The Recruitment Team

 

Email: sabrina.recruit@lakeheadu.ca

 

Hello and welcome! My name is Sabrina Leifso and I am a returning member of a very exciting team of recruiters. As a Recruitment Advisor for Lakehead University, I represent both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses and have the opportunity to speak at various high schools and colleges throughout Ontario.

Born in a small community in Midwestern Ontario, I sought to obtain more than a typical post-secondary education. On the advice of a relative, I explored the option of gaining an excellent Ontario post-secondary education from Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay Campus. Nine years have passed and I have successfully completed an Environmental Management Certificate, an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Geography), a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education degree.  Needless to say, Lakehead University was a perfect fit for me. As a former varsity athlete and student, I look forward to speaking to you about what Lakehead University has to offer you.  

 

Why was Lakehead the right university for you?

To me, Lakehead University offered a mosaic of attributes which made it a superior choice when I was examining Ontario Universities.  The first key attribute that attracted me to Lakehead University was the opportunities to get involved.  I was very involved in my hometown and high school and I wanted a post-secondary institution that enabled me to continue to be active in the community. 

The second main factor was the money!  As a high school student concerned about paying for tuition, accommodations, books and meals, reading the plethora of scholarships and bursaries available to students relaxed my worries. Looking back, I am grateful for attending Lakehead, as I was offered various scholarships and bursaries throughout my years at Lakehead. The financial aid that was offered to me in my last two years of university enabled me to complete my graduate thesis research in Germany, Poland and Israel.

The third key feature was the guaranteed residence for all first year students.  As a student from Midwestern Ontario, commuting 16+ hours to Thunder Bay everyday was out of the question! 

The fourth distinguishing factor was the location of the Lakehead University Campus.  The distance allowed me to carefully discover who I was without the safety net of family and friends, which in turn, established and solidified my life goals. 

Lastly, what drew me to Lakehead University were the Geography and Education programs.  Both programs rewarded me in more ways than merely granting me a degree in their programs.  Both programs offered me an abundance of faculty and staff that were approachable and well-educated, making it easy for me to succeed in the inclusive and supportive environment.

What was your favourite Lakehead hangout?

I always cherished walking alongside the meandering McIntyre River that flows through campus.  Whether I was alone or with friends, the McIntyre River offered a tranquil place to discuss the events that took place during a soil lab or field trip. The McIntyre River was a place where I could even read a novel or just splash around with friends.  Both the McIntyre River and Lake Tamblyn freeze in the winter, so my friends and I always took advantage of this and engaged in hockey games and ice skating.  A perk for some students is that their residence window looks out to the river and/or lake.  For students not fortunate to have a lakeside or riverside view, the main cafeteria and residence cafeteria offer ample opportunity to enjoy the vast beauty of the Lakehead.

Any advice for prospective students?

My recommendation for you is to make the most out of your university experience.  When searching for a post-secondary institution, focus on what the University has to offer you.  Examine each program that peaks your interest, ask yourself questions such as:
    •    What do I want from my University experience?
    •    Do I meet all the program specific prerequisites?
    •    What type of structure will my classes be like (lab, lecture, field component)?
    •    Does my program offer a paid co-op placement with a company in your trained field?
    •    Will my professors be approachable if I have questions?
    •    Is there a gym facility available and if so, how much is a membership?
    •    Does this institution offer residence?  Is it guaranteed to first year students?
    •    Is a bus pass available?  If so, at what cost?
    •    Are there opportunities readily available for student to work on campus?
    •    What is the University experience like?

Prepare to embark on more than just a University experience.  Prepare for a holistic educational journey that will embrace who you are.  Lastly, prepare yourself for memories, relationships and experiences that will last a lifetime.