Student thrives in the classroom and in co-op role thanks to Student Services

Rachel Leroux earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2003 and a bachelor’s degree in athletic therapy in 2011. She worked as a manager in the fitness industry for 10 years until she lost her job after a company restructure. Rachel wanted to get back into the workforce quickly, so she enrolled in the one-year Human Resources Management graduate certificate program at Georgian.

The mother of three young children had to not only learn to balance family life with homework and other responsibilities, but also tackle an entirely new subject matter.

“I was worried I wouldn’t easily adapt to postsecondary education again, but I learned I would have access to a wide range of student services after attending a virtual Get to Know Georgian information session,” she says.

Rachel is currently on co-op with the college’s Marketing, Communications and Recruitment department and working as a student recruiter, something she wants to continue doing when she graduates.

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

How did having access to Student Services help you balance life, family and work commitments?

Georgian’s student success advisors really helped me navigate the college’s many educational resources, like student success advising and health services. I really couldn’t have succeeded without their help, or that of my professors…they genuinely care about student success.

Which student services did you find most beneficial?

Student advising was always able to provide the information I was looking for, like how to learn online, managing my time (at school and home!), how to start an assignment, and honing my presentation skills. There was always someone around to help at Georgian or resources to access – whether that’s in person or virtually – which is good because life doesn’t just happen between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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

When I’m on the job as a student recruiter, I find that many prospective students aren’t aware of the full breadth of supports and support network Georgian offers, like accessibility services, co-op and career success, counselling and mental health and well-being supports, Indigenous Services, and more!

I recommend students take advantage of all the student services that are offered at the college; it can help make their transition to postsecondary more seamless and successful!

Want to learn more about Student Services?

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