ROCKY STONE

What brought you to Mohawk College?

I was not fortunate at a young age to get a college education until in my 40's. My educational background was challenging because in the third grade I was labelled with a learning disability. I was placed in a special educational program for students with learning disabilities from grade 3 to grade 9. In grade 9, I requested to leave this special program and enter into a regular program at high school. This was a challenging transition because in the 6 years that I was in a special program, the program moved at a much slower pace. My request was granted, but the real challenge was that I was maybe at a grade 6 level but placed into a regular grade 9 level. Because of this challenge, I struggled and dropped out of High School two times before the age of 18. When I tried to reenter my High School for the third time, I was 18 years old, and not accepted in because I was now considered an adult. I ended up going to an "Open Door Adult Learning Center" to complete my High School. Because of this negative early experience in school, I never considered myself smart on an academic level. After years of thinking about college, I finally applied to Mohawk College in 2017 in the Social Service Worker 2-year program. To my surprise, I ended up doing very well in this program, which led me to take another program. This next program was the Pre-Justice program at Mohawk College, and I ended up receiving a GPA of 95%. At this point, because of Mohawk College, I started to love college and learning. I then completed a third program, the Paralegal program at Mohawk College. To date, I have completed 74 courses at Mohawk College.

Tell us about your favourite Mohawk experience?

I have so many wonderful memories, as my Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is 15 pages, and I have worked in 4 different areas of the college. I guess my all-time favorite Mohawk experience is when I earned the Academic Excellence Award for Social Services & Justice Studies Issued by Mohawk College’s 6th Annual Celebration of Learning Awards. I have never received a prestigious award at a banquet in front of my peers and colleagues in my life, so I was greatly looking forward to this special moment in my life. Sadly, the pandemic was starting, and everything had been cancelled, including the 6th Annual Celebration of Learning Awards Banquet. This prestigious award was mailed to my house and the package was just left on the front porch. At first, when I opened the package, I felt sad because I still have never received a prestigious award at a banquet in front of my peers and colleagues in my life. After I wiped away the tears, I looked at the positive side. Even though no one else witnessed me receiving this prestigious award, I know I received it, and it was a great honor to receive something so special.

What impact has Mohawk had on your life?

Mohawk College has had a very positive impact on my life because the college has helped me to not only overcome a learning disability but has also given me a new career path in the education field. Before attending Mohawk College, I never considered myself "book smart". The college has given me the confidence and self-esteem I needed to go forward in a positive direction with a positive mindset.

What are you up to now?

I am happy to say that I am now working as a Student Services Representative in the Square at Mohawk College. I am in a position to share my college experiences, knowledge and life experiences with new and returning students.