Testimonials

I have to say, the GINT0315 - Motorcycle Driver Training course was the most fun I have ever had in a college course.

Although I had lots of experience as a youngster on dirt bikes, I had never ridden a motorcycle on the road. Both completely inexperienced riders and those with excellent skills all had something to gain. The instructors were great. With emphasis on safety they made it fun. They had several exercises prepared to demonstrate their points of instruction. Even as an experienced rider I was challenged to improve my skills and was asked to demonstrate one maneuver for other students so the instructors could help other students work through it while they watched together. Both the theory and the practical skills learned in this course have made me a better driver, on four wheels as well as two.

I highly recommend this course. If you can ride a bicycle and drive a standard transmission car, you too can live to ride.

Steven Penner,
Mature Student

"Currently, I am enrolled in the Benefits Specialist program. I thought it would be another good program to continue my education and to strengthen my skills as an HR professional. I have completed almost half of the certificate now. I intend to continue with my studies during the spring term. I think this program will give me an excellent foundation to build my skills as a benefit administrator. It gives me great insight into the fundamentals required around benefits. I am sure that when completed this certificate, it will also complement my already wide range of skills working in the field of Human Resources."

Rosanne Allen, CE Student
Benefits Specialist Program

In my mid-forties, I took advantage of an opportunity to further my education and enrolled in the Teacher of Adults - Literacy Educator program at Conestoga College. I had thoroughly enjoyed many years of employment with a financial institution, but found I wanted to pursue a new and different career path. The college program enabled me to do just that.

The ALE Program at Conestoga was instrumental in changing my career path. I, unlike many students who took the program, was completely new to literacy. I began my volunteer work with learners a month after signing up for the first module: The Adult Learner. The comprehensive program curriculum provided the foundation for a career that has been deeply rewarding both personally and professionally.

The program has gained the respect of literacy professionals to such a high degree that even prior to graduating I had two interviews in the field and was hired as a family literacy facilitator. Since then, I have assisted in developing family literacy curriculum, assessed essential skills for clients who want to return to school or work, and currently am in the process of developing material for a health literacy project. None of these varied pursuits in literacy would have been possible, particularly in such a short period of time, without the ALE program.

Lisa McArthur
Student, Teacher of Adults - Literacy Educator Program

The courses in the program stretched me to learn new ideas, meet new people, and consider different methods of teaching for adult learners. Combining on-line learning with volunteering at a literacy agency and a field placement at St. Louis Adult Learning Centre was the perfect fit for my schedule. Plus, it was enjoyable to connect with other students from many different areas of Ontario to increase my knowledge of literacy service providers - something I wouldn't have been able to do other than by way of on-line learning.

Every course teacher was dedicated, extremely helpful and ready to share their wealth of knowledge. They're very active in their communities providing the best adult literacy service possible, and bring that same passion for learning to those enrolled in the Teacher of Adults - Literacy Educator program.

I now work as a literacy instructor for both The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region and the Waterloo Region District School Board, and enjoy connecting with other literacy providers and Project Read. It is extremely rewarding to be able to help others reach their literacy goals and work amidst incredible staff at all agencies. I could not do this without the teaching and training I received at Conestoga College.

Linda Brooks
Student, Teacher of Adults - Literacy Educator Program

I restarted learning French at Conestoga College a couple of years ago. The program was well suited to my schedule since I work during the daytime. I found it very hard working 9 to 10 hrs per day and then going to school in the evening for an additional 3 hrs. Having said that, I found learning French very rewarding. The French Certificate Program has been designed in a way that will meet the needs of a student who wants to master the basics of French Grammar, writing skills and listening comprehension. The French teachers from the college have been knowledgeable and very professional. Because of their hard work and enthusiasm for the French Culture and Language it made it easy for me to complete successfully the Certificate Program. I thank all the teachers who taught me French especially Yolanda Greenstein whom I found to be an excellent French teacher.

Because of the bilingual nature of our country, every one should be encouraged to acquire some basic knowledge of the French Language. Knowing the French Language will offer new opportunities along the way; it may help dealing with a business, understanding science and culture and above all it will help with issues relating to traveling in Canada or across the globe. Based on my experience I will recommend this program to every one especially to part time students who are interested in learning French.

Mo Zamkanei
Clinical Biochemist
Grand River Hospital

After 15 years of intellectual stagnation I decided it was time to go back to school. The main reason was to get the upper hand in the job market and to allow for promotions at my current job. I was completely frightened as I walked to my first class. The question that I asked myself over and over was "Can I do this?" I'm 34 years old, why start again now? Needless to say I will be completing my 3rd certificate program this year and have become a life long learner. Looking back on that first day I was so glad I did not turn around. With the support and understanding of the staff at Conestoga College I have met and exceeded the goals I have set for myself and have become a better person and employee. I guess the moral of the story would be not to give up before you can try, it just may change your life.

Russ Whitehead,
Life Long Learner

"The Older Adult Recreation Management Program is an excellent way to increase your knowledge, enhance your skills and make connections in the field of Recreation for Older Adults. The Program attracts a wide range of individuals currently working with older adults or those that want to be and allows for dynamic classroom learning as well as online learning. The benefits of being involved with other students passionate about older adults, recreation and learning are invaluable."

Andrea Dunning,
Kitchener