Mature student thrives in the classroom with help from Student Services

Nicole St. Pierre earned a bachelor’s degree in 2014, and decided to college as a mature student enrolled in Georgian’s one-year Human Resources Management graduate certificate in 2021. She worried she wouldn’t easily adapt to classroom learning again, but quickly adjusted with the help of Student Services

A woman with long brown hair and purple glasses smiles at the camera with her head turned slightly toward it. She's standing in a hallway with tables and chairs.
Nicole St. Pierre | graduate of Georgian’s Human Resources Management graduate certificate

I was incredibly anxious about returning to postsecondary…initially. I thought the experience would be challenging and different from my earlier learning experience, but I was able to access many Student Services and all my professors were so approachable.

She recently graduated from the graduate certificate and now works as a Pathways Officer at Georgian.

Here’s what she says about how Student Services helped prepare her for success, both in the classroom and in the workplace:  

Which Student Services did you use most?  

I accessed the Peer Mentor program and Student Success Advising. I also used the library for database and research help. My day-to-day life as a mature student with family and work commitments was a juggling act, so I connected with student advisors for organizational help and discussions about all the things happening in my personal life and at school…and how to balance them.  

Student Services was instrumental in my success at Georgian and gave me a sense of confidence and belonging; they also helped me continue working full-time throughout my program.   

Which Student Services did you find most beneficial?  

Counselling Services staff were amazing, and so were the peer mentors. I would advise any new student to sign up for the program – it really does make you more connected to college life and help you feel like you belong. I still have a great relationship with my peer mentor. In fact, I was so inspired by the experience I went on to become one…it’s such a special space!

Do you recommend student services to other students? If so, why?

I absolutely recommend Student Services to students. There are so many available, Georgian really does want students to flourish and provides so many opportunities for them to get the help they need – it definitely makes an impact.

Even with all the resources available, the hardest part is sometimes asking for help. It’s important though, because you may find a service you didn’t know existed that can help you succeed in your studies.

Want to learn more about Student Services?

RSVP to a future virtual Get to Know Georgian information session.  

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