The Confluence | Convocation 2024

YOUR OFFICIAL COLLEGE MAGAZINE

June 4th, 2024

Confluence

The

“The End of One Journey Marks The Beginning of Another One!!”

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

List of Student Speakers Anuroop Kaur

Ashley Shannon

Associate of Arts

Dental Hygiene Diploma

Shyanne Hachey

Jasvir Singh

Healthcare Assistant Program

Business Management Diploma

Convocation Edition

Garry Rajput Editor, Confluence

To the recent graduates, it's truly inspiring to see so many of you ready to flaunt your caps at convocation, reminding us that we can all make it through college. This achievement is a victory in its own right and the start of a new journey.

I spoke with a friend who’s graduating, asking

what’s next for her. She excitedly listed job hunting, moving, visiting family, and more. It got me wondering about my own graduation.

Will my thoughts be the same, or will I have different plans?

Whatever the future holds, I want to take a moment to congratulate all of you and wish you the best of luck on your journey ahead!

I hope your experience at CNC was memorable and kind!

Contents Campus News.................. 02

The Editorial Committee

Congratulatory Messages for Convocation................ 06-13 From Student Speakers:

Jasvir Singh...................... 13 Anuroop Kaur................... 14 Shyanne Hachey.............. 15

Vacant

Shree Vishnu

Production Assistant

Event Photographer

Vacant

Vacant

Journalist

Media Coordinator

Have Submissions? Send them our way through email: Editor@cncsu.ca

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Our Members Our Priority All CNC students are our members.

Board of Directors 2024-25

Geetanjali

Darien Davis

Holliness Ozumba

Gurtej Singh

Michael Morgan

Women Students’ Representative

Indigenous Students’ Representative

Human Services Representative

University Studies Representative

Upgrading and Access Representative

CNCSU Staff (On Leave)

Merrill Ringwood Quesnel Campus Representative

Daniel Voo

Access and Continuing Education Representative

Varun Kumar

Pride Students’ Representative

Damon Robinson

CNC Students Union’ Staff

Leila Abubakar -Depenau Executive Director

Membership Outreach Coordinator

Guntas Kanda

Kartik Verma

Carman Hill

Jasvir Singh

OrganizerTeam Lead

Office and Services Coordinator

Quesnel Campus Coordinator

Membership Outreach Coordinator (Leave Replacement)

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Campus News Column

Summary of events that influence the student life Your Own Student Newspaper

Convocation Class of 2024

Course Calendars: Fall & Spring

For Prince George Campus, Jun 6, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Get all the information here:

The timetable has been published for the upcoming 2024 Fall and 2025 Spring semesters.

For Quesnel Campus, Jun 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Get all the information here:

You are able to check class timings and the list of instructors offering those courses right now. Registration is expected to open at the start of July. Make sure to check your CNC Connect and register for the classes early so that you can get timings ideal to your schedule!

Upcoming CNC Events “Red, White, & Royal Blue” Movie Night Jun 13, Thursday. Lecture Theatre(PG room 1-306). 4:00 PM-6:30 PM. Student & Staff Bannock & Tea Gathering Jun 14, Friday. Quesnel Cafeteria.

10:00 AM-1:00 PM. CNC Welcome Fair - Jun 20, Thursday.

4:00 PM-7:00 PM Creativity Lab - Cathartic Collages Jun 26, Wednesday. Gathering Place.

It’s best practice to keep checking your CNC Connect regularly to track your progress, update course selection and stay updated to tuition payments and more.

Avoid those waitlists and register early!!

U-PASS The U-PASS gets you access to Public Transit and the pool! Come to the CNCSU office (1-303) with your student ID to get one!

LOCKER RENTAL We offer lockers all across the Prince George campus for you to store your books and personal items throughout the day. The rental fee is $5 (half-sized) or $10 (full-sized) per locker a semester, plus a $5 locker deposit.

HEALTH & DENTAL

The CNCSU's health plan provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services and multiple other benefits for less than $20 per month($240 annually), making it some of the least expensive extended medical coverage in the country.

ADVOCACY

We listen to your concerns and provide information on college policies and procedures, as well as student rights and responsibilities. We also help you prepare for conversations with supervisors, deans, instructors, or administrators and participate in meetings as a support person when requested.

CLUBS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES We have a variety of clubs and recreational activities that bring students together to destress. These range from sports and recreational clubs to writing and poetry. You can even start one of your own!

*Our other services inlcude the food bank, poster boards, campaigns, and events.

http://www.cncsu.ca/ | info@cncsu.ca | 250-561-5852

Leila Abubakar-Depenau Executive Director, CNCSU

To the Graduating Class of 2024, We are incredibly proud of your achievements and accomplishments. Orientation and Convocation are two of our most cherished days.

On Orientation Day, we first met you with hopes and dreams in hand, a bit nervous, looking for directions as you settled in and began navigating your post-secondary journey at CNC. It has been a privilege and quite an experience to witness your progression from your first day on campus—excited, curious, nervous, and a mix of other emotions—as you embark on your educational adventure.

Convocation Day is when we celebrate your hard-earned success with you and wish you the best of luck as you embark on your next adventure.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your

journey. We hope we served you well and wish you great success.

As your Students’ Union, we had the pleasure of walking with you outside the classroom and supporting you in numerous ways.

Whether through our services such as the UPass, Extended Health and Dental, the food bank, or events like Diwali and pizza days, we've campaigned together for better and more equitable education for all and supported you in developing the agency to advocate for yourself.

As you enter this next chapter, we hope that you will continue to foster meaningful connections, advocate for what is right and and just, engage in lifelong learning, and make a lasting impact.

We look forward to catching up and hearing about your next endeavors.

From your Students’ Union, congratulations!

Warmest wishes for a bright and successful future.

Cindy Heitman President, College of New Caledonia

Congratulations graduates, convocation day is a big day.

It’s a big day for you the students, a big day for the families and friends who supported you, as well as a big day for all of us at CNC. To say we are proud of you does not capture the sentiment.

For those of you participating in convocation, as you walk across the stage, I want you to think of that moment as the next step in your journey.

Hold your head up high, smile for the photos, and congratulate yourself for your accomplishment.

This moment is about you. You made the

Shelley Carter-Rose Vice-President Student Affairs, Interim Vice-President Academic

Hello 2024 Graduates, I am so pleased to be sending this message to you as a graduate and future alumnus of CNC. Your decision to come to CNC I am certain was a good one, you have persevered, worked hard, made friends and I hope had some fun along the journey.

I have met some of you along your journey and I know listening to your comments I have heard that you have had a great experience.

choice to learn. You put in the hours of work.

You made it to your goals. If you are unable to attend the convocation ceremony, that’s okay.

Please know you are in our thoughts; we hope you are celebrating your success, and we wish you well.

This would not be an authentic message if I didn’t leave you with some words of advice as you move on to your next adventure.

Wherever your journey takes you, remember to be kind, be curious, and be yourself. Keep a growth mindset as you approach each step and always remember to find joy.

You, the class of 2024, are all part of the first graduating class of my tenure as President of CNC. This is a moment I will cherish forever.

Snachailya, Cindy.

Student life and student engagement is very important part of the student life cycle and you certainly have brought life to CNC. Whether it was student orientation, movie nights, labs, classes, clinicals the experience at CNC was so positive because of you. Many of you have made friends for life and will continue to connect and make memories.

I am pleased CNC was a part of your learning process, CNC is committed to being a life-long partner with you as you go out into the next phase of your life all the best.

Please stay connected with CNC.

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Tara Szerencsi Vice President, Finance & Corporate Services

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! The hard work and dedication you have devoted to earning your credential at CNC is a tremendous achievement.

Marlene Erickson Executive Director, Aboriginal Education

Hadih - Hello To the CNC Graduation class of 2024, As we journey through Truth & Reconciliation on all the aspects of who we are, we want to honor you as you embark on this new chapter in your lives.

You are the designer of what can be..

Stand tall...be confident...be determined....as you are now the leaders that will change this world we live in!

Let us together foster inclusivity and

Be as proud of yourselves as we are, and remember to take time to reflect on and celebrate your success.

As a CNC graduate myself, I am so pleased to welcome all of you to our ever-growing alumni community. I wish you much success in the next phase of your personal journey wherever life takes you!

promoting understand of all peoples of this world. Whether you pursue further education, enter the workforce, or explore the multitude of other options.

You are equipped with the knowledge to succeed. Shine your light, we are your cheerleaders, as we support you in Truth & Reconciliation.

On behalf of Aboriginal Resource Centre: Marlene Ericson - Executive Director, Aboriginal Education.

Darlene McIntosh - Elder/Ambassador, Cultural Advisor in the Aboriginal Resource Centre.

Stephanie Jack - Aboriginal Student Navigator.

Jaelyn Fulton - Aboriginal Academic Advisor.

Snachailya.

Leanne Yearley President, CUPE 4951

Hello/ Hadih CNC Graduates of 2024, On behalf of the operational employees of CUPE Local 4951, I extend heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on this monumental achievement. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this moment, and it is truly something to be celebrated.

As operational employees, we've been honored to be a part of your journey at the College of New Caledonia.

From the very first steps you took on campus to the moment you received your diplomas and certificates, we've been there to support you every step of the way.

Whether it was through recruitment, advising, events, the Learning Commons (Library) or any other area of campus life, we've worked to make your experience as enriching and fulfilling as possible.

We understand the importance of student life on campus and how it contributes to your overall educational journey. Our role has been to enhance that experience, to create an environment where you could thrive academically, socially, and personally. And seeing your growth and development has been incredibly rewarding for us.

Now, as you step out into the world beyond these walls, remember that you are prepared.

You have the knowledge, skills, and resilience to make a difference. And as members of CUPE Local 4951, we invite you to consider joining us in the workforce, to continue advancing and contributing to our communities.

So, as you embark on this next chapter of your lives, know that the possibilities are endless.

Dream big, work hard, and never forget the journey that brought you here today.

Congratulations once again, graduates of 2024.

The world is waiting for you to make your mark.

Congratulations, CNC Graduates of 2024!

Your achievements are not just a testament to your hard work, but also to the support of your loved ones and the guidance of your mentors.

May you continue to pursue excellence, embrace opportunities, and make a positive impact in your communities.

Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have led you to this important day. Now, as you step into the next adventure, remember the laughs, the challenges, and all the good times at CNC. They've shaped you into the amazing grads you are today!

We are immensely proud of your achievements and eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions you will make to the world and wish you continued success and fulfillment on your path ahead.

On Behalf of all the faculty at CNC.

Marta Tejero President, Faculty Association of College of New Caledonia

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Executive Director, Communication

We’ve had the pleasure of documenting your success and communicating with you during your time at CNC. And we’re also thrilled to be part of the team supporting your convocation ceremony.

On behalf of the communications, marketing, events, and donor relations staff, we’re pleased to extend our congratulations to the graduating class of 2024!

We’re certain that this day will be exciting and inspiring for you. We’re hopeful that you’ll continue to be in contact with the College. CNC is a community… and while grads go on to new opportunities, they often return in advisory capacities, or as instructors or employees.

Mark Karjaluoto

Hadih:

We have had the good fortune of seeing you through your student journey. Our promotional materials and digital campaigns may have been among your first encounters with the College. We were pleased to meet you at Open House, and then when you joined us on your first day of studies.

Steven Perison Registrar, Office of the Registrar

We hope the skills and knowledge you’ve gained will help you to do wonderful things in the years ahead. Congratulations and best wishes!

- Stephanie Deol & Mark Karjaluoto.

application to celebrating your achievements today. Although we are quite certain that you won't miss us reminding you about tuition payments, please remember that our doors are always open to support you.

Dear Graduates, Congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone! From the moment you stepped onto campus, we've been honoured to support you on your journey, from reviewing your

Your dedication, resilience, and growth have been a source of inspiration for us all.

Office of the Registrar is wishing you endless success and fulfillment ahead.

Pamela McInroy Director, International

Dear CNC Graduates of the Class of 2024, Everyone in the International Office extends our heartfelt congratulations to all of you on your successful completion of a CNC credential. May your future endeavors be such that you are able to apply what you have learned and utilize it on your career trajectory.

Rafael de la Peña Director, Student Services

On behalf of all the Student Services staff, I congratulate you and yours on this life achievement. Completing an education program has given you the experience to learn and grow in and beyond the classroom.

Jennifer Castley Director, Institutional Research & Enrolment Management

Congratulations on your remarkable achievement!

Your dedication and perseverance throughout your student journey have culminated in this momentous occasion.

As you step into the world as college graduates, remember that learning is a lifelong journey.

While you all had alternative opportunities for your studies, we are so grateful that you chose to come to CNC to enrich our lives and those of your fellow students. CNC welcomes students from around the world, and it is our hope that you will feel, “Once connected to CNC; always connected to CNC.” We look forward to hearing from you often about your exciting adventures no matter where life takes you next.

On behalf of the International Team

Now continues your opportunity to implement all that was learnt, try, reflect, adjust, and keep growing for the betterment of yourself, yours, and your community.

It is an honor to have walked with you throughout your journey at CNC. I wish you the best in your career and personal life.

evolve, for it is through continuous learning that we truly thrive.

Your commitment to persist in your program until graduation is a testament to your strength and determination.

May you carry this same resilience into all your future endeavors.

Here's to a future filled with endless possibilities and continued success!

Regards, Jennifer Castley

Embrace every opportunity to grow and

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Wendy Male Dean - Human Services, University Transfer, and Business Studies

Congratulations graduates!

Your dedication and effort have paid off as you start the next chapter of your journey.

Whether in Arts, Science, Forestry, Social Work, Early Childhood Care and Learning, or another field, your accomplishments shine.

Tamara Chambers-Richards Dean - School of Health Sciences

Congratulations to the graduates of the School of Health Sciences at the College of New Caledonia! Your dedication and hard work have led you to this significant achievement. As you step into employment in the healthcare field, I am confident in the positive impact you'll make on countless lives. Your skills, compassion, and commitment to excellence

Amelia Merrick Dean - School of Access and Continuing Education

Your diverse skills and knowledge will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our world.

As you step into the future, remember to embrace challenges with courage, curiosity, and compassion. You are the architects of tomorrow, shaping a better, brighter world for all.

Keep reaching for the stars - your potential knows no bounds!"

will shape the future of healthcare. As a School, we have echoed the mantra, Student Experience Matters. I know you will bring to your professional experience the strong belief that patient experience matters!

Embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with confidence, knowing that you are well-prepared to make a difference. We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see all that you will achieve.

Congratulations, graduates!

Congratulations! We are so proud of you. Keep learning, changing and creating the future.

From the School of Access and Continuing Education

Ward Cartier Dean - School of Trades & Technologies

Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey, it is the beginning of a beautiful one. Start each

day believing in yourself and watch the magic happen.

On behalf of the entire School of Trades and Technologies, congratulations on your graduation, and best of luck as you embark on your new career!

From the Student Speakers Jasvir Singh Student Speaker 2024, Prince George Campus

Hello! I am Jasvir, and I am honored to be selected as the student speaker for the Class of 2024.

My journey at CNC has been a remarkable one, marked by countless memories, invaluable lessons, and meaningful connections that will stay with me forever.

Each interaction, whether in the classroom, on the campus grounds, or during various events, has taught me something new. I have formed friendships that I cherish deeply and celebrated victories that have made this journey even more fulfilling.

As we stand on the brink of a new chapter, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all my fellow graduates of the Class of 2024.

This moment is a testament to our hard work and dedication. I am confident that each one of us will achieve the success we aspire to in our future endeavors.

During my time at CNC, I had the privilege of serving with the CNC Students’ Union for two years as a director. In various portfolio positions, I stood alongside students, advocating for students' rights at different levels of administration and government.

Together, we organized events and worked tirelessly to enhance campus life, both academically and non-academically. I owe gratitude to all the students who supported our advocacy efforts. Your solidarity and involvement were crucial in driving the changes we achieved.

Reflecting on our collective accomplishments fills me with pride and reminds me of the power of unity and shared purpose.

My thanks also go out to the professors, staff, friends, and everyone who supported me throughout my time at CNC. Your guidance, encouragement, and companionship have been instrumental in my growth and success. The journey filled with adventures, setbacks, victories, and fun, will always be an unforgettable chapter of my life.

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Anuroop Kaur Student Speaker 2024, Prince George Campus

Hello, everyone! My name is Anuroop Kaur, and I want to share with you my incredible journey at CNC, right from the moment I set foot in Canada to my graduation last December.

When I arrived here, everything felt new and a bit scary. But I quickly found comfort in the welcoming community around me. It was like finding a second home—a place where I belonged. The people I met and the connections I made gave me a sense of belongingness that I'll always cherish.

During my time at CNC, I wanted to be involved with the community as much as possible. I started by volunteering with the Student Union, and soon I became a student representative and later the Chairperson.

Considering that, I used to be a quite shy girl and preferred staying in the background, it was a big leap for me. But with each interaction and challenge, I grew more confident and found my voice.

I realized that education is not just about books and lectures; it's about the relationships we build and the experiences we share. The CNC and Student Union became my second family, where we celebrated diversity and supported each other through thick and thin.

I realized that education is not just about books and lectures; it's about the relationships we build and the experiences we share. The CNC and Student Union became my second family, where we celebrated diversity and supported each other through thick and thin.

As I look back on my journey, I'm grateful for the lessons I've learned and the friendships I've made. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today and have equipped me with the skills to face any challenge that comes my way.

“Stepping into the unknown can be daunting yet exciting. Agree?”

To those starting their college journey, I want to say this: Embrace every moment, cherish every connection, and never underestimate the power of community. Your time in college is not just about getting a degree; it's about discovering who you are and the impact you can have on the world around you.

So, as I say goodbye to CNC, I carry with me a wealth of memories and lessons that will guide me in the years to come. Thank you, CNC, and CNC Students’ Union, for the incredible journey. And always remember, your college journey is about finding your voice, following your passions, and making a positive difference in the community.

Let’s make it count.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Ready to join in? Just scan the QR code!

Shyanne Hachey Student Speaker 2024, Quesnel Campus

My name is Shyanne Hachey. I was born and raised in Quesnel BC, it is a place that I have enjoyed living, working, and playing in. I love to golf although I am considered by my friends to be a Bogey Queen. With more practice, I am hoping to be known as the Par Queen soon! I also enjoying reading quite a bit, so I started a Book Club a few years ago that is still going strong. In my opinion, reading is fundamental.

Throughout my life I have worked sales/customer service jobs. However, I would run into the same issue, time and time again. I would start a job and it would be going great, but then I would just get bored as time went on, and boredom to me, leads to dissatisfaction.

This kept happening, the same cycle over again. Several years ago, I applied at CNC for the first time. An online Office Assistant course, it started off great, but as time went on, I could sense myself getting tired of it before I was even finished the program. So, again. I was left feeling unsatisfied.

What now? I thought. Where do I go from here.

I’ve changed jobs several times, I went to CNC, and nothing changed. Then, one day I was

scrolling through Indeed and I found a posting for a health care program at CNC. Health Care?

Not something I ever thought I would be doing; I didn’t even know if it was something I was interested in. What if I hated it? What if I wasn’t good at it, what if I failed? So many thoughts kept going through my mind. But I eventually decided to take the plunge and apply at CNC for the Health Care Assistant Program.

I went into that program not knowing what to expect and I came back out a different person, who has never been happier. I learned so much about myself and pushed myself to do things I never imagined I would do. I got to make some amazing friends, who made the experience so much better than the first time around. And now, I have a rewarding career in the Health Care field that excites me, challenges me, and lets me connect and empathize with people in a way that I couldn’t when I was working sales jobs.

So, if I could give any piece of advice, it would be if you feel bored or unhappy, try something new. Keep going and trying new things until you find something you love. Give it your all, even if it scares you because doing hard or scary things, will help you grow as a person.

You can gain a completely new perspective on yourself, the world, and other people and might be surprised at how much your life can change if you just decide to take the plunge.

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