Graduating student Guiseppina Marino is so passionate about numbers, that she moved from her home country of Italy to Canada to seek an education in accounting. This Niagara College Dean’s Award winner is on track to pursue her dream of becoming a Certified Professional Accountant, and is excited for her family back home to watch her graduate during her virtual convocation ceremony on June 15.
We checked in with Marino to get her thoughts on enrolling in NC’s Business-Accounting program, her overall college experience, and how she feels about graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guiseppina Marino
Age: 38
Hometown: From Italy (currently lives in St. Catharines)
Program: Business- Accounting
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award, School of Business and Management (96.25%)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I feel very satisfied and grateful to my professors for guiding and encouraging me during my academic career at Niagara College. It’s a very rewarding recognition of my hard work and perseverance.
What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically?
I moved from the GTA area specifically to attend Niagara College as it is recognized as an excellent institution for business and beyond. Since I love numbers, I chose the Business-Accounting program – becoming a CPA is definitely my ultimate goal! This program opens the doors to this path that I intend to go through.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
My goal has always been to become a CPA. Life sometimes puts you on a different path, but I firmly believe that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, and here I am! Thanks to the various programs offered by Niagara College and the expertise of its professors, realizing your dreams becomes possible and that’s what completing my program is helping me achieve.
What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?
Before I enrolled at NC, I worked in the catering industry for 15 years. I graduated from high school when I was 19 years old and then I owned and managed restaurants in Italy. I enjoyed working in that field, but my true vocation is to be an accountant. With no hesitation, I left everything in Italy and moved to Canada to pursue my dreams.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights, what stands out to you?
My program experience has been an essential training opportunity to achieve my success and pursue my goal. It’s not just reading textbooks and getting ready for exams, but above all it’s exchanging knowledge and collaborating with classmates and professors that allows you to put into practice what theory teaches. It’s a very enriching experience.
During my time at NC I have been rewarded with an International Student Academic Award, a Keith Segal – guard.me International Scholarship, and the Dean’s Academic Award, in addition to being on the President’s Honour Roll all five terms I attended.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
It’s been very challenging balancing my studies with work, but perseverance and hard work helped me through this. Fortunately, the College offers services to support students who feel distressed. Moreover, professors are always ready to give the right advice to overcome difficulties and be successful – that’s what they aim for! You never feel alone.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic? How has it affected you completing your studies remotely?
I was very concerned about what was going to happen when the COVID-19 pandemic affected the end of my course of study. I felt many uncertainties, but in just one week the College was able to switch gears by delivering lessons, tests, and exams remotely. It’s been challenging and interesting at the same time. Professors did an excellent job of adapting their programs to the new needs and above all helping students embrace the new learning system. I really feel grateful and lucky for how it went and satisfied about graduating during this unprecedented time in history.
What does graduating mean to you personally?
Graduating means achieving one of the first finish lines that I intend to complete! I have much more to do and I plan to go back to Niagara College again.
Are you planning to attend your virtual convocation ceremony? Will your family members be watching?
Yes, I can’t miss my virtual convocation ceremony. I feel excited and full of joy because my family has the opportunity to watch it from the safety of their home in Italy. I hope they will be proud of me! Even if I’m 38 years old, I’m always their little girl.
Niagara College is celebrating its 5,000 spring graduates with its first-ever virtual convocation ceremonies from June 15-19. Visit the College’s Virtual Convocation site to view the schedule or to access the livestream ceremonies: niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation/.
