After a period of soul searching, Clarysse Go enrolled at Niagara College to pursue her interest in business.
The native of Cebu City, Philippines began her career as a Medical Technologist in her home country, but after working in the field for two years, she had a change of heart.
“I realized that I no longer found happiness in what I was doing,” said Go, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology. “I landed a work-from-home job while saving up and planning my next move. That next move turned out to be enrolling in Niagara College.”
With an interest in business, Go set her sights on NC’s School of Business and Management, first enrolling in the Supply Chain and Operations Management program and later switching gears into the Business – International Business program, where she found herself in her element.
“The only thing I knew for sure at the time was that I wanted to be in business,” she said. “What led me to the International Business program was a specific course and professor: INTL1100 and (Professor) Bernardo Pontes. The course itself and the way the course was delivered captivated my mind. So, after mulling it over, I decided to switch over.”
Clarysse Go
After completing her first semester online from Philippines, Go moved to Canada in late 2021 to complete her studies at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. She worked hard and excelled in the classroom, all while holding a part-time job at Home Depot where she met her boyfriend, Shareef Bakir, a double NC graduate (Culinary Management; Baking and Pastry Arts).
In the end, Go’s hard work paid off. The 27-year-old is one of two recipients who will be receiving a prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal during NC’s Spring 2023 Convocation.
For nearly 150 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs.
Go achieved a 98% average in the Business – International Business diploma program, earning her the
Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal, the level given to students graduating from a college diploma program. Her achievement marks the second year in a row that an international student from Philippines has earned a Governor General’s Academic Medal. In 2022, Quezon City, Philippines native Jonhel Ampil received a Collegiate Bronze Medal.
Go, who will be presented with her medal during her 3 p.m. convocation ceremony on June 12, said that she was humbled and honoured to receive the prestigious award.
“It means the world to me. I am an international student, and being away from my family has been challenging,” she said. “However, being presented with this award proves that going abroad was the right choice. This is a great victory not only for myself but also for my family and fellow international students as well.”
“This award will definitely open numerous doors for me career-wise, but I think the greatest and most lasting effect this will have in relation to my future would be in the way I approach work and learning,” she added. “Winning this award has reinforced in my mind the power of a good work ethic, and I think that will bring about a lasting positive impact on my future.”
Go credits the encouragement of her family, friends, classmates, professors and her boyfriend for supporting her success.
On June 12, she will also receive the Dean’s Award for NC’s School of Business and Management. Dean’s awards are presented to graduating students who have achieved the top GPA in their respective school of study. Previously, she earned the Keith Segal – guard.me international scholarship for three consecutive semesters for her academic excellence.
Go plans to stay in Canada and currently resides in Niagara Falls, where she is working as a full-time Corporate Accountant at Niagara Casinos – a job she began the day after her final classes at NC.
“I honestly just hope to be able to live life to the fullest and be able to make a difference while doing it,” she said.
“My dream career would be one that would allow me the privilege not to worry monetarily so that I could focus more on helping others – whether it be through food drives, blood drives, or teaching marginalized youth useful life skills like budgeting and doing taxes.”
