There are so many ways to describe the graduating members of the Class of ’22, such as smart, nifty, funny, alert, happy, eager, lucky, aware and great. Their time as students has certainly been a weird time in the world. There were plenty of moments when they felt tired and weary. Some may have had an awful moment or two as they pursued their goals and plans. But these grads are hardy and tough. They have heart, and they are a force of nature. They never lost sight of their dreams.
Congratulations to the Class of ’22 – with special thanks to the students on these pages who shared some college memories (as well as a five-letter Wordle word that spoke to their college experiences) with the smart, savvy and witty readers of Wider Horizons! You are ready!
MACKENZIE HARRISON
Natural Resource Compliance
Hometown: Sparwood, B.C.
GREAT LC memory
My favourite memory was probably the first experiential week during year one of my program. I remember a very specific moment while standing waist deep in stagnant goose-poop-filled pond water. I knew that the fact that I was having a great time – regardless of the encompassing smell – meant I had joined the right program. I haven’t had one moment where I felt like this isn’t exactly the program I’m supposed to be in and the path I’m supposed to be taking.
F I S H Y
My program involved the study of fish, their habitats, their histories, their importance to the ecosystem, and the legislation protecting them. My goal career’s title is often referred to as a “fish cop.”
TINA WATTERS
Bachelor of Ecosystem Management – Fish and Wildlife
Hometown: Born in Georgetown, Ont. and raised in Sylvan Lake, Alta.
GREAT LC memory
Procrastination nights in the library! Those nights when my friends and I found a table in the library and spent ALL evening working on the assignments we had been putting off – buckling down and only taking breaks for the pizza, yoga, dog destress, and other activities put on by the wonderful coordinators.
F I E L D
I was going to pick “study” as my word but then thought of FIELD. The experiences we got to have in the field, learning and improving our hands-on skills, gave us a better understanding of our future careers.
PEDRO HERDES
Exercise Science
Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
GREAT LC memory
My program at the college was great. It started as an interesting unknown for a foreign student, but it ended as an awesome, hands-on learning experience, with great mentors.
S T A R T
Beginning this journey was actually a fresh start for me, and also the program is coming to an end for me but it is just the start of this new stage of my life.
JONALYN ESQUIVEL
Business Administration – Accounting
Hometown: Lethbridge
GREAT LC memory
A favourite memory I have from the college would be being able to get to know my classmates throughout the two years. It made the experience more meaningful by being able to relate to each other through our accounting interests and made it less stressful to persevere through our classwork.
F A I T H
This word closely relates to my time here at the college because all my professors had faith in their students. The way they encouraged us and believed in our abilities allowed me to be the best student I can be.
JOVELYN ESQUIVEL
Business Administration – Accounting
Hometown: Lethbridge
GREAT LC memory
My favourite memory at the Lethbridge College would be my first day of my second year at the college. My first year attending here was all online due to COVID-19, and I missed out on the real college experience. Walking through the doors on the first day, I was nervous but excited to finally be in the classroom and in the presence of my fellow classmates. Seeing everyone’s faces that day for the first time in person was memorable, as it made me feel ecstatic and motivated me to want to learn.
V A L U E
My Wordle word that relates to my experience at Lethbridge College is “value.” This is because the professors valued our education and prioritized our success. I also always felt that everything I learned in all my classes was of value and importance.
SARAH HATT
Renewable Resource Management
Hometown: Edmonton - but Lethbridge is home!
GREAT LC memory
“Returning” to campus! After completing the first year fully online, it was great to actually step foot on campus and connect face to face with instructors and classmates.
R E N E W
Returning to school as a mature student has renewed my passion for the outdoors and wildlife.
MATTHEW HENRY
Natural Resource Compliance
Hometown: Treherne, Man.
GREAT LC memory
Late nights spent studying in the lab that were made so much better by having lots of laughs with friends.
D R E A M
I came to Lethbridge College to pursue my dream career, and this dream is what keeps me excited every day.
EDNNA STOBSCHINSKI
Renewable Resource Management
Hometown: Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, México
GREAT LC memory
There was one time one of my best friends (and classmate) and I were walking down a hallway by Centre Core on just a regular day heading to class, and we were singing “Crazy Little Thing called Love” by Queen, snapping our fingers to the rhythm. As we were about to pass a corner, a college staff member walking in the opposite direction of us heard us singing, and as we finished one line, she jumped in to sing with us too. We did not stop to chat or anything right away; we just kept going with our days, but now with a smile on our faces and thinking - this person has good taste of music.
F R O N D
I chose this word because it encompasses my passion for plants, which emerged throughout my studies in Renewable Resource Management. But it also beautifully reflects my sentiment with the college: a community with different lumps, each one different, with a specific role, connected in a middle stem, and working towards the same goal. It didn’t matter if the day was gloomy or sunny, I always found people who supported me whenever I needed help, whether those were my instructors, staff, or my peers. I am grateful for all that I learned in the classroom and in the field, and I will continue to pursue the warm sunshine, as I know my community will have my back.
AILENE MCMAHON
Unit Clerk
Hometown: Lethbridge
GREAT LC memory
One of my best memories from my college experience was writing a research paper in my English class. I know this might sound strange, my best memory being an assignment... but I have never been the English type and this was the first time I was offered the opportunity to excel in an English class. This meant so much to me because I proved to myself that I can do hard things. I also uncovered a passion for research and pragmatic thinking. Thanks to Catherine Euston for uncovering this within me and shaping my future career choices.
G R O W N
My college experience has been the catalyst for so much of my personal and professional growth. I know so much more about myself, I have so many more invaluable life skills, and I have gained an amazing first career and so many friends and mentors. I have also regained my desire to continue growing and improving because of the opportunities provided to me by the college.
KAREN MITCHELL
Exercise Science
Hometown: Magrath
GREAT LC memory
The day I realized everything that I had learned in the past three semesters linked directly into what I was learning in the fourth. It was like a massive puzzle that was slowly coming together, and it took the entire time to bring them all on to the same table and then connect them.
T R U S T
I learned to trust the process of learning in the order that was set out for the program, even though some of the learning didn’t make sense at the beginning. I found I could trust myself to do well. I learned to trust each teacher, understanding they wanted me to do well.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF ’22 FROM THE WHOLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY
To check out more Convocation stories and celebrations, go to lethbridgecollege.ca/convocation.
