Our Students (Past and Present) - Student Affairs
Welcome to our webpage where we proudly shine a spotlight on the remarkable skills and talents of our diverse and vibrant student community. We firmly believe that our students are the heart and soul of our institution, and this platform is dedicated to celebrating their achievements, passions, and unique contributions.
Each student featured here has a story to share, demonstrating the endless possibilities for growth and success. Whether it's through academic pursuits, community engagement, or personal development, our students continually inspire us. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and discovering the many opportunities that await within our vibrant community.
Malik Yagubi
Community Assistant, Residence Life
As a Community Assistant (CA) in Residence Life at the University of Guelph, I had the opportunity to develop key leadership, communication, and organizational skills while supporting both the Residence Life Staff (RLS) and students. This role allowed me to foster a sense of belonging in residence by taking an equity, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) approach to community building, student support, and large-scale programming. I learned to recognize and address the diverse needs of students and helped to create an inclusive environment where everyone felt supported, welcomed, and safe.
The position also provided me with a valuable network of connections across different disciplines and campus areas, which has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Advising and mentoring RLS and students allowed me to see the impact of my work firsthand, as they went on to become leaders in their own right.
Holding the position of CA has shaped my future goals by equipping me with transferable leadership skills. While I may not have a set career trajectory, I know that I want to continue helping others and fostering strong communities through different leadership opportunities. I am now prepared to do so thanks to this role. Being a CA in Residence Life helped me find a sense of belonging in university and I could not imagine my university experience without it.
Mitchell Duchene
Ecology Co-op Program, Experiential Learning
As a student at the University of Guelph, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Ecology Co-op program, which took me to the northernmost continuously inhabited place in the world—Alert, Nunavut. My placement as an Assistant GAW Lab Operator at the Dr. Neil Trivett Global Atmosphere Watch Observatory was an incredible experience that profoundly impacted my academic and career goals.
Working in such an extreme environment required adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills. I collected air and snow samples, conducted meteorological checks, and ensured the lab equipment's proper functioning, all while dealing with temperatures lower than -40°C and periods of 24-hour darkness and light. These tasks enhanced my technical and analytical skills and taught me the importance of meticulous data collection and environmental monitoring.
This placement also significantly influenced my personal growth. The community at CFS Alert, where I joined band practices and sports games, helped me develop teamwork and leadership abilities. Living and working in such a remote location sparked a passion for travel and exploration, pushing me out of my comfort zone.
While in Alert, I deepened my fascination and love for wildlife. As an ecology major, working in the GAW Lab was a bit outside my field, but it afforded me the incredible opportunity to witness Canada's high Arctic tundra ecosystem, which I'd love to return to one day with an ecological focus.
I highly recommend the Ecology Co-op program to other students. It offers unparalleled opportunities and has been instrumental in helping me figure out which career paths most appeal to me.