Above photo: Amanda McIntyre, Governor General’s Academic Medal recipient will graduate on June 20. Photo by Bryan Groff
Not many students have the privilege of addressing their entire graduating class on convocation day, but it’s an honour Amanda McIntyre anticipates with enthusiasm.
The 30-year-old St. Catharines resident is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal, which is awarded each year to the student with the highest average. McIntyre will be graduating from the Social Service Worker program with a 96.81% grade point average.
McIntyre is a mom to a three-year-old daughter. She and her husband are expecting their second child, due in July 2013.
InsideNC checked in with McIntyre and asked her about her medal, her experience at NC and plans for the future.
Here is what she had to say:
What is your response to being this year’s Governor General Academic Medal recipient?
In truth, I am completely flabbergasted. I always sought to try my best, but never imagined that I would be the recipient of such prestige. This award validates not only my academic abilities but on a larger scale, it validates my entire life plan.
How is the medal meaningful for you?
This award is meaningful to me because I did not arrive at college in a typical fashion. I spent my early twenties rather aimlessly floating around to jobs with limited financial and personal rewards. It wasn’t until I had my daughter, that my true priorities came into focus. I looked at her and I knew that I wanted more. I wanted her to pursue post secondary education, and felt that I couldn’t expect that of her without doing it myself. The moment she was born, I became certain that it was my duty to become the woman I wanted her to be.
What led you to Niagara College and that particular program?
Niagara College has an excellent reputation within the community. I knew people who had attended and they all spoke highly of their experiences. I chose to pursue social work because it truly was my dream. I believed that helping others in the community would allow me to combine professional satisfaction with personal fulfillment.
What is your career goal?
My career goal is to provide therapeutic counselling for individuals battling mental illness.
Do you have a job lined up and/or plans for after convocation?
I have been accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work program at Niagara University. Once I have completed that I plan to obtain a post graduate degree (MSW) from either McMaster or Waterloo University.
Was it challenging to complete your program while being mom to a toddler?
In truth, I found my situation to be fairly advantageous. Firstly, I stayed highly motivated because I was so determined to be a role model for my children. Secondly, because I never knew when an ear infection or stomach flu might arise, I completed assignments and study notes far in advance. This allowed me to re-evaluate my work and often complete the edits that might in result in a few additional marks.
To what do you attribute your success?
I kept a healthy dose of gratitude and appreciation for the entire process of school. I knew that I was lucky to have the opportunity to attend, and for that reason I never took it for granted. Having the rather lofty goal of obtaining a MSW, allowed me to remain focused and diligent. In moments where I would feel overwhelmed or tempted to cease revisions, I would remind myself that this level of academic effort was crucial to my long-term goal.
How do you feel NC has helped prepare you for your chosen career path?
The college provided me with placements that offered real, tangible experience within the community. During the year of university preparation, classes such as biology and statistics were considered mandatory. By being pushed out of my comfort zone and succeeding, I gained confidence that I could meet the often unpredictable demands of social work.
Amanda McIntyre’s convocation date is Thursday, June 20 at 10 a.m.
Congratulations to Amanda and to all of NC’s 2013 graduates!
