Page 171 – Algonquin Times

How a trip to Ottawa changed everything for one paramedic grad and valedictorian

It all started with a trip to Ottawa in grade 12. That’s when the seeds of Kendra Sankey’s future career were planted. Sankey, 24, valedictorian for the School of Police and Public Safety, and graduate of the paramedic program says it was a privilege to be chosen for the award. “It was a tremendous privilege […]

Kened Sadiku

Photos: Kendra Sankey

December 16, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Kendra Sankey

"As a valedictorian recipient, I feel very proud of the hard work and dedication that is required to be successful in the paramedic education and profession," says Sankey.

It all started with a trip to Ottawa in grade 12. That’s when the seeds of Kendra Sankey’s future career were planted.

Sankey, 24, valedictorian for the School of Police and Public Safety, and graduate of the paramedic program says it was a privilege to be chosen for the award.

“It was a tremendous privilege and honour to be chosen to speak on behalf of my class and the PPSI,” said Sankey. “I fully committed myself to the program for two-years so I’m thrilled to have completed it and be chosen as the valedictorian.”

During her last year of her bachelor of science at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Sankey says she was “geared up” to head to medicine school and continue learning there. That was before she found out about the paramedic program through a friend of hers.

“I’ve been very interested in the field of medicine since I was in high school,” said Sankey. “One of my best friends had just completed the paramedic program and when I was chatting with her about it, it sounded like a really good fit for my lifestyle. I would be able to have a better work life balance and be able to pursue other interests that I value.”

But that’s not the only way she decided she wanted to work in medical services. Sankey says her interest started also from a road trip she took to Ottawa when she was in high school.

“I’m originally from the east coast, but I came to Ottawa on a trip with Encounters with Canada when I was in grade 12,” she said. “The theme of the week was health and sciences and we were carted around the city and shown parliament, the museums and learned a lot about health and sciences in Ottawa. On one of the days we were given a tour of the Ottawa Paramedic Service headquarters and I remember thinking to myself ‘Wow, this is so cool. I can totally see myself working here.’ Six years later here I am. It’s funny how life happens like that sometimes.”

Sankey was hired with the Ottawa Paramedic Service this summer right after finishing her studies.

When classes were suspended at Algonquin College in March, there was stress in the air as clinical practice hours had to be met by students.

For Sankey, adapting to the pandemic was something that she says was a challenging time for her peers in the program.

“We were pulled off the road in mid-March, and that left a lot of us unsure of when we would graduate because we needed to finish our 500 hours of clinical practice,” explained Sankey. “We were lucky to have such dedicated instructors who worked relentlessly to help us get back on the road to finish out hours.”

Sankey says every year usually comes with a challenge in the program, and the year 2020 sure didn’t disappoint.

“Every year typically has a big challenge that the students need to overcome during the school year,” she said. “In our year we had COVID. It brought us many challenges that nobody really saw coming. We were forced to adapt to then pandemic.”

When thinking back to a proud moment during her tenure in the paramedic program, Sankey instead reflects on the entire experience.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the person that I’ve become and the character I’ve built completing the paramedic program,” she said.

Sankey says she’s often described as someone who’s a hard worker and likes to attribute her success to her passion and her attitude.

“I’m often described as very driven and focused. I attribute all too my success to my work ethic,” she said. “When I’m passionate about something, I’m 100 per cent committed to it.”

Ashley Murfin, program coordinator and one of Sankey’s professors says that she was always a joy to have in her classes.

“Kendra was a joy to have in the program,” said Murfin. “The paramedic program is intense from the very first week and Kendra always came to classes and labs with a positive, helpful and inquisitive attitude.”

When asked about one word that would best describe Kendra, Murfin used the word “dedicated.”

“Kendra showed superior dedication, persistence and perseverance in the paramedic program,” explained Murfin. “I do not think anyone has an easy time through this intense program. It is truly those who dedicate their full commitment to their students, build collaborative lab practice teams and spend the time practicing until everything flows smoothly that do well.”

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School of Police and Public Safety | Valedictorian

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Winter term ancillary fees have been reduced again

Algonquin Students’ Association president Emily Ferguson says the sports fee included in students’ tuition will again be reduced in the winter term. “To account for the suspension of varsity sports, the SA has reduced the sports fee from $72.63 to $52.97,” said Ferguson. That’s a total savings to students of $19.66. As tuition prices for […]

Kened Sadiku

Photos: Kened Sadiku

December 15, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Kened Sadiku

With the winter term quickly approaching, SA President Emily Ferguson says the college is looking at all options for financial circumstances.

Algonquin Students’ Association president Emily Ferguson says the sports fee included in students’ tuition will again be reduced in the winter term.

“To account for the suspension of varsity sports, the SA has reduced the sports fee from $72.63 to $52.97,” said Ferguson. That’s a total savings to students of $19.66.

As tuition prices for programs remain relatively the same, the next question is what the college might be doing for the other fee portions.

“Other than the suspension of all varsity sports, all other services and facilities included in the sports fee are available (to students),” said Ferguson.

This includes the Fitness Zone which is now open to students and staff only.

Ferguson also says that all fees, including the sports fee, are “reviewed on an annual basis” in compliance with the ministry’s binding policy directives.

She also says it’s critical to note that this fee stays in place for the maintenance of the facilities on campus. For example, making sure all resources are still available for services on campus that are open.

“It’s important to keep in mind that a significant portion of this fee is applied to ensuring the facility loan obligations are met as well as ensuring the appropriate resources are in place to maintain the facilities.”

The college has already seen its fair share of service stoppages or restrictions for health and safety safety reasons around the Ottawa campus. For instance, all visits to health services since mid-March must be pre-booked with no walk-ins available.

Ferguson says the SA understands the college has encountered many financial hardships as a result of the pandemic.

“The SA understands that the college and all post-secondary institutions have encountered unforeseen costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Setting up faculty and support staff to teach and work from home is just one example. We also appreciated a significant loss in revenue from a reduced amount of students.”

“Rather than advocating for a reduction in tuition, the SA and your board of directors are advocating for the preservation of student services and access to education.”

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Student waits for return to on-campus learning before continuing education

For students who are applying to college specifically for a hands-on, in-person and technical learning experience, seeing schools transition to a completely online platform may be their worst nightmare. That’s exactly what happened to Dayna Sandell, 20, a transfer student from Carleton University’s psychology program. “I am a very hands-on learner which is part of […]

Breanna St-Jean

Photos: Supplied by Dayna Sandell

December 14, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Supplied by Dayna Sandell

Dayna Sandell, 20, Carleton University transfer student and future AC student.

That’s exactly what happened to Dayna Sandell, 20, a transfer student from Carleton University’s psychology program.

“I am a very hands-on learner which is part of why I transferred from university to college,” Sandell said. “But now, I can’t get the hands-on experience I was looking for from behind a screen.”

Sandell waited out the fall term 2020 and applied to practical nursing and social work at Algonquin College for the winter term, which also went remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I felt caught between a rock and a hard place with making the choice of going back to school in-person because I want to be safe,” she said.

Algonquin College president Claude Brulé announced in an email on Nov. 17 that in-person classes would be suspended until June 30, 2021.

“Our current model of limited on-campus and primarily remote course delivery is anticipated to continue through the Fall of 2021.” Brulé wrote. “However, we remain hopeful and prepared to expand on-campus offerings, pending any changes with the pandemic and public health guidelines.”

The issue some students are facing is that online learning is not for them. Common theories, such as the VATK inventory and Kolb’s learning inventory, suggest that every individual has a unique learning style based on their innate preferences. The Algonquin College website refers to these theories on their website tools.

The VATK theory separates learners into four categories of learning styles: visual (learning through watching, visualizing, colours and graphics), auditory (use of language, verbalization and sounds), tactile (hands-on, physical touch and manipulation) and kinaesthetic (learning in a physically active, practical manner such as role-playing scenarios).

“I would say I’m a mix of a visual learner and a tactile learner,” Sandell said. “I need to see how to do things and then have the opportunity to do them myself to learn.”

Her plans of pursuing education in the fall of 2020 are now being postponed to winter 2022 if programs return to campus by then.

“It’s delaying the speed in which I originally intended on things to happen for me,” Sandell said. “But I believe everything happens for a reason and it won’t hold me back from growing as a person.”

Sandell’s parents’ success as adult learners is keeping her hopeful that this delay will not take away from her achieving her goals.

“My parents both went back to school when they were adults and now they have careers they love,” she said. “I believe them going back to school after having had life experiences allowed them to be more understanding of the concepts being taught and be more serious about their education.”

Remote learning can be a challenge for all types of learners, as the in-class experience is not the same as the virtual one. Despite these challenges and changes, Sandell remains positive.

“I am willing to wait as long as I have to. In the meantime, I have a good job and I am still young,” Sandell said.

“It’s not holding me back in life because plans change, life happens, and that’s ok. I have all the time I need.”

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Breanna St-Jean

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A message from your SA president – Algonquin Wolves

In October, we shared an opinion survey with students at Ottawa, Pembroke, and Perth about the new Algonquin Wolves logo concepts. The opinion survey included two concept options – the Duality Wolves and the Two Wolves. Your SA Board of Directors loved both concepts, so the opinion survey was a great way to help us […]

SA President

Photos:

December 12, 2020
Revised: February 25, 2022 1:26pm

The new Algonquin Wolves logo.

Your SA Board of Directors loved both concepts, so the opinion survey was a great way to help us see how others felt. However, the results were pretty divided – the Two Wolves concept received 49 per cent of the vote, while the Duality Wolves concept received 51 per cent.

After much discussion, we chose the Duality Wolves. It’s a beautiful sports logo and will enhance everything the Algonquin Wolves will become in the coming years.

After choosing the duality concept, the design went through a few edits and revisions. We’ve finally arrived at the final design, and I am excited to share the new Algonquin Wolves logo with you.

The Algonquin Wolves will become our identity when the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) opens in the fall of 2021. I’m looking forward to sharing more of the Algonquin Wolves story with you in the new year.

Speaking of the new year – it is coming fast! Please take the time to care for yourself during exams and finals, we are almost at the end of the semester and the beginning of a very deserving break.

The Board of Directors will continue to work for you over the holiday break, and we cannot wait to come back in the new year to continue our priorities and connect with as many of you as we can.

Have a healthy, safe, and restful holiday break.

Emily Ferguson, Algonquin Students’ Association president.

Opinions | Sponsored Content

Athletics | Logo | Student association | Wolves

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Taking things apart helps mechanical engineering technology grad succeed

Some kids want to be astronauts or princesses or actors when they grow up. Young Adam Cordick wanted nothing more than to be a race car driver. Not just the car’s driver though, but also working on the car as an automotive engineer. He got the inspiration to become a race car driver from his […]

Alfred Carreon

Photos:

December 11, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Adam Cordick was the School of Advanced Technology's valedictorian at the 2020 online convocation.

Some kids want to be astronauts or princesses or actors when they grow up. Young Adam Cordick wanted nothing more than to be a race car driver.

Not just the car’s driver though, but also working on the car as an automotive engineer.

He got the inspiration to become a race car driver from his father, Keith Cordick, as the two of them loved to work together on various projects such as cars.

It was a bonding experience as well as a way of helping Cordick learn about the different parts of the machine and how they all worked together.

“I was an avid learner,” he said. “I liked to take my toys apart and see how they worked and connected and see how it was put together. Machines and things make much more sense to me when I’m able to take them apart… That sense had always come naturally to me.”

Cordick, 27, was the valedictorian for the School of Advanced Technology and studied mechanical engineering technology. He gave a speech to his fellow 2020 graduates in October.

As Cordick grew older and began to expand his knowledge and hone his skill of taking things apart and solving them, he also became interested in the mechanics of the human body too. He was unsure of what field to pursue.

At first, Cordick attended a semester at Carleton University for medical mechanical engineering, but the scientific and engineering didn’t appeal to him, so he dropped out.

Next, he went into carpeting to work with his hands once again but found that path to be too mentally unstimulating.

He then tried graphic design and then got on the apprenticeship path to become a mechanic. Finally, he came back to school at Algonquin College to study mechanical engineering technology.

Cordick did the first and second blocks of his apprenticeship studying at Algonquin College, but in order to do that, he needed to be working, so he worked as a mechanic for three years.

“All that experience I had helped me be able to visualize the systems I was working with,” Cordick said. “It helps me a lot to be able to break it down to smaller bits and pieces to mentally take it apart.”

During his time at Algonquin College, Cordick managed to catch the attention of Bruno Rocha, his future intro to microcontrollers and industrial electronics professor, when his name came up during a faculty departmental meeting.

“I knew Adam Cordick before I ‘knew’ Adam Cordick,” said Rocha. “He was always being mentioned during the meetings. He was mentioned as this bright and visual learner that worked hard, and was committed and intelligent. And then when I met him, all the things that I heard were all true.”

According to Rocha, some of the biggest factors that indicate to him if a student will succeed is if they are committed and if they will fight to achieve their goal. If this is the case, then there’s nothing to do to stop them.

“I have seen brilliant students have intelligence, but then lacking commitment and then struggling to be able to succeed,” Rocha said. “And then I have seen students that come in with no background at all and show that. And, you know, while people were partying on Friday night, I was in my office in the morning at 3 a.m and they were there and they were coming with questions.”

Cordick was nothing but a fighter in Rocha’s mind. He never had any problems with his classmates and he always thought outside the box. “He was someone that made simple solutions for complicated problems,” Rocha said, which is what the mechanical engineering technology program is all about.

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Take little steps to make big strides, valedictorian tells media and design grads

Meghan Boyd, this year’s valedictorian for the School of Media and Design, encourages all students to focus on their goals and to strive for small victories. “Stay positive and try to complete one little thing each day that brings you closer to your goal,” said Boyd, a 2020 graduate of the public relations program. “You […]

Douglas Boyle

Photos: photo courtesy of Meghan Boyd

December 11, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: photo courtesy of Meghan Boyd

Meghan Boyd watches the valedictorian ceremony online with her parents

Meghan Boyd, this year’s valedictorian for the School of Media and Design, encourages all students to focus on their goals and to strive for small victories.

“Stay positive and try to complete one little thing each day that brings you closer to your goal,” said Boyd, a 2020 graduate of the public relations program. “You don’t have to make huge strides; you just have to make those little steps. Believe in yourself and know the decisions you made will put you in the right place.”

Despite her successes in her program, Boyd was hesitant about joining public relations in the beginning. Having already completed an undergrad degree at Mount Allison with a double major in psychology and sociology, she worried about being a mature student and not fitting in. She attributes much of her success to the encouragement and support of her professors and peers.

Lara Mills, one Boyd’s professors and program coordinator, was happy to see her honored with the valedictorian award.

“She’s definitely deserving of it. She exemplifies our ideal PR graduate,” said Mills. “She always worked hard and went the extra mile and did what she needed to in order to get the grades.”

Mills explained that Boyd’s professionalism, poise and kindness left a great impression on her her field placement host, PR firm Hill and Knowlton. But when Boyd completed her placement in April, they were unable to offer a contract due to a COVID-19 hiring freeze.

Known to be a pro-active and adaptable worker, Boyd did not sit still. She created her own company, she worked hard to continue her upward trajectory and diligently worked as freelance in graphic design, communication planning and social media management.

This October, Boyd joined Hill and Knowlton full time as an assistant consultant.

While Boyd is an accomplished student, she is also an active member of her community. Over the last ten years, Boyd has participated in fund raising for the Do it for Daron campaign with the Royal Ottawa, a campaign to bring awareness, inspire conversation and transform the way we talk about youth mental-health issues.

The candidate for valedictorian is put forward by program coordinators and professors. Boyd called the experience “humbling.”

“I’m very proud of the graduating class and the School of Media and Design,” said Boyd. “The people that come out of that program and school, and the work they do, speaks for itself.”

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Graduate | Public Relations | Valedictorian

Douglas Boyle

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Fellow students and professors helped TESFL valedictorian achieve her goals

Nour Kanaa wants people to know that starting from scratch is really difficult. But her in case, having a clear goal has helped her to stay focused on what she wants to do in life. As the valedictorian for the Teachers of English as a Second/Foreign Language program at convocation this fall, this was message […]

Sam Mcgowan

Photos: provided by source

December 10, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: provided by source

Nour Kanaa, valedictorian for the Teachers of English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESFL), is pleased with her time at Algonquin.

Nour Kanaa wants people to know that starting from scratch is really difficult.

But her in case, having a clear goal has helped her to stay focused on what she wants to do in life. As the valedictorian for the Teachers of English as a Second/Foreign Language program at convocation this fall, this was message she had for her fellow students.

Kanaa, 22, was born in Syria and went to elementary school and some of high school there. But when the war began, she and her family had to moved to Saudi Arabia for safety. There she was able to complete high school, but could not apply to university.

Instead she started taking online courses and teaching herself social sciences and health sciences. She eventually completed one semester of university there, but stopped because she had to move again to Canada with her family.

That was two years ago. She wanted to pursue an undergraduate degree but her background in English wasn’t very strong so she had to study English first. Algonquin College was the best choice to improve the skills that she needed before taking an undergraduate program.

“I remember when I first started, I was so overwhelmed,” said Kanaa, who speaks Arabic as her first language. “I thought I wouldn’t succeed in the course because I didn’t take the previous level as my friends. Starting from level 2 was overwhelming for me but as time went by, things got better and I started to feel like I can do it.”

Because Kanaa has always liked reading books, so she didn’t have difficulties in terms of reading. Speaking English on the other hand, was a challenge for her because she didn’t have the opportunity to communicate with anyone in English. All of her friends speak Arabic, so she didn’t really have to use the language until she moved here to Canada.

At Algonquin, Kanaa made many new friends along the way. She found the diversity and the supportive environment was very interesting in her program.

“During my study period, I met so many people from different cultures and backgrounds,” she said. “I learned about the Canadian culture as well as so many different cultures that were all new to me. This helped me to understand, respect and embrace the differences between people.”

Reem Srour, one of Kanaa’s classmates from her program, enjoyed the convocation and her friend’s speech. “She did it perfectly,” Srour said. “Also, I agree that the teachers at Algonquin College have helped and supported us through our studying journey to succeed.”

Now that she has graduated from TESFL, Kanaa is currently a student at Carleton University and is taking neuroscience and mental health with a minor in American Sign Language.

“I’m so grateful because now I’m studying exactly what I wanted to study,” said Kanaa. “Starting at Algonquin College was a really good choice for me.”

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Do Gooder | Valedictorian

Sam Mcgowan

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Fall term dropout rates projected to increase from last year

Algonquin College announced a higher than normal projected fall 2020 dropout rate in comparison to the fall 2019 semester, during the Oct. 26 board of governors meeting. Most often, the college experiences a period of withdrawals before day 10 of the fall semester. This is a period when students are able to receive a full […]

Zainab Almehdar

Photos: Madalyn Howitt

December 9, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Madalyn Howitt

Student dropout rates were projected to increase this year compared to Fall 2019.

Algonquin College announced a higher than normal projected fall 2020 dropout rate in comparison to the fall 2019 semester, during the Oct. 26 board of governors meeting.

Most often, the college experiences a period of withdrawals before day 10 of the fall semester. This is a period when students are able to receive a full tuition refund when they withdraw.

“At Day 10 the college’s withdrawals were up compared to Fall 2019 by about six per cent,” said Jennifer Brownstein, data analyst from the Registrar’s office. “The number of Net Registered students in the Fall of 2020 declined by 7.6 per cent compared to the same time last year.”

The transition to remote learning has been the cause of the projected withdrawal rates at the college. “Most of this decline might be attributed to COVID-19 and the inability of the college to be able to provide some programs in-class,” said Brownstein.

The dropout rate has risen from 5.9 per cent to 6.4 per cent in 2020 by Nov. 6.

“Student withdrawals for Fall 2020 term have seen an increase as a percentage of total registered students,” said Chris Lackner, acting communications manager.

However, it’s important to note that compared to previous years at the same points in time the total number of withdrawals do not reveal dramatic changes in the student body.

To compare, in fall 2019, Algonquin college saw 1,262 in total withdrawals as of Nov. 6. This year, that number is 1,260.

From the 858 withdrawals on day 10 of the fall term, 610 were domestic first-year students – the biggest group impacted. When looking at international students, 41 first-year international students withdrew, with only 25 returning International students, said Lackner.

With the projected upward trajectory of the withdrawal rates, a faculty member voiced their concern during the board of governors’ meeting around the effects of the availability of courses, which impacts the number of faculty needed on campus.

The board’s response assured faculty members they are taking all necessary measures and are prepared if the dropout rates continue to increase.

To combat the continued rise of student withdrawals, the college and Student Association are working to make sure students are being supported during this time.

Emily Ferguson, president of the SA, noted that one way to help students is to direct them to the experts on campus, such as at the Center for Accessible Learning.

Lackner expressed that the college is putting effort into making this semester as pleasant as possible.

“The College has worked very hard to create a positive remote learning experience based on the College’s experience with online learning and the incredible commitment and creativity of our faculty,” said Lackner.

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Board of governors | Covid-19 | Remote Learning

Zainab Almehdar

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Dog Squad still bringing paws-itivity to students

Heading into their third year anniversary, Algonquin College’s Dog Squad has certainly made their mark on the community. The AC Dog Squad began recruitment in Jan. 2019. To date, they consist of 15 staff members and their dogs. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dog Squad members could be found all over campus. The most famous […]

Phaedra Hamer

Photos: Algonquin College

December 9, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Algonquin College

The AC Dog Squad has been a connecting point for the Algonquin community since 2019.

Heading into their third year anniversary, Algonquin College’s Dog Squad has certainly made their mark on the community.

The AC Dog Squad began recruitment in Jan. 2019. To date, they consist of 15 staff members and their dogs.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dog Squad members could be found all over campus. The most famous spot was the Student Commons in E-building where the majority of students could be found studying, on their way to class, catching the bus or stopping for a bite to eat.

Director of communications Tracy McDougall and her golden doodle, Monty, joined the squad when it was first starting up. She remembers a special moment she and Monty shared with a student.

For Monty’s owner, Tracy McDougall, having her furry friend at work helped her to get out of the office and interact with people on campus. Photo credit: Tracy McDougall

A student approached McDougall and Monty while they were seated in front of the Algonquin Commons Theatre. The student asked to pet Monty, got down on her knees and gave him a great big hug.

“She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and told me that she had just lost her dog,” she said.

McDougall has been an avid dog owner her entire life. Having owned nine dogs in her lifetime, she understands what it means to lose a pet.

“It’s really tough – like losing a family member,” she said. “But, every single dog you have takes a piece of your heart.”

Amber Schuler-Toll is a coordinator at the college’s student learning centre. She and her English lab, Lexi, graduated in the Dog Squad’s class of 2020.

Algonquin College Dog Squad Assessment 2019
Dog: Lexi
Owner: Amber Schuler

Nov 09, 2019

(PHOTO: Jana Chytilova) — Dog Squad member, Amber Schuler-Toll, knows what it’s like to be away from pets while at school and understands the benefits of spending time with a pet. Photo credit: Algonquin College

“It seemed like such a cool initiative,” she said cheerily. “I thought to myself ‘Lexi loves people and I get to bring my dog to work. It’s too perfect.’”

Schuler-Toll knows what it’s like being away from pets while in school.

“I went away for school and lived on campus and it was really hard for me to be away from my pets,” she said.

Companion Paws Canada, a service provided by The Lifeline Canada, said that spending time with an affectionate pet can make us feel better.

According to the CPC’s website, that contact can significantly improve mental and physical health, as well as reduce stress, depression and anxiety.

AC Dog squad members brought their dogs to campus for the community. If a student was having a bad day, missed their pet or simply needed a hug from a furry, friendly face, the Dog Squad was there.

However, with social distancing measures in place, the Dog Squad had not been able to visit campus since the college shut down in March.

Never fear, the squad still entertains and attends events such as visiting classrooms, the virtual dog café for AC Day 1, and Algonquin Times Together. Stay tuned with what the dogs are up to on the dog squad’s site.

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Animal | Dog squad | Dogs | Student commons | Student Commons Theatre

Phaedra Hamer

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Mood Check: What students have in store for the Holidays

It’s that time of the year again: the snow starts to fall, decorations appear and twinkling lights go up creating the perfect holiday scene. But this will be a holiday season like no other. Christmas 2020 along with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali will be experiencing a modified celebration period due to COVID-19. As Algonquin students […]

Akira Cooper

Photos: Akira Cooper & Kavya Nair

December 8, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Akira Cooper & Kavya Nair

Algonquin students share how they'll be celebrating the holidays this year.

It’s that time of the year again: the snow starts to fall, decorations appear and twinkling lights go up creating the perfect holiday scene.

But this will be a holiday season like no other. Christmas 2020 along with Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali will be experiencing a modified celebration period due to COVID-19.

As Algonquin students march into the final weeks of their fall semester, they’re still beginning to get into the festive spirit, however. Wishing for some Christmas magic and keeping their spirits held high, many are choosing to celebrate the Holidays with some tweaks and adjustments. Here’s a sneak-peak into some of their Christmas plans.

Name: JP Beaumont

Program: broadcasting- television

“I’m going back to Toronto to hang out with my family,” Beaumont said. “Usually I go to my sister’s and see some other friends back home but this year it’s just going to be me and my dad.”

Name: Ethan Biafore

Program: broadcasting- television

“I’m just going to spend it with my family, play some lacrosse with my pals,” Biafore said. “I think we’re all just going to gather regardless. We live on a pretty big property out of town but probably only 10 or 11 people anyway.”

Name: Ethan Fink

Program: broadcasting- television

“We’re probably just going to stick with immediate family,” Fink said. “We usually have big family dinners with my aunts and uncles and everyone but this year there will be no dinner.”

Name: Ghita El Janaty

Program: broadcasting- television

“I’m going to be spending it with my COVID-19 bubble,” Janaty said. “We’re doing this gift exchange thing like secret Santa but everyone is everyone’s Santa. What we normally do is have a huge family dinner with my friend’s family but this year me and my friend are hosting ‘Friendsmas’ at her place because we both have at-risk grandparents.”

Name: Melinda Constant

Program: massage therapy

“It’s just going to be a super relaxed holiday: me and my fiancé and our dogs,” Constant said. “Normally I’d be visiting my family up in North Bay and for New Year’s I would be going to the east coast.”

Name: Pasha Tchountchouzon,19

Program: hospitality and tourism

“I’ll probably just be staying at my own house with my parents and no big dinner since the rest of my family is in Russia,” Tchountchouzon said.

Carter Normand, broadcasting-television Photo credit: Akira Cooper

Name: Carter Normand

Program: broadcasting-television

“COVID-19 hasn’t affected my Christmas spirit,” Normand said. “Though, it has taught me to appreciate family and not take life for granted. This year’s festive season is all about gratitude and relaxing.”

Chris Hue, broadcasting- television Photo credit: Akira Cooper

Name: Chris Hue

Program: broadcasting- television

“My family and I go for skating together and have the customary secret Santa,” Hue said. “Continuing the tradition, we’ll be going skating but have a virtual secret Santa. I’m looking forward to the break.”

Bridget Lutz, hotel and restaurant management Photo credit: Kavya Nair

Name: Bridget Lutz

Program: hotel and restaurant management

“I am hoping Christmas to be as fun as every year,” said Lutz. “My plan is to spend the break with my immediate family. Nothing much has changed for me except for having a smaller get-together.”

Sarah Darling, food service worker Photo credit: Kavya Nair

Name: Sarah Darling

Job title-food services worker

“The Christmas spirit is really down this year,” said Darling. “I live alone, so getting to meet my family would be the highlight. I’ll be driving to London, Ont. to meet them. We’re having a small gathering and we’ll be exchanging gifts. It’ll definitely help me lighten up.”

Featured Story | Life

Celebration | Covid-19 | Holiday | Moodcheck