learn new technologies and to implement solutions I’ve never even heard about before,” he said.

One of his primary tasks was assisting with a cost analysis on how Extendicare can implement new technologies. Though he’d initially hoped to be doing more hands-on programming, he grew to enjoy the varied tasks he was given.

“I wasn’t focusing on making an application, but more on interacting with people and seeing what they want out of certain systems,” he said. “It definitely helped me transition more into business analysis, rather than pure programming and software development. I find the process of planning new applications or maintaining developed applications a bit more interesting.”

His hard work earned rave reviews from Extendicare, and if all goes to plan, he’ll have a full-time opportunity waiting for him there after graduation.

“I felt like they really valued my work there. It was so nice to know that I can do good work in the field,” he said.

That’s just one of the reasons he heartily recommends that students take advantage of work-integrated learning opportunities.

“It really helped solidify my knowledge.”

Megan and Ashley Bent make DC a family affair

Megan Bent’s fifth and final year as a Durham College (DC) student may be her best one yet.

She’s once again serving as Executive Chairwoman of the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), and she’s representing her peers as Student Governor on the DC Board of Governors. In October, she wrapped up a stellar career as a key member of the Durham Lords women’s rugby team. As a Supply Chain Management – Global student, she’s completing her fourth DC program.

Best of all, she’s doing it all alongside her sister Ashley Bent. After building a successful career in New Zealand, Ashley enrolled at DC in the Human Resources Management program this year, to gain the credentials she needs to pursue her calling in Canada.

We spoke to the Bent sisters about how DC runs in the family.

Megan, how would you describe your DC experience?

Megan: It’s been really good. I know that sounds so easy to say, but I don’t think I would have been here for going on five years if my experience wasn’t good. What really sets our college apart is the amount of support that you get. I can honestly say I don’t think I could have survived five years, and all of these roles that I’ve taken on, without the support that I had from my professors, from administrative staff, from support staff. It’s a community that’s available to everyone. If I’m struggling with something, if I need assistance with something, if I need guidance about something, I have that here. That’s what really has made these past four years great for me.

Ashley, what does it mean to you to be joining your sister at DC?

Ashley: It honestly feels really special. For most of our lives, she has been known as ‘Ashley’s little sister,’ but now the roles feel reversed in the best way. I’m stepping into her world. I know she’s more than happy about that. She’s built such a strong legacy here that you can’t help but feel the impact of it. To me, it’s not just about starting my own journey at DC, it’s about walking a path that she’s paved for our family, for me, and for so many students who are here now and who will come after us. Those are big shoes to fill, but it’s an honour to be part of something she’s poured so much of herself into.

Megan, what excites you about having your sister at DC?

Megan: I hope I get to show her all the things I love about Durham College. I’m training her to be a Lord. I’m like, ‘you are not allowed to cheer for any other team. We bleed green and gold in this house’. She’s inherited a lot of my previous varsity swag, and I will be dragging her to all of the games, especially rugby and basketball.

Ashley, what do you think of your sister’s many accomplishments and impact at DC?

Ashley: I’m so proud of my sister and everything she’s accomplished at DC. What she’s done here is so much bigger than her, and that’s not lost on either of us. I know she’s doing it for the little girl inside of her, but also for the ones who are looking for an example. Someone who gives them permission to chase their dreams because they can actually see it’s possible. And what’s even more special is that it’s happening right here on the same campus as them. To me, her legacy isn’t just about the undefeated seasons or leadership roles, it’s about the way she’s inspired others, created opportunities, and made it feel like they belong. As her big sister, it’s been incredible to watch her step into all of this. And now, to be here too, is an honour.

Megan, what message do you have for students as DCSA Executive Chairwoman?

Megan: I would like them to know that we are there for them. We are here to provide clarity, to advocate on your behalf, and make sure that you’re having a good time. We’re a one stop shop for anything, and if you have any questions, you can always come to the office, send an email or DM us on our social channels. We’re here to make sure that you feel extra supported and to answer questions when you don’t know what to do. I’m a very approachable person, so if you come up and say hi to me, I promise I won’t bite.

You both have previous post-secondary experience. What advice do you have for other students?

Megan: Really get involved. You’ll get to meet people with similar interests as you. There are opportunities for you to get student placements or jobs here on campus, and connect with other great programming here. And, as a person who’s a part of Varsity culture, I would say come out to the games. That’s a great way to meet like-minded fans and to cheer your heart out. The college experience is what you make of it. If you keep an open mind and just say yes, at a moment you would have said no, you’ll really surprise yourself.

Ashley: My advice would be to do it all, take it all in, and say yes. I used to roll my eyes when people said that, until I lived it and now, I understand why it matters. People always say, ‘these are some of the best years of your life.’ And while I don’t believe your best years are limited to college (there’s so much more ahead) you’ll never be at this exact age or stage again. There’s something exciting about that. So instead of rushing to the next chapter, enjoy where you are. Study hard, but live harder. Go to events, introduce yourself to people, ask questions in class, join a club or a team – whatever speaks to you. Take advantage of everything at your fingertips: the wisdom and knowledge of your professors, the experiences with your peers, the friendships, the opportunities. Say yes. Say it often. Say it now.

Megan, how will you look back at your DC experience?

Megan: I didn’t think that the journey would be like this. It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities to do really great things, like throwing the first pitch at a Blue Jays game. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to do that. I think of myself somewhat as a professional student. I’ve been here for five years, and it took me five years to finish my previous degree. But I can’t imagine doing anything else. Some people are like, ‘don’t you want to get a big girl job?’ And I’ll say, why? If I had a big girl job, I wouldn’t have gotten half of the opportunities I’ve had.

Making the most of it: Advice from a two-time DC graduate

With a new school year underway, we spoke to Durham College (DC) alumni about their experience, what they wish they’d known on the first day of classes, and the advice they’d offer to new students.

Alumni Spotlight: Max Morrow

Max Morrow knows what it’s like to be a new student at Durham College (DC).

He’s a two-time DC graduate, completing the Advertising and Promotion and Human Resources – Business Administration programs. This September, he’s beginning a new academic journey at Ontario Tech University in their Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources Management program.

With extensive post-secondary experience, and a lengthy tenure with the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), he has plenty of wisdom to pass on to this year’s new crop of students.

What were some highlights of your time at DC?

Some of the best parts of my time at Durham College were the experiences I had outside the classroom. I started the Durham College Human Resource Association, which gave students a chance to grow and connect beyond academics. I also served as the Student Director for the Faculty of Business and Information Technology on the DCSA Board, where I helped represent student voices and provide input on key decisions.

On top of that, I was part of the Program Advisory Committee, the College Advisory Council, and even helped with the approval process for the first HR degree program. I also sat on the Human Resources Student Advisory Council, where we worked with local businesses and community partners.

Being involved in all of this made my time at DC really fulfilling. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and apply what I was learning in real situations.

What advice do you have for new students at DC?

Participate as much as you can. Take the chance of answering that question you might be afraid to answer, or getting into groups with the DCSA and meeting new people. Take one day at a time, keep organized, stay on top of all your deadlines, communicate with your professors. Put yourself out there and feel uncomfortable; it’s really just learning and growing. Coming out of your comfort zone will make the experience a lot easier for you.

You kept very busy at DC. How can students improve their time management?

Time is always going to be a challenge. I made it all work by keeping my mental health a priority and focusing on building strong relationships along the way. By prioritizing that, it really allowed me to be more flexible and open up my schedule and just be more available to things.

You completed a work study program with DC’s Human Resources department. What makes those opportunities so valuable?

It was a great complement to my education. What I was learning in the classroom was being practically used in the actual field, and that was really cool for me to see. I’d recommend work study positions for students, 100 per cent, because you get your feet wet and see what your field is actually like. It’s building that little bit of experience and knowledge of the field that you’re about to enter into very shortly, and you’re building a great network for yourself.

How can students make the most of their time at DC?

Get involved with your community. Join the DCSA clubs. Play sports, if that’s your thing. Just get involved in every aspect while you can, because it’s such a short time and it goes by so quick.

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.