9 Gold Medallists celebrate award-winning journey
Pictured above are nine of Ryerson's exceptional, award-winning graduates. Read below about how they persevered in the pandemic, and their advice to students. (Photos provided by each student)
Congratulations to nine award-winning spring graduates, recognized for their triumphant success during an exceptionally challenging year.
From winning the Ryerson Gold Medal to the Board of Governors Leadership Award and more, these incredibly determined, bright and talented grads show that anything is possible:
Dania Ali · Nikée Nantambu-Allen · Param Desai · Michael Andrew Gillian · Josiah Jarvenpaa · Katelyn Nicole Joyce · Jeanette Korosi · Jessica Kowalik · Nazli Robin
Read below as they reflect on their academic journey.
Photo courtesy of Dania Ali
This past year has been unexpectedly tough for me and so many other students. It is no small feat that we have survived, while persevering through personal, professional and academic challenges. This was not part of my time here at Ryerson that I could have ever predicted.
When I started my journey here, four years ago, I did not expect to become the person that I am today. I did not expect to make connections with my classmates, who I have had the honour of working alongside, all of whom will change this world with their compassionate and groundbreaking work. I have found friendships, mentors and a support system, without which I would not be here today.
Each part of my experience at Ryerson has helped me with my personal and professional growth. From being a co-founder and marketing director of a non-profit, The Citizens Foundation Ryerson, to launching the “Girl to Girl” podcast about intersectional feminism at Her Campus Ryerson, to graduating with distinction, these are all steps that have greatly affected the way that I approach anything in life.
What I value most from my experience in the last four years is learning how to navigate my identity as a woman of colour and realizing the importance of sisterhood. The fight against oppressive systems of power is not an easy one, and can take a mental, physical and emotional toll.
I hope I can take all of the lessons learned as I embark onto the next chapter of my life, so that the BIPOC folks who stand in my spot next will have the resources to go much further.
Photo courtesy of Nikée Nantambu-Allen
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
NANTAMBU-ALLEN: My biggest challenge in the past year has been being isolated from my support system - my friends, family and classmates - due to the pandemic, while also applying to law school and completing my undergraduate thesis. However, being forced to juggle multiple priorities, while also adapting to the online environment, has definitely made me stronger. Being in an unprecedented situation with very little support forces you to come up with creative solutions. It’s really helped me prepare for the workforce and post-graduate education, where you’re held to a much higher standard of independence. I look forward to being back in-person, but I am also grateful for the lessons that I have learned online.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
NANTAMBU-ALLEN: The most rewarding part of my experience has been creating a mentorship program for BIPOC students. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to invest in my community, as well as other marginalized communities, and be able to make a difference - however large it may be - it’s been extremely heartwarming.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
NANTAMBU-ALLEN: The experiential opportunities made available to me have given me a significant advantage in the job market and in my post-graduate education. The hands-on experience I gained - as PSA (Psychology Students' Association) president, for example - translates easily to the workforce and academia. The experience of juggling my schoolwork with my extracurriculars and my career has sharpened my time management skills immensely - I am extremely grateful for the individuals who recognized my potential and am confident that I have nowhere to go but up.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
NANTAMBU-ALLEN: I would advise future students - particularly Black students - to be proud of who they are and where they come from, because those lived experiences are what make them special. You do not have to put yourself in a box to succeed - you do not have to be perfect, you do not have to be White, you do not have to dim your light in any way. Take the time to find people who value and champion you for who you truly are.
Photo courtesy of Param Desai
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
DESAI: One of the biggest challenges for me this year was adapting to the online format and staying dedicated to my goals. I personally find it hard to focus online (versus in-person) as there are a lot of distractions like social media, increased screen time, etc. So, I had to stay away from distractions. One of the techniques I used was to put my phone on silent during the lectures and put it far away from my reach. Additionally, time management techniques (listing down commitments a week before and prioritizing) also came in handy to make sure I was spending enough time on assignments, lectures and extra-curricular activities while not burning myself out.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
DESAI: Getting involved on campus through various student groups and organizations has been very rewarding. From taking part in case competitions to being a member of the First-Year Ambassador program, every single endeavour taught me different skills. Not to mention, these experiences were fun, exciting and I got to make a lot of new friends. They also proved to be a de-stressor and helped me gain extra-curricular experience.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
DESAI: Ryerson gave me a platform to express myself and explore my true potential. The abundance of opportunities and the freedom of tailoring my own career path helped me grow and gain a multitude of skills. For instance, through various networking events at Ryerson, I was able to get an insight into the professional world and identify which industry I would resonate with the most. All of these experiences, combined with academic learning, have given me the confidence to take on challenges at the professional level without hesitation.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
DESAI: Network as much as you can, reach out to people for advice/guidance and hear their stories, as there is a lot to learn. Secondly, identify your goals, break it down into smaller components and then work towards achieving one small component at a time. The university might be overwhelming to begin with but it doesn't have to end that way. Go out there, get involved, have fun and make memories that last a lifetime.
Photo courtesy of Michael Andrew Gillan
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
GILLAN: I got married this year and planning a wedding in the middle of a pandemic is not something I would advise. Not only did my wife and I cut our guest list by more than half, we had to find a new location three times as the restrictions kept getting tighter and tighter. In one week, we replanned our wedding three times to adjust to the guidelines. Being able to complete my studies online eased the stress as I was able to adjust my class work to fit my schedule.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
GILLAN: I was never a great student but having found a program that I really enjoyed in Disaster and Emergency Management really engaged my passion for wanting to learn the material and it showed in my results. Being recognized for my academic efforts is something that has never happened before. I'm proud of that.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
GILLAN: I took this course to help me advance in my current career as a firefighter. When the time comes, I am ready for promotion and additional duties. This course helped me be prepared for that.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
GILLAN: You're here because you made a choice long before applying that you wanted to improve yourself personally and professionally.
Photo courtesy of Josiah Jarvenpaa
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
JARVENPAA: There were periods of time while completing my studies remotely where I felt disconnected from the campus community. Prior to the pandemic, I was the president of the Ryerson Global Management Group and enjoyed having a full schedule. I quickly realized that I needed to search for some ways to stay active at TRSM beyond my Zoom lectures. Becoming a teaching assistant for HTT 150 and GMS 200 provided me with opportunities to make new connections and re-experience some of my favorite first-year courses. (Thank you Dr. Tom Griffin and Dr. Deborah de Lange!)
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
JARVENPAA: The people! In 2017, I packed up my life in the United States to join the Ryerson community and begin my studies. Any nerves that I once had quickly vanished after joining the residence community and making close friends at Pitman Hall. My experience wouldn't have been nearly as memorable over these past four years without the incredible people who studied with me in the SLC before finance exams or who joined me in exploring Kensington Market on the weekends. I am grateful to be graduating with such a great support network.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
JARVENPAA: The Ted Rogers School of Management is so unique in the manner in which it prepares business students. Many of my courses involved simulations or experiential learning components. Additionally, during my upper years I was able to join the Housing and Residence Life team and gain professional experience as a financial assistant. This role allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom and become more confident in developing my skills and expanding my network. Ryerson also offered many career events, one of which actually helped me discover my new role at Statistics Canada.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
JARVENPAA: Try anything and everything! Attending university involves much more than lectures, and there are tons of random and exciting things to check out. I had such a great time taking weekly hip hop classes and signing up with my friends to compete in case competitions.
Name: Katelyn Nicole Joyce
Degree/Program: Bachelor of Science (Honours), Medical Physics
Awards: Ryerson Gold Medal, Physics Faculty Scholarship, Connections in Science Award, Fred Hainsworth Award for Medical Physics, NSERC* USRA**
*Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
**Undergraduate Student Research Award
Photo courtesy of Katelyn Nicole Joyce
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
JOYCE: The biggest challenge this past year was adjusting to online classes and being away from my friends and campus. Although my professors did an excellent job teaching from a distance, the connection and understanding gained in the classroom is impossible to emulate online. I’ve also grown to love the city, so it’s been challenging being away for so long without seeing my classmates and teammates. However, we’ve all made an effort to stay in touch, and I am hoping to make the trip back to Toronto later this summer.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
JOYCE: The most rewarding aspect of my experience at Ryerson has been all of the incredible connections I’ve made. Both in the classroom and through sport, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Through Medical Physics, I formed some of my closest friendships with classmates from all over the world. Playing for the varsity women’s soccer team was another incredible part of my experience. My teammates became my second family when I moved to a new city. Thanks to them, the past four years have been some of the best moments of my life.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
JOYCE: Ryerson gave me the chance to work with and learn from some of the best professors in the country. Their professionalism and expertise showed me what it takes to be a successful scientist and inspired me to pursue research and graduate school. Ryerson also opened my eyes to theoretical physics, a field that I didn’t even know existed. I’m attending Memorial University this fall, where I’m pursuing a master of science in physics and working as a theoretical physicist. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to apply all of the skills that I’ve gained through the Medical Physics program at Ryerson.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
JOYCE: The best advice that I could give anyone would be to believe in yourself. No matter what your goals are, if you truly believe in yourself and are willing to work hard and make sacrifices, you will succeed. Enjoy the process and don’t take yourself too seriously along the way.
Photo courtesy of Jeanette Korosi
Completing this undergraduate degree has been a long journey. I am so glad that I chose to complete it at Ryerson. It has been both a challenging and rewarding experience, but with incredible support from the staff and faculty from the School of Disability Studies, I feel I have gained so much.
Since I completed my degree online and part-time, my learning extended beyond the classroom and was reflected through my work and the involvement I had with local community organizations. I embraced the opportunity to volunteer to support my community and follow my passion of equitable access and inclusion for the Mad and Disability community. I am so thankful for these opportunities to grow my leadership and advocacy.
I would like to thank the staff and faculty of DST for showing great care and attention to my success over the last several years. I also want to thank my colleagues at Mohawk College for providing me with opportunities to apply my learning and build bridges for greater access. I also want to thank my friends and family for the many ways you have supported my journey. I could not have made it here without a strong community behind me.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Kowalik
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
KOWALIK: One of the biggest challenges I faced this past year was staying focused and motivated on my studies. With multiple lockdowns and being forced to stay home, I found it challenging to keep on top of everything and complete classes virtually. However, I was able to overcome this challenge by creating a schedule for myself which provide balance and structure, allowing me to stay on top of my course work.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
KOWALIK: The most rewarding part of my experience at Ryerson was being able to apply what I learned throughout my education and help out my community during this challenging time.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
KOWALIK: The courses I took at Ryerson have all directly applied to the career I am pursuing. I am currently working towards becoming a certified public health inspector and Ryerson has given me the tools and knowledge necessary to pursue this career path.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
KOWALIK: Remember the importance of balance. Balancing work, friends, family and your studies are all important factors that will contribute to finding success at Ryerson.
Photo courtesy of Nazli Robin
1. What was the biggest challenge for you this past year (completing your studies during the pandemic) and how did you persevere/overcome this challenge?
ROBIN: Being a university student requires hard work and sacrifice - and a pandemic doubles the workload and pressure. With online learning, what really helped me stay on top of things was keeping in touch with my friends, classmates and professors. We are all going through this experience together - sitting on the other side of the camera does not mean you are alone.
2. What has been the most rewarding or enjoyable part of your university experience?
ROBIN: I immigrated to Canada a year before starting school. I had zero friends and felt alone in the first month or two when I started school. But I found my very best friends at Ryerson. Friends who helped me grow and who accompanied me while I was a newcomer. I also had extra support from my professors and Ryerson career centre consultants. They were always there when I needed them.
I also had the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience under the supervision of Dr. Antonescu. It was the turning point of my life where my enthusiasm for science grew tremendously. I can never thank Dr. Antonescu enough. I also want to thank Dr. Sabatinos for her continuous support, and a long list of professors and staff for the fantastic experience you created for us.
3. What experiences have helped prepare you for your future career?
ROBIN: Ryerson is a great place to make your circle of friends and connections. I was able to expand my network a great deal by having met students from different programs and faculties, professors, staff and other amazing people. I know that I now have friends and networks beyond school all over Canada, which is fantastic.
Apart from this, the wide selection of courses helped me grow remarkably. Besides learning science as my major, I learned a lot about astronomy, the humanities, programming/coding and two new languages (ASL and Arabic). It has truly equipped me with precious assets for the future.
4. What advice do you have for current or future students?
Lastly, I want to thank my family, my husband, mom, dad, and brother for their support throughout these years. They believed in me when I did not believe in myself and pushed me forward when I needed it the most. I am grateful for all you have done, and without you, these achievements would have been far from a reality.
The above students will be recognized during convocation ceremonies taking place June 21-24. View schedule here.
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