Destiny Paquin has spent the past two years making her mark across Niagara College. A graduate of the Acting for Film & Digital Media program, the Welland native has been a familiar face within the NC community as an NC Knight student-athlete, Indigenous student leader, and most recently the face of NC video advertisements and promotional campaigns.
Recognized for her authentic on-screen presence and positive energy, Destiny has appeared in NC’s On Campus and Apply Now campaigns while also serving as a student ambassador at College events.
Along the way, she discovered a passion for performance that reshaped her future plans and opened doors she never expected.
What were you doing before attending Niagara College?
I was at Brock, studying Physical Education with a second teachable in History.
What led you to study at Niagara College and your program of study?
The female students who were going to be playing basketball during my first year prompted me to come and join the NC Knights basketball team. Many of us had played on teams with each other in our youth and so we wanted to be reunited one last time.
What interests you about your field of study? Why are you passionate about it?
I’m passionate about my field of study because it makes me feel alive, and it inspires me over and over again.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled? Did it change during your studies?
It did change once I started. I didn’t know that being a working actor was something I wanted to do, or thought I could do, entirely. So, I am still going to be pursuing teaching at some point, but my mind and heart are open to opportunities coming my way.
How would you describe your experience in the program? Were there any highlights?
My program was incredible. The people, the lessons and teachings, everything that I experienced in my two years I will take with me forever.
What did you find rewarding about your program? Does anything stand out that you’ll never forget about your time at NC?
I will never forget the loving and accepting nature of the student body and staff. It was so easy to feel kindness from those who I got to call classmates, from those I passed in the hall, and everyone in between.
I will also never forget the many experiences I was privileged enough to be a part of through Indigenous Education.
Did you face and overcome any challenges while completing your studies?
It was tough in the first year to play basketball and take classes, but I was not unfamiliar with that type of pressure. I decided not to play basketball in my second year to focus on my school work, which was a good decision as I wanted to dedicate my full time to my studies.
Were you involved in any clubs, teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
I played basketball during my first year and was involved in a number of Indigenous Education initiatives and events throughout my time at Niagara College.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
So much so. My program has prepared me for its specific workforce in a way that I understand more and more every day.
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day? What does it mean to you personally?
It means a lot. Not only is it the first post-secondary program I’ve completed thus far in my academic journey, but it signifies the completion of something I did when I was stepping outside of my comfort zone.
What’s next for you?
I plan to pursue further education, although I’m not sure where yet. I would like to travel for school if I can.
Next for me is transitioning from one part of life to another. I’m moving on from some things and opening doors to the new that’s on its way.
