Vanier Alumni: Where are they now?
Featuring Rhema-Leigh Grant-Huggins
Former Vanier College student, Rhema-Leigh, started her college experience at Vanier in 2007. In her first year, she was accidentally enrolled in the Explorations program. The Explorations program, also known as the Prerequisites program, is a bridge that students use to take the courses they need to get into a specific program later on. Because she already had all her prerequisites, Rhema-Leigh transferred to Pure & Applied Sciences. She later graduated from Vanier College in 2009.
Memory Lane
Of all the Colleges in Montreal to choose from, why did you choose to attend Vanier College?
“I actually migrated from Trinidad to Canada 2 weeks before starting Vanier. I actually did not choose Vanier, Vanier was chosen for me as I was interested in pursuing a career in architecture and Vanier had an Architectural Technology DEP.”
What were your initial impressions of Vanier College? Did you feel welcomed?
“I was in complete culture shock after having lived on a tiny island of people who looked and spoke like me for all of my 17 years. Vanier was a whole new world. I was incredibly shy when I first started Vanier so I didn’t notice how welcoming or not the atmosphere was. I can tell you that it was full of life and buzzing with activity.”
Did you have a favorite class?
“I had 2 classes that I would rate as my favourite: the first with the teacher who I would consider my favorite and I am so sad that I don’t remember her last name – her first name is Lisa. She taught the class all explorations students had to take to determine their path in college. My second favorite class was biology – it just came to me naturally.”
Did you have a favourite teacher?
“I am so terrible with names, I don’t recall her last name. Her first name is Lisa but I actually ran into her this past summer with her husband.”
Were you a part of any school clubs or sports teams? If yes, please share your experience.
“I was part of a student association that fundamentally shaped my experience at Vanier and helped me to learn so much about myself. It was called CORE; it was a cultural diversity group sponsored by the Student Centre.”
What is the fondest memory you have from being a Vanier College student?
“My experience at Vanier helped me to find my voice – I developed my sense of self and individualism at Vanier. One of my fondest memories at Vanier is about conquering my fear of public speaking by being “voluntold” to host events in Jake’s Hall.”
Impact
How has your time at Vanier impacted your career choices?
“Vanier set me on the path that I ended up on. As I mentioned earlier, I was sent to the Explorations program accidentally as the thought was that I was missing physical science. The prof dropped me from the class after the first month stating that he believed I had already done the course. I in fact had completed physics and chemistry. I then had the option to drop out for a semester and re-enroll in my preferred program when it was offered again in Fall or switch programs for the Winter semester. I decided on option 2 and enrolled in Pure and Applied Sciences – this led to my enrollment in Building Engineering at ConU.”
What is one important lesson, whether it be in class or not, your time at Vanier College has taught you?
“Two things: Trust your instincts and sometimes you just have to jump!”
Do you think your life would have turned out differently if you did not go to Vanier?
“Absolutely! My introduction to Canadian culture was shaped by my experiences at Vanier College.”
Advice
What advice would you give to your younger self on her first day at Vanier College?
“You are enough. You are ALWAYS enough.”
Is there anything you would have done differently during your time at Vanier College?
“Not a single thing!”
What advice would you give current and future Vanier College students?
“Be YOU and embrace the journey!”
