Katterine Corrales is celebrating more than just academic success as she graduates from Niagara College’s Recreational Therapy program, she’s honouring a journey of perseverance, growth and gratitude. Originally from Peru and now living in St. Catharines, Katterine is set to cross the convocation stage on Monday, June 9, with pride and emotion.
For Katterine, Niagara College offered something she couldn’t find back home, a chance to study in a program that aligned with her passion for helping others. She’s incredibly thankful to the College, her professors, her classmates, and the network of support.
Her convocation marks not only the culmination of hard work as a student and single mother, but also a message to her children that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and pursue new dreams.
From Peru to Niagara College, Katterine opens up about her inspiring path and what’s next.
Q&A with Katterine Mirella Corrales Gomez:
How do you feel about the upcoming graduation day? What does it mean to you personally?
I’m very excited and I still can’t believe I made it. For me, it’s a great accomplishment and a source of pride to have earned another degree. I want to show my children that there is no age limit for learning and that with dedication and effort, anything is possible. It also makes me happy that my parents can see they did a good job raising me.
What were you doing before attending NC?
I graduated as an obstetrician in my country, but I wasn’t able to practice my profession. Instead, I worked as a sales supervisor and I was doing very well.
What led you to study at NC and choose your program?
I came to Canada looking for a better future for my children. I chose NC because I received great recommendations about the college. I decided to study Recreational Therapy to build on the health knowledge I already had as an obstetrician and to continue doing what I love–helping people.
What are you passionate about? Why do you love your field of study?
Recreational Therapy is an incredible program that allows you to identify people’s strengths and work with them to improve their quality of life with compassion and care.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled? Has it changed since then?
My goal was always to keep learning and to contribute to the country that gave me the opportunity to start over. That hasn’t changed. I fell in love with the program’s content and its purpose.
How was your experience in the program? Any highlights?
My experience was full of learning and constant growth. It was a challenging journey, but with discipline, responsibility, and dedication, I made it through. One of the most rewarding parts was realizing that I could work with people of all ages. It was also very inspiring to see how passionate the professors are about this field. They support you every step of the way.
One thing I’ll never forget is how much support I received when I felt overwhelmed and frustrated–my advisor, professors, and classmates were all there for me. One piece of advice I’ll always remember is: be kind to yourself.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
Yes, I faced many challenges. Besides the language barrier, being a single mother meant I had to balance my time between school, work, house chores, and the changes my teenage daughter was going through. I had no days off–studying from Monday to Friday and working on weekends. It was exhausting, but my children were my biggest motivation.
Did you complete any co-op or placement as part of your program?
Not yet.
Do you feel your experience at NC prepared you for the future?
Absolutely. I feel well-prepared as a recreational therapist to offer meaningful leisure time to my clients with professionalism, empathy, and love.
What does the future hold for you?
My plan is to continue improving my English so I can communicate better and serve my community more effectively and currently looking for a job in my field.
