Aurélie
“I had the opportunity to reflect on what I had achieved and what I wanted for my future during my maternity leave. I felt an imbalance in my professional life and asked myself, ‘What do I do? What can I do? What do I want to do?’ The answer was clear: I wanted to contribute to my community.
That’s when I started organizing workshops on eating well and volunteering at my children’s school, helping them with reading and writing. I quickly saw potential: working with children fascinated me. Their curiosity, their unique way of looking at the world, their capacity for wonder… They’re real little geniuses in the making. It finally became obvious: teaching was my calling.
I applied to several universities, including the UOF, which I eventually chose for its pillars of inclusion, diversity, Francophonie, and accessibility, which deeply reflect my values. The flexibility of the program, with online courses, also enabled me to make this change while remaining available for my children. I was impressed by the exceptional quality of the teachers, who were true experts in their field. We don’t just ‘follow’ the lessons: we are constantly encouraged to reflect on our practices and adapt our pedagogical approaches to student needs. What a stimulating level of engagement!
The school internships confirmed that I was on the right track. It was a very powerful moment. I told myself, ’This is really what I want to do, actually. No doubt about it.’
The program also opened my eyes to the specific issues facing Francophones living in minority environments. Teaching in French means helping to preserve our language. Children are very receptive and curious about the Francophone identity, and passing on this culture is a mission that fills me with pride.
The program is very demanding, but the quality of teaching and support services is truly excellent. I’ve already recommended the UOF to several people I met in schools during my internships, and I will continue to do so, because I believe in its transformative impact.
My efforts were rewarded with a merit scholarship. This recognition is a source of motivation and encourages me to continue. Knowing that donors believe in the UOF and its students is very motivating!”
– Aurélie, student, Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Jean-Marc
“The Pomerleau GeoDesign Laboratory is a valuable resource in my training and that of my peers. It’s a place where you can develop your skills, concentrate, and access tools such as QGIS, for creating maps and analyzing geographic data, and SketchUp, for 3D modelling. These programs require learning and regular practice. The Lab gives me the opportunity to improve my mastery of these tools in a practical setting. What’s more, the teachers are approachable, making it easy to exchange ideas and get constructive feedback. It’s a really motivating environment, ideal for progress and success.
I was able to start several projects, one of the most striking being an analysis of the crime rate in Toronto. Using geographic data analysis, we studied crime trends to identify the most at-risk areas and propose solutions. Such an initiative would have been impossible without the Lab’s resources.
The skills and knowledge acquired in this Laboratory can help combat climate change. The tools we use enable us to better plan our cities while taking environmental issues into account. For example, we can get an overall picture of the city, i.e. plan its development, identify the various challenges, and simulate the impact of urban developments. These skills help us to think about sustainable solutions to climate change.
Thank you to our donors. Their contribution has a direct impact on our learning. Thanks to this Laboratory, we can better prepare for and contribute to major projects, whether in Toronto, Canada, or around the world. The impact is huge!”
– Jean-Marc, student, Bachelor’s Degree of Urban Environments.
Kadiatou
“The Bachelor of Business Administration program is a perfect match for my career ambitions. It stands out through its practical approach and its integration of current business challenges, providing the skills needed to succeed in the field I want to explore. The versatility of the program is particularly attractive. It offers a wide range of opportunities, from working in different sectors to setting up and running my own business.
I particularly appreciate the diversity of the subjects covered: management, marketing, finance, and human resources. The courses offer a comprehensive and consistent view of business management, and will enable me to develop essential skills in leadership, decision-making, and management. Case studies and group work also enable me to link theory to practice and develop skills that are directly applicable in the professional world.
My career plan is to become a financial analyst. I am drawn to this profession because it combines analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills, and plays a crucial role in managing investments and risks within companies. I am convinced that this role will enable me to develop cutting-edge expertise in financial management and contribute to the success of companies through accurate analysis and solid forecasting.
In the short term, I aim to join a financial institution or a large company where I can gain experience and specialize further. In the long term, I would like to move into positions of responsibility, where I can not only analyze financial data, but also influence investment and resource management strategies.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the donors who support this program. Your patronage encourages me to pursue my dreams and make a positive contribution to the economy and society.”
– Kadiatou, student, Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration.