We’re so proud of the more than 2,600 people who earned the privilege of walking across the stage at the university’s Spring Convocation ceremonies, including more than 450 from the Faculty of Health and Community Studies.

Here, future social workers, police officers, emergency responders, therapist assistants and community workers look back on their time at MacEwan and toward their bright futures.

Lili Berthelot

Emergency Communications and Response Certificate

Growing up, every job I wanted involved helping people in crisis. I considered becoming a firefighter, a paramedic and even an emergency room doctor, but nothing truly clicked until I learned about emergency dispatching. I’ve had to call 911 for help quite a few times in my life, including during my time at MacEwan. One day, after our emergency communications class, a few classmates and I saw a fire behind Building 9 and called 911.

In that moment, I didn’t feel panicked. I knew exactly what I needed to do. But having to make that kind of call can sometimes make you feel helpless. I want to be the steady voice on the other end of the radios and phones, so that people can receive the help they need.

Making that 911 call together was also the beginning of a great friendship. We started meeting after class to study together – filling whiteboards with every drop of knowledge we had and getting together every Friday to talk about the latest episode of “The Pitt.” That little routine was my favourite time.

Visiting dispatching centres at RCMP K Division, St. Albert Fire and Edmonton Fire Rescue through my field placement course helped me see my education put into practice. I discovered the type of dispatcher I wanted to be – and how to stay human and acknowledge that the people on the other end of the phone are often experiencing the worst day of their lives.

Earning this diploma is the most intellectually challenging thing I’ve ever done, and so many people inspired me and made a difference during my time at MacEwan – my mom, sister, partner, friends from home and friends I made through the course.

Now that I’ve finished, I have a few more goals to accomplish, including earning a medical first responder certification and a bachelor’s degree in public safety and justice.

Dylan Bramer

Police and Investigations Diploma, Investigative Studies
Governor General Medal - Bronze

After volunteering overseas as a dog trainer for a K9 anti-poaching company, I felt a connection to that line of work. I truly saw the positive impact that it has on a community. When I returned to Canada, I wanted to pursue further education and training in investigative and enforcement fields.

I came across MacEwan’s Police and Investigations program, was accepted and was fortunate to receive a field placement with the Edmonton Police Service’s Forensics Support Unit, particularly with the Crime Scenes Investigations Section. I accompanied police officers to crime scenes, ranging from break-and-enters to homicides. The officers were extremely welcoming and ensured that I received as much hands-on experience as possible. They not only facilitated my learning but also provided me with additional opportunities to learn how to dust for fingerprints, perform field blood tests and take in-depth courses on bullet trajectories. The opportunity was extremely educational, and the connections I forged with officers across different units left a lasting impact.

At the start of the very first semester, I was nervous about meeting people. I had no idea who would be in my cohort, and I was worried I wouldn't have much in common with my peers. I had nothing to worry about. We started building lifelong friendships and memories in our very first class. We motivated each other to succeed, shared countless laughs and inside jokes, and supported each other in our personal lives as well. In just two years, we went from complete strangers to best friends who I cherish dearly.

Haven Louise Garth

Emergency Communications and Response Certificate
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

I received a psychology degree from a different university, and a year-long sign language certificate before I learned about emergency dispatch. I attended MacEwan’s open house, went to the Emergency Communications and Response program info session, and applied for the program the next day. When I was accepted, it felt as if everything was falling into place.

Whenever someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said I wanted to help people. Some of the most important people in my life are first responders. I couldn’t see myself in the field, but I could be the voice on the other end of the phone, reassuring people and helping them through scary, challenging moments and making sure they know they’re not alone.

My intention going into my program was to graduate and find a job in emergency services. That’s still my long-term goal, but during my field placements, I discovered other job opportunities I didn’t even know existed. I want to explore those first to make connections, gain experience and continue developing my skills. And I actually already got a job!

I’m so grateful to my family, especially my parents. They helped ground me, encouraged me and gave me advice when I needed it. So did my classmates and friends. I got to work alongside an incredibly dedicated group of people who were interested, engaged and always willing to help each other. We communicated non-stop, and we were each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

Taneysha Aleah John

Community Justice and Corrections Diploma

Indigenous people are over-represented at every stage of the justice system. As an Indigenous woman, I’ve seen problems in my own community and wanted change. Offering my support to people coming out of the justice system and adjusting to life outside of incarceration felt like the right way for me to do that. But I’ve always struggled with social anxiety and I wasn’t sure if I had the confidence to work directly in the field.

During my field placement at a probation office, I found myself applying what I knew to real situations and felt comfortable participating in discussions. As I was completing case notes, learning risk-assessment techniques and participating in case discussions, I saw probation officers who were extremely understanding and supportive. Getting to work directly with clients facing their addictions, trauma and involvement in the justice system helped me see that I could also play a supportive role. It gave me confidence and showed me that I truly do want to do this kind of work.

My field placement at Buffalo Sage Wellness House, a community residential facility for Indigenous women, also showed me a lot about what it is like in the field. Seeing the resilience of clients and the dedication of staff reinforced why I chose this field in the first place.

Most of all, my time at MacEwan taught me to trust myself and to speak up. I learned that the corrections field is about much more than rules and supervision. It’s about relationships, communication, empathy and understanding people’s stories. That realization has shaped the kind of professional I hope to become. I discovered that I am capable of more than I thought, and that’s something I’ll carry with me into the next chapter of my life.

Next, I’m going to find a job in probation on my reservation, Kehewin Cree Nation. But until then, I am keeping busy assisting with a restorative justice project in my community.

Alyson Grace Makowichuk

Bachelor of Child and Youth Care
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

I chose the Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program because I’m passionate about working with children and families – and making a positive impact in their lives.

Throughout the program, I developed a strong interest in supporting children’s growth and well-being. As I completed my practicums and volunteered with a school in my hometown, I realized that I wanted to continue my education and become a teacher.

This summer, I’ll be starting the two-year community-based Bachelor of Education after-degree program at the University of Calgary. I am excited to continue my studies and build on what I’ve learned throughout my first degree. I also look forward to staying connected to my community while working toward a career in education. I plan to become a teacher and remain in Smoky Lake, where I hope to work in rural schools.

Colleen Ellen Matheson

Social Work Diploma

I wanted to go back to school for a long time, but was really fearful about managing the demands of family and work life alongside being a student. I have worked as an educator my whole career – over 25 years – but I didn’t think I had the skills to be a good student.

Pivoting in response to the pandemic helped me realize that I could change routines, live on less and learn the new skills I needed to go back to school part-time.

In recent years, I have been struck by how roles in the education field are changing to meet students’ needs outside the classroom. I spent much of my own young life with professionals and paraprofessionals deciding how to support me in achieving success relative to my peers. I wanted to move forward in a profession where I could use those experiences to support people in empowering themselves to decide what success looks like for them.

My husband and son’s support was key to me not only surviving but thriving as a student. My core group of great classmates in the part-time program all worked really hard to support our shared goals of completing our program. And for years, I stayed in touch with my fourth-grade teacher, Pat Allen. He has always been available for a coffee, a chat and to talk about what I was writing in my papers. I am forever grateful for the support he and his wife, Mary, have given me.

I’ve accepted a social work position within a local non-profit, called e4c, in their HeadStart program, and I look forward to continuing to support families in my new career.

BB Noskey

Child and Youth Care Diploma

I had recently graduated from the RCMP cadet training program and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. I hadn’t really planned to, but I applied to the Child and Youth Care program and ended up loving the community, the people, the professors and the work that goes into helping children and families.

But there were many times when I wanted to give up. I missed my family and my life back home. Not knowing anyone here was scary and intimidating, but the more I talked to my family, including my mom, the more supported I felt.

I think my mom is the reason I’m passionate about child and youth care. She has always loved working with children, and I have always helped her. Seeing the way she cares for kids has really shaped me. She’s the kind of person I can be open and honest with, count on and rely on in any situation. When I managed to beat her GPA, she acted surprised, but I knew she was happy. Everyone needs someone like that in their life.

And, in a way, that’s what I want to do. In child and youth care, we work with people who are often experiencing their darkest moments. I want to be there for them and help them find the light.

I’m working on my Bachelor of Child and Youth Care now, and I’m still thinking about what comes after that. I wanted to get a higher education to show people back home that it is possible. Growing up on a reserve meant we had limited opportunities, so it’s important to me to show others that if I could move to the city and go to school, then they can too.

Kristina Poplawski

Bachelor of Social Work

I’ve always known that I wanted to be in a helping profession. When I graduated from the Police and Investigations program at MacEwan in 2023, I felt like there was more I wanted to do. My time here just didn’t feel complete.

I discovered the Bachelor of Social Work program and just knew it was for me. I believe everyone deserves a shot and to be heard during the darkest times, and social work can do exactly that. It’s not easy at times, but knowing my work can make someone’s day better is something I hope to carry through my entire career.

During my first-year practicum at Avonmore Elementary School, I saw a different side of social work. When we’re young kids in school, we don’t always see or understand what other kids may be experiencing. The children we interacted with, the stories we were able to tell and were told, and the smiles we put on the children’s faces are things I keep close to my heart.

I was a student learning the ropes, and in the moment, our accomplishments felt small, but looking back, I can see the impact. That experience made me realize I’m doing exactly what I am meant to do.

I’m taking a bit of time to figure out where I want to end up. I plan to travel, register as a social worker and start looking for jobs. I’m not rushing because I want to find the right way to make my mark. For now, I’m content and excited for what’s ahead of me.

Madhav Sharma

Police and Investigations Diploma, Investigative Studies

When I first came to MacEwan, I was nervous, overwhelmed and quite introverted, but I knew I wanted to serve my community and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Over time, the program pushed me out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to participate in class discussions, speak in front of large groups and deliver presentations with confidence. It also taught me the importance of discipline, professionalism and time management.

My field placement with the University of Alberta Protective Services was especially rewarding. Everyone was willing to share their knowledge, answer questions and provide mentorship, which made it an incredible learning environment. I also appreciated the career advice and guidance I received. Those conversations were invaluable, and I could have listened to their insights all day. The experience gave me a realistic look at public safety work and helped me develop the practical skills and confidence needed for my future career.

I have always wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives. My goal is to pursue a career in Canadian policing, where I can help keep communities safe, support those in need and build positive relationships with the public. I want to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained, continue learning on the job and grow into a role where I can make a meaningful impact on public safety and community trust.

Priyanka Kaur Thind

Social Work Diploma

Becoming a social worker has always been my greatest passion. I’ve faced my own adversities, and I understand how overwhelming, isolating and challenging life can be when you don’t have the right support. Learning to move forward, reclaim my voice, recognize my strengths and redefine my challenges – rather than be defined by them – inspired me to align my personal journey with my professional goals.

In my future practice, I plan to lead with empathy, understanding and kindness and to find opportunities to learn throughout my career to broaden my reach. I want to contribute to systems that need change, amplify voices and empower individuals to recognize their own resilience. I believe in people’s capacity for growth and the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each individual’s journey.

One of the highlights of my time at MacEwan was beginning my first practicum. It came with a mix of excitement and nervousness, but it allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I had learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. The most rewarding part was gaining confidence in my abilities and learning that even if you think you have only made a small difference, you may have impacted someone’s life significantly.

Fatema Zouzoo

Therapist Assistant Diploma, Physical and Occupational Therapist Assistant

I was going through a bit of a life crisis and wasn’t sure which direction to take when my best friend introduced me to the Therapist Assistant program. I meant to select speech therapy, but accidentally selected the Physical and Occupational Therapy Assistant stream as my first choice. I decided to take that as a sign and try it for the first semester. By December, I realized it was the best mistake I could have made.

I’ve always been passionate about anatomy and physiology, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue something in health care. My best friend and my father became my unofficial “patients” whenever I needed to practice my lab skills. Before my lab final, I was extremely stressed and convinced I needed just one more practice run. My dad sat for hours while I practiced my technique and reviewed materials late into the night. No matter how stressed or overwhelmed I felt, they were both always there, encouraging me, listening to me and reminding me to keep going.

As I progressed through the program and gained a new perspective on the rehabilitation process, my passion grew even stronger. A lab project showed me how something as detailed and customized as a splint can directly improve patient comfort, mobility and recovery. And some moments were deeply personal and meaningful, like learning what my grandfather went through after suffering a stroke – not just what to do but also the reasoning behind every treatment and intervention.

I hope to support patients through their recovery journeys, just as my grandfather’s health-care professionals supported him. This program has been an incredible stepping stone. It’s given me hands-on clinical experience, strengthened my understanding of patient care and shown me the impact a therapist can have on a person’s independence and quality of life.