Cassenya Detmar has a love of helping people. She’s also fascinated by human anatomy and responds well in an emergency. So it’s no surprise she chose Niagara College’s Paramedic Program as the next step after high school.
Two years later, the Brant, Ontario resident is finishing the program at the top of her class, earning the designation of Dean’s Award winner for having the highest grade-point average of any student in the School of Allied Health.
“Honestly, I didn’t see this coming,” Detmar said. “It’s nice to see that all the hard work paid off.”
Having been homeschooled from kindergarten through Grade 12, Detmar said it “instilled in me a strong work ethic and the ability to self-pace my work,” which she believes served her well at Niagara College.
“I think it’s really neat to be able to share my story as a 19-year-old homeschooler. It can be really tough to get into post-secondary having been homeschooled, and I’m really proud to represent this community and show that we can achieve academic success, too.”
Ahead of crossing the stage to collect her diploma during the morning Convocation ceremony on June 10, Detmar shared the highlights of her time at Niagara College and her plans for the future.
Cassenya Detmar
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award Winner, School of Allied Health
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
Niagara’s Paramedic Program has an excellent reputation and wonderful staff. It was relatively close to home, and they were willing to accept my application straight out of high school.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
The program faculty (and) staff are absolutely amazing. I definitely couldn’t have done this without their encouragement and support.
Did you work a placement or a co-op as part of your program?
I worked a few placement shifts at local hospitals and spent a semester on a student placement at Brant Brantford Paramedic Services.
How do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
My time at NC taught me to get out of my comfort zone, and (it) equipped me with skills for my career.
To what factors do you attribute your academic achievement?
I attribute my achievements to a few things. First of all, God. He has gifted me with a mind excited to learn and education opportunities that are readily available. I’d also be remiss if I did not mention my elementary/high school education. My parents faithfully homeschooled me from kindergarten through Grade 12 and I truly believe I could not have been better prepared.
What have you been doing since completing your studies at NC?
I started working as a primary care paramedic with Brant Brantford Paramedic Services. I have no immediate plans for continuing education; I plan to continue working on my skills and knowledge to become the best primary care paramedic I can be.
