{"id":84767,"date":"2022-11-07T09:50:30","date_gmt":"2022-11-07T14:50:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.carleton.ca\/?post_type=cu_story&p=84767"},"modified":"2025-09-30T10:19:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T14:19:25","slug":"carleton-graduates-reflect-on-their-journey","status":"publish","type":"cu_story","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/story\/carleton-graduates-reflect-on-their-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduates Reflect on their Carleton Journey Before Crossing the Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Graduates Reflect on their Carleton Journey Before Crossing the Stage\n <\/h1>\n \n <\/header>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/path>\n <\/path>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

Convocation is a commemoration of a student’s university journey\u2014both academically and personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more than 1,200 graduates crossing the stage this fall, we\u2019ve highlighted six exceptional students who have made their mark on Carleton through ground-breaking research, academic performance, participation in extra-curriculars and their commitment to change. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noah Bendzsa, Bachelor of Arts, English <\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"Noah
Noah Bendzsa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Noah Bendzsa began at Carleton as a chemistry major in 2018. Realizing quickly that they didn\u2019t like lab work, they switched their major to mathematics<\/span>\u2014<\/span>a subject they always enjoyed in high school. Little did they know their academic journey would take another turn. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bendzsa became interested in the <\/span>English program<\/span><\/a> by chance, as one of their math classes happened to take place in the same room, and directly after, a class taught by the English department\u2019s <\/span>Prof. Pat Whiting<\/span><\/a>. When essay prompt sheets were left behind in the classroom, Bendzsa would make note of the novels referenced and add them to their reading list. Never taking a university English class before, Bendzsa switched their major, which they attribute to helping them overcome some personal struggles. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cI found what Professor Whiting<\/span>\u2014<\/span>her subject and her students<\/span>\u2014<\/span>represented very alluring, at a time when I felt my own life was beyond my control and had very little value regardless. Modelling my scholarly life on what I saw of that class was something I could do,\u201d says Bendzsa.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A gifted storyteller, Bendzsa spent the last year of their program as a <\/span>Life in English<\/span><\/i><\/a> student blogger. They told stories of their personal life, literature, art, and more.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn addition to a confused experiment in biochemistry, we are constructions of our stories and the stories others tell about us,\u201d Bendzsa writes in their <\/span>first blog post<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bendzsa\u2019s exemplary performance in the English program is being awarded at convocation with a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout their time at Carleton, Bendzsa also volunteered with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board as a classroom assistant.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI enjoyed my time in public school and want to give back what I can, so kids going through primary school now can have similarly positive experiences.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bendzsa\u2019s university experience doesn\u2019t end here. Next fall, they plan to pursue a master\u2019s degree or direct-entry PhD in English literature, with the goal of becoming a scholar and a teacher. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Alida Burke, Master of Accounting <\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"Alida
Alida Burke<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A passion for making an impact and an entrepreneurial mindset are just a couple of the characteristics that have helped Alida Burke become a leader in sustainability. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burke joined Carleton\u2019s <\/span>Master of Accounting<\/span><\/a> program in 2020, something she always knew she wanted to do but never had the time for<\/span>\u2014<\/span>until the COVID-19 lockdown.  <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile in lockdown(s), I thought this might be something I could have the additional time to complete,\u201d says Burke. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before starting the program, <\/span>Burke co-launched Growcer Inc<\/span><\/a>\u2014a <\/span>company that works with communities across Canada to grow food locally and sustainably. It enables commercial food production that allows customers to grow fresh vegetables in virtually any climate. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting a business, working full-time, and completing her program during the pandemic taught Burke to be resilient. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cIt tested me to be efficient and selective in my endeavours. I think that\u2019s something I will continue to use in years ahead,\u201d she says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Burke speaks highly of her Carleton experience, accounting for the welcoming learning environment and her likeminded colleagues. She plans to put what she learned from her program into action, by continuing to work in social enterprise and accounting. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat Carleton means to me could be summed up as impact. I resonated with the Sprott School’s vision of \u2018Business for a Better World\u2019 and the possibilities for the future of business<\/span>\u2014<\/span>showcasing what is possible by intersecting business, environmental sustainability and social impact,\u201d Burke says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithin our cohort is the next generation of leaders who I believe have a similar mindset and I am excited to see what we will get up to in the years ahead.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burke is being recognized at fall convocation with a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Kit Chokly, Master of Arts, Communication<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"Kit
Kit Chokly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kit Chokly is a settler from the traditional territories of the Anishinabek. They moved to Ottawa in 2015 and two years later, joined Carleton\u2019s <\/span>Bachelor of Communications<\/span><\/a> in an effort to bolster their career as a junior graphic designer.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI stayed, however, because I fell in love with the broad possibilities available in the field of communication studies, which has a lot of interdisciplinary connections. For me, this includes integrating transgender studies and digital humanities into my research,\u201d Chokly says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chokly\u2019s master\u2019s thesis,<\/span>Trans*mediation: Exploring trans experience beyond the mirror of representation<\/span><\/i><\/a>, explores alternative modes of trans expression. During their graduate studies, they also worked as a research assistant and interface and experience designer with the <\/span>Transgender Media Portal<\/span><\/a>\u2014<\/span>a project led by <\/span>Prof. Laura Horak<\/span><\/a> as a response to the lack of a specific database for trans-made films and their filmmakers. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently starting their PhD in Communication at McGill University, Chokly says they won\u2019t be leaving Carleton behind. They will continue working with Prof. Horak and the Transgender Media Portal and will also be attending the <\/span>annual graduate conference<\/span><\/a> next year. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cI\u2019ll always associate Carleton with its people, and specifically their kindness and generosity. It was the faculty and graduate students at Carleton who encouraged and supported me to pursue graduate studies,\u201d Chokly says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cNow that I\u2019ve finished my MA, I hope to also provide this support to future students. I want to embody my experience of Carleton as kind and supportive space as I continue to move through academia, wherever that might take me.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a testament to their hard work and dedication to their studies, Chokly is set to receive a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement at convocation.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Nikkutai Folger, Bachelor of Social Work<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"Nikkutai
Nikkutai Folger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nikkutai Folger grew up in Nunavut and British Columbia, joining Carleton\u2019s <\/span>social work program<\/span><\/a> after receiving her college degree. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have always dreamed of getting a university degree. It was not always possible because I often faced certain complex life circumstances,\u201d she says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was certainly a happy time to get accepted into the social work program. Carleton has been a positive part of my present wellness journey and I am grateful.\u201d <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Folger chose social work to open career opportunities and because of its focus on sharing lived experiences. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cSocial work reminds us to be mindful of our place in the world alongside other people and places,\u201d she says. \u201cWe are able to place value on the relationships that we form. This is important if we want to live a good life and focus on a collective well-being in our communities.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

During her program, Folger frequented Carleton\u2019s <\/span>Ojigkwanong Indigenous Student Centre<\/span><\/a>, establishing many friendships and memories along the way. The centre <\/span>is a place where First Nation, M\u00e9tis and Inuit students gather to study, socialize, and participate in academic and cultural programming.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere was a sense of belonging and good fellowship that could be felt throughout. It is so important to make connections as Indigenous students in a university setting. I have made some strong connections with my peers and this really helped me to succeed in my studies,\u201d she says.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspired by her time at Carleton, Folger plans to apply to the Master of Social Work program in the future. When asked to give advice to students wishing to follow in her footsteps, she pressed the importance of never underestimating yourself. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot very many things in life come easily, but if you do the work, the possibilities are endless.”<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Marina Guirguis, Bachelor of Science<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"Marina
Marina Guirguis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Future doctor, Marina Guirguis, was born in Egypt and immigrated to Ottawa when she was four. Having always been interested in the brain and wanting to stay close to home, Carleton\u2019s Bachelor of Science <\/a><\/span>was her first choice. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guirguis spent her time at Carleton dedicated to her studies. When she wasn\u2019t studying, she could be found at the <\/span>Cheelab<\/span><\/a>, where she worked as an undergraduate researcher. The lab, led by <\/span>Prof. Melissa Chee<\/span><\/a>, conducts research on obesity<\/span>\u2014<\/span>more specifically, on the factors that control hunger, stimulate or curb appetite, and how food nutrition delivers brain signals to promote healthy and unhealthy behaviors. During her time at the lab, Guirguis had the opportunity to participate in a project centred on neuroanatomy. It was this experience that inspired her to do an honours thesis with Prof. Chee. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c<\/span>My lab mates are some of the best people I\u2019ve ever had the pleasure of working with. They taught me a lot and have always been warm, welcoming, and patient with me. I count myself incredibly lucky to have been a member of the Chee lab,\u201d she says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An advocate for mental health, Guirguis’ minors in psychology<\/a> and neuroscience and mental health<\/a><\/span> taught her many valuable lessons.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cI learned that it\u2019s not a sign of weakness to ask for help and that you don\u2019t have to go through tough times alone. As long as you\u2019re willing to put in the work, there\u2019s always going to be people who want to support you,\u201d Guirguis says. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Guirguis will take this and all she learned at Carleton with her as she pursues medical school at the University of Ottawa.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy plan is to work hard in medical school to become the best doctor I can be to my future patients.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Robbie Venis, PhD, Environmental Engineering<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\"Robbie
Robbie Venis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Robbie Venis<\/span><\/a> has spent the last six years at Carleton, where he completed his Master of Applied Science in <\/span>Environmental Engineering<\/span><\/a> and is now receiving his PhD. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

His research, supervised by <\/span>Prof. Onita Basu<\/span><\/a>, centres around the design, development, and implementation of ceramic water filters, a low-cost drinking water filtration technology for application in rural and resource-restricted contexts. During his studies, he worked with local partners in Tanzania to improve filter manufacturing and distribution methods and help increase access to safe drinking water in the rural community of Longido. He spent nine months in Tanzania, evaluating the water filter\u2019s impacts on child and maternal health and collaborating with graduate students and professors at Tanzanian universities. He also implemented water, sanitation and hygiene technology into seven schools and a health centre.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Venis says that working with Prof. Basu was his favourite thing about his time at Carleton. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cFor years, we would have weekly or bi-weekly meetings to talk about work, life, philosophy, and anything else that came to mind,\u201d he says. \u201cThese meetings did not only help me shape my intellectual character and advance my understanding of complex topics, but they made my graduate school experience fun and personal.\u201d <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Now working as a process engineer with AECOM in Kelowna, British Columbia, Robbie says he will miss Carleton dearly.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCarleton will forever be a part of me. I spent the better part of my 20s at this institution and will always remember it as the place where I grew from a curious and passionate student to be a calculated and methodical scientist.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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\nMore Stories<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Read about six exceptional graduates who have made their mark on Carleton through ground-breaking research, academic performance, participation in extra-curriculars and their commitment to change.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":61146,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_story_type":[25],"cu_story_tag":[1920,1918,1919],"class_list":["post-84767","cu_story","type-cu_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","cu_story_type-student-experience","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-arts-and-social-sciences","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-engineering-and-design","cu_story_tag-faculty-of-science"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":"blueprint"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/84767","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/410"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/84767\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":97264,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story\/84767\/revisions\/97264"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_story_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_type?post=84767"},{"taxonomy":"cu_story_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_story_tag?post=84767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}