An Interview with Centennial College Student Jillian Quigley
What do you like the best about being a student at Centennial College?
Being a student at Centennial is different than being a student at any other college. I got the immediate feeling that I would fit in easier. That I would be able to make new friends and connect with the teachers, instead of simply being another number in a college.
How has Centennial College helped you to make the transition from High School to College?
After graduating in the year 2016 from Saint-Lambert high school, I went to another college where I found my experience to be quite difficult. Fitting in and being successful academically were a struggle for me. After a year, I was referred to Centennial from an advisor. Once I got accepted into Centennial College, I was able to work on any difficulties I was having. The teachers and the student wellness and learning strategies coaches helped me with note taking, organisation skills, managing classes and ultimately gaining confidence in myself.
What are ways that Centennial College helps you to prepare for your future?
Centennial College has helped me gain confidence in myself; it has prepared me to be ready for whatever comes my way in the future. Centennial College has taught me to be brave, to accept challenges and to learn from my experiences and difficulties. Centennial College has prepared me for university and my future my goals, whether they are personal or academic.
What is your favorite subject, and describe what it is like to be in class?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific favorite class. Overall, I very much enjoy business class with Mr. Rocky Salera, and my English courses with Ms. Caroline Williams. Both encourage student engagement by creating a positive learning environment and provide their students with a lot of guidance in class and one-on-one. Every single teacher at Centennial College has marked me in one way or another, from: Andrew Lynes, Caroline Williams, Dimitri Papadopoulos, Max Salonine, Michelle Fazioli and Rocky Salera. They taught me to believe in myself, to be a hard worker, to be brave and willing to push passed my boundaries and limits. These teachers have given me the chance to prove to them what I can do. They showed me how to write proper essays and helped me improve my grammar and punctuation. They showed me the world beyond technology, through documentaries, movies, novels and many other creative outlets.
What has been your most favorite moment at Centennial College?
My ultimate highlight would be the people I got to meet and interact with, from teachers and staff to students. I was able to fit in and create strong friendships with other students and create a good and healthy work bond with the teachers.
If you could give future students a tip or piece of advice, what would it be?
My first piece of advice to future students is to be yourself. The second piece of advice is to go to every class; C-spaces’ and lectures are very important. Thirdly, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night and aim to work on your homework at school and in advance rather than leaving it to the last minute. Overall try to enjoy your college years, make as many friends as possible, try to connect with the teachers and show them and yourself that you are capable of achieving anything.