First Generation Student Experience

Student Services

A few First Generation students talk about their experience at Algoma University:

Melissa Ouimette

Melissa OuimetteMy top priority, when I was young, was to leave my hometown, which had a population of only 400. I did this by heading off to college in Toronto, which helped provide a foundation that would enable me to start my exploration of the world. I worked full time during my two years of college, arriving home many nights after my shift at 2:00 am, only to get up for my 8:00 am classes. My parents didn’t really understand how many responsibilities I had, even though they were always willing to offer a sympathetic ear and a few dollars. Being a first gen student has helped shape my outlook on life and has given me challenging and educational experiences that make me uniquely me!

I am a First Generation graduate of Humber College (Travel & Tourism), Sault College (Business Management) and Algoma University (Bachelor of Business Administration). After Humber College, I spent 2 years in Europe working and travelling, which provided me with a different kind of learning and many global experiences. I returned to Sault College and Algoma University as a mature student with a very young family (Paisley was 4 months and Autumn was 2 years old), and it was a difficult adjustment after being out of school for fifteen years. But, it was made easier because of the small class sizes and support from my husband and especially from my business professors, Cathy Denomme and Pelham Matthews, who really took an interest in my achievements and my future.

I now work at Algoma University with the First Generation Project offering support to all of our students. We offer “Help Me! Sessions” on how to overcome FG barriers, such as financial, social and educational, and provide students with all of the necessary tools to help them succeed. We have a great FG community here at Algoma and the students are very involved in all of our services, such as:


 

Shelly Fletcher

Shelly FletcherWatchay/Hello. My name is Shelly Fletcher. I am a mature Aboriginal student from the Missanabie Cree First Nation. I was born in London, Ontario and shortly thereafter moved to Germany, as my father, Stanley Fletcher, was serving in the RCAF. Yes, I am an Air Force Brat. During my life, I have had the pleasure to see most of Canada and live in different places from East to West. I chose to come to the Sault because this is where my community has settled until we return to our ancestral lands, which makes this a home, finally a home, after a century lost, for me, and my grandchildren. I wanted to complete my degree at Algoma University to learn, but also to follow willingly in the footsteps of my Elders and family who have studied here over the years.

I became aware of the First Generation Project during my studies at Algoma University. I am currently enrolled in the BFA program. I am a first generation mature student whose father was a Shingwauk Residential School student. I, like my father, am a survivor. Any challenges that I have faced pale in comparison to that legacy. I have nothing but rave reviews of the FG project. This program has offered me the opportunity, not only to meet other first generation students, but it also helps immeasurably with my ability to afford some of the specialized supplies that are needed to meet the professional standards of the art program being offered at AU. Chi-Miigwetch/Many Thanks and gratitude to Melissa Ouimette and all of the First Generation mentors that I have met so far. It is an honour to be a part of this program.

 

Rob Running

Rob RunningI am homegrown right here in Sault Ste. Marie. However, after high school, like many of my fellow classmates, I decided to leave town to attend a larger university that was located down south, closer to all the action. Although there are many great aspects to attending a bigger university, I found that it just was not what was best for me. I decided to come home and enroll at Algoma University. At first, I had no idea what to expect. However, it did not take me long to realize that this was an amazing environment for me to learn, grow, and finish my formal education. I really loved taking advantage of the small class sizes. This allowed me to get to know my professors by name. Some of them are even references on my resume. This type of relationship and networking would not be possible at a larger institution. I cannot say enough great things about this school and all the people that make it so unique and special.

Starting a university education is a very intimidating experience for anyone. This is especially true for FG students. This is because family members that you usually turn to for support may not be able to relate to the stress of balancing your time and energy between school, friends, family, and a job that may be necessary to pay the rent and bills. This often makes a difficult situation even more frustrating, not having someone to turn to for help that can relate to your situation.

Helping out anyway I can with the FG project has benefitted me in return. I know this program helps students because I see it first hand, for me and others. Helping students to balance their responsibilities and showing them that there is assistance available with tutors, on campus jobs, and the Writing Lab allows them to realize that they are not alone and, in return, makes me feel that there are many others who face the same challenges that I have.

 

Shannon Moan

Shannon MoanAs a young person, I never truly envisioned myself as an individual who harbored the capacity to attend, let alone succeed, at a post-secondary level. Neither my parents nor my grandparents had attended college or university, and without an example to follow, it just didn't seem to be in my scope of reality to apply to university. At seventeen, I registered for the Early Childhood Education program at Sault College, which provided me with immense proof that I did in fact have the capacity to excel at a college level. After my first year at the college, I challenged myself by applying to the Fine Arts program at Algoma University and, to my surprise, I have now completed a three year BA in Fine Arts with grades that I didn't dream possible. This success has further propelled me to continue on, full speed ahead, in the Social Work and Community Economic Social Development programs at the University. I now recognize, through the support of faculty and the First Generation Initiative, that I do belong and I have a family here at Algoma U and a support system that recognizes the unique challenges of being the first generation, of setting academic goals regardless of that little voice that says 'I'm aiming too high'.

Not only has the First Generation program provided me with financial support, it has reminded me that success is possible when one feels supported and encouraged to be the best they can possibly be! My long-term goal is to obtain a PhD in Social Work, and return to the north to teach in the Social Work program. It is possible, it is obtainable, and I know the First Gen team will be there to support me along the way!

 

Cynthia Morriseau

Cynthia MorriseauI chose to pursue my post-secondary education in Sault Ste. Marie at Algoma University because it has a small town feel with the amenities of a city. Growing up in a small town, I really appreciate living in a city that has such wonderful nature and forests right in our backyards. Attending a smaller school allows you to get a really personable education. You get to know the professors and they get to know you.

Being a shy person, it was difficult for me to make friends. During my first year, I didn’t talk to anyone; I focused on my school work. Come second year, however, I got involved. I volunteered with the Native Student Council and I participated in events. I got a job on campus and made friends, some of whom are still my friends today. Your college and university experience is what you make of it. Like any other student, I faced financial difficulties. If it weren’t for band funding from my First Nation, I probably would never have gone to University. I was fortunate enough to receive financial support from my parents, as well, which made a big difference to my success. My parents also encouraged and supported me along the way. The most important advice I ever received was from my mom, who always taught me to balance work and play.

Getting a job on campus was a really great experience for me. I coordinated the Annual Elder’s Conference, which really got me involved within the University community, but also with the Native community, in general. When I applied to the position, I didn’t think I had the ability to pull it off – having never done anything like it before. But I surprised myself! You never know what you’re capable of unless you try, much like College and University. There are so many people there who are ready and willing to help when needed. All you have to do is ask.

 

Yoon Mi

Yoon MiI am an undergraduate student at Sookmyung Women’s University in South Korea and an exchange student at Algoma University in Canada. I'm majoring in biology. When I was a middle school student, I read a book called Alaska. In the book, the Natives depend on wild animals for their survival. Through that, I realized "What are the animals to humans?" and felt sympathy for the animals, which are killed by humans' excessive greed. To protect them, I need to know about their traits. Therefore, I decided to study about animal behavior and I chose the major of Biology.

After entering university in Korea, I was looking for some advisors in order to discuss the way to achieve my goal. However, because I am a first generation student who was not familiar with the university system, it was difficult to find information. Thus, I wasted too much time searching for information. Although it was difficult, I finally found my advisor and told him about my dream. However, he said, there are a few professors in the field of animal behavior called "Ethology". There is no professor who studies animal behavior in my university. I did more research and discovered that Canada, especially Sault Ste. Marie, is very good for studying this field because of the untouched nature and wild animals. Also, there are more professors and laboratories to research them.

I am thinking that if there had been a First Generation project at my university in Korea, I would have not wasted my time looking for necessary information and sorting through a massive amount of material. Also, the First Generation Project helped me to be accustomed to a new environment, which is different from Korea, and help me overcome social barriers. Thus, I am very glad that there is First Generation Project at Algoma University.