From the playing field to the healthcare field, graduating student Philip Borowski switched his focus to pursue a career as a paramedic. This Dean’s Award winner is set to graduate from Niagara College’s Paramedic program on June 16 and is already making a difference in the world as a frontline paramedic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We checked in with Borowski to learn about his journey to enrolling at NC.

Philip Borowski
Hometown: Toronto
Program: Paramedic
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award, School of Allied Health (93%)

How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?

I was very shocked, however, I feel very grateful. There are many incredibly gifted and intelligent classmates in my program, including many of my friends who I felt would have been more than worthy to receive the award over myself.

What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically? Do you have a specific career goal in mind?

Becoming a paramedic had been an idea in the back of my mind in case my soccer career didn’t work out. When I called it quits on soccer, it was the only career I considered. Becoming a paramedic has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life so far.

What was your situation when you enrolled at NC?

I had been playing soccer since I was 16 years old and felt it was the right time to switch gears and start my path to becoming a paramedic. Having been out of school for a while, I wasn’t accepted into the Paramedic program initially, but NC offered the Pre-Health Sciences certificate program instead, which I saw as a great opportunity to ease back into the academic world. I completed that program in 2018 and had previously completed a semester of Biology at the University of Gothenburg.

How did you find your program experience – any highlights, what stands out to you?

Being in the paramedic program at Niagara College has been an absolutely fantastic time for me. I have an amazing group of friends that were all hired with me at Niagara EMS and who have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. I am forever grateful for the knowledge and guidance that I have received from my professors and I am glad to have been taught by each and every one of them.

Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?

I did a placement with Niagara EMS, which was an incredible experience.

Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?

Me and my friends did intramural volleyball, which was a great experience for us. I stayed away from joining Niagara’s soccer team since I knew I would spend more time focused on it rather than on my studies. It was a difficult decision but one I do not regret.

What have you been doing since completing your studies? Do you have a current job?

I was hired and have been working as a paramedic for Toronto Paramedic Services and Niagara EMS.

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/.