Jihye Lee came to Niagara College to study carpentry and renovation, but she’s leaving feeling confident that despite the challenges she’s faced, she’s on the path to something great.
Lee’s love of working with her hands allows her to create, build and fix, but even more than that, she’s discovered a passion for designing.
We catch up with Lee to reflect on the experience of attending Niagara College, and where she’s heading.
Jihye Lee
Born in: Korea
Currently residing in: St. Catharines
Age: 26
Academic Achievement: Dean’s Award Winner, School of Trades, Carpentry and Renovation Technician (95.0% average)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I am thrilled. It made me really happy that my efforts didn’t betray me. I thought no one would know how much time and effort I spent, but it felt like I finally got rewarded for it.
What inspires you to succeed?
Picturing what I want to achieve with this program really helped. It motivated me when I was on a downhill trend and helped me get back on track. Thinking about myself becoming a professional through this course gave me the drive to power through every difficulty and inspired me a lot.
What led you to study at NC and to your program, specifically?
I personally like to work with my hands… even when it comes to hobbies. I like to see the result/outcome in real or possibly on documents. NC had plenty of practical classes and a great workshop that provides students as many opportunities as possible.
List any other post-secondary credentials (diplomas, degrees) you have achieved:
Bachelor degree, Information and Telecommunication Engineering, Incheon National University, Korea, 2014
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
Since carpentry is a useful skill, knowing how to fix and even just how a building or structure is made can make our lives much easier.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind? Do you feel that completing your program will help you achieve that goal?
When I first started this course, I wanted to build houses, but I faced physical limitations that stopped me from working in cold weather as well as under the sun. When I started CAD class, I was able to find a new career goal, which is to be a designer. It inspired me and opened a new career path that I wasn’t considering at all.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program? What do you feel you gained from the experience?
Yes, I worked at Oakridge Cabinets in Fonthill. I was mainly working as a finisher, but I was able to experience building and designing as well. This experience gave me a job, and it also let me try many different things in a short period of time to see what I really like to do and if it fits me well.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
I encountered physical issues with my hands and feet. I have Raynaud’s syndrome, which reduces the blood circulation and causes pain. I couldn’t work outside since my fingers and toes were turning pale and felt painful whenever they felt cold, which means it could happen not only in winter but also in summer. I was devastated when I found out that I can’t have the same job spectrum as others. A diversion of courses at NC gave me hope that there are still things I can do, such as designing.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
Fortunately, I got to work part-time during school at the company that I did my co-op. Later I was hired full time at the same place.
What does graduating mean to you personally?
Although it’s not my first graduation, it means more to me. Language was the biggest difficulty that I faced, but I am tremendously proud of myself for overcoming all the difficulties and even winning the Dean’s Award!
