After a successful career as a chef in Alberta and B.C., Larkin Soto returned to Niagara during the COVID-19 pandemic ready to explore a new career path. With a deep love of learning and a wide range of interests, they enrolled in NC’s General Arts and Science diploma program, which sparked a passion for sociology and inspired a new path focused on helping others and making a difference in the community.
Now graduating with the Dean’s Award for achieving the highest GPA in the School of Academic and Liberal Studies, Larkin is preparing to continue their education at Brock University through Niagara College’s articulation agreement. As they prepare to cross the convocation stage, Larkin reflects on the value of taking time to explore new passions, follow curiosity, and embrace education at any stage of life.
Q&A with Larkin Soto:
What were you doing before attending NC (did you enroll after high school, did you study at another postsecondary institution, or were you working)?
Prior to attending Niagara College, I had established a career as a chef. I worked in Alberta and in B.C. before the COVID-19 pandemic brought me back to the Niagara Region to be with my family. As most within the industry will tell you, many restaurants were unable to recover and thus many people switched careers around that time. I was one of those people.
Although I was unsure of exactly what career I was interested in, I knew that post-secondary education was the route to whatever I wanted to pursue.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
I have always loved learning. I am endlessly curious about the world across a truly eclectic range of topics. The General Arts and Science Diploma Program offered me an avenue to explore a wide variety of subjects. Through my studies I found an underlying theme that connects all my interests to the subject of sociology.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program. Did it change since you started?
When I decided to switch careers and attend Niagara College, I did not have a particular career in mind. I did however know that whatever I decided to pursue would require an undergraduate degree and most likely graduate studies. After completing my diploma, I still do not know precisely my future career, but I do know that it will be in the area of human rights and community social justice. Now at the end of my diploma, I am more committed than ever to pursuing and furthering my education.
What’s next for you? Are you working or working towards a career goal or are you planning to pursue further education?
I will be attending Brock University to study Sociology through the Articulation Agreement between Niagara College and Brock University.
Any other info you feel is important and would like to share?
It is never too late to pursue any form of education, and there are no rules about how long it takes to complete formal education. It is more important to enjoy classes and take the time to truly learn and understand the subjects than it is to complete a program within a pre-set amount of time. There is no such thing as wasted education!
I would like to thank my family and friends for their endless support throughout my endeavor to graduate!
