Their college experience for the Class of ’21 has literally been like nothing else in Lethbridge College history.
Some of them made the quick switch to online learning in March 2020, while some in one-year programs may never have stepped foot on campus at all. Many of them did still get to take advantage of Lethbridge College’s many hands-on learning experiences – from the kitchens to the welding labs to the radio station and massage clinic – but even those experiences looked different than they did recently (including the necessity of wearing a mask everywhere on campus).
But through it all, the Class of 2021 also showed great resilience, dedication and good humour. That last trait can be seen when we asked a few of this year’s grads to tell us a little bit about themselves and their Lethbridge College experience – in the form of the game “Two Truths and a Lie.” Check out which are the lies by reading this issue’s Editor’s Message.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERY MEMBER OF THE REMARKABLE CLASS OF ’21. YOU CLEARLY ARE READY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS NEXT!
Name: Lina Castro
Program: Criminal Justice – Policing
Academic honours; volunteer and student leader; search and rescue trainee
Hometown: Apartado, Antioquia, Colombia
- I am in the LEO Club.
- I participated in the Mass Casualty Simulated Learning Incident for Collaboration and Knowledge (SLICK).
- I jumped into Henderson Lake for the Polar Plunge
Favourite place or person on campus: Throughout my first year, my favourite place at the college was the quiet area in the library to work on homework. It is hard to pick a favourite person, because I had the pleasure of having many great instructors who made my classes interesting, enjoyable, and made me realize that a career in law enforcement is truly what I want to do with my life. They all want to see you succeed, are willing to answer questions, and give great feedback. Thank you to the all the instructor I’ve had!
Advice for a student about to start in fall 2021? Take advantage of everything the college has to offer. From getting involved in the volunteering clubs to taking advantage of the Learning Café for your assignments and studying. Talk to your instructors and ask them questions, they are the most knowledgeable and are always willing to answer.
What are you looking forward to after graduation? What I am looking forward to the most is applying for jobs and seeing where my career and future takes me.
Name: Nichole Ham
Program: Criminal Justice – Policing
Academic honours; volunteer and student leader; peer tutor
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
- The college wrote an article about my assignment where I demonstrated traffic signals in a red onesie.
- I once drew an elaborate drawing of a crime scene for an assignment.
- There was a week in which I survived primarily off microwave popcorn.
Favorite place or person on campus: Sitting on the benches in the Andrews building. While the benches themselves were not comfortable, the view of the policing memorabilia was inspiring.
Advice for a student about to start in fall 2021? I would recommend taking advantage of the amazing staff at the college. There are so many wonderful staff members dedicated to the success of students at the Lethbridge College.
What are you looking forward to after graduation? I am looking forward to the scenery at the Royal Roads University in British Columbia this upcoming fall.
Name: Amber Vanderkroft
Program: Therapeutic Recreation – Gerontology
Academic honours; volunteer and student leader; recreation assistant
Hometown: Nakusp, B.C.
- I have been cancer free for two years!
- I got to dress up and play a senior citizen for classmates to practise their skills.
- I turn 35 this summer.
Favorite place or person on campus? Pre-pandemic I loved to work in the library facing the windows and looking out at the weather.
Advice for a student about to start in fall 2021? Enjoy this time! It will go by faster than you think. Savour the good moments and carry them with you wherever you head next. You are going to learn so much about yourself and the world.
What are you looking forward to after graduation? Working for the summer! I have a casual position in my field and am loving it so much.
