From Students to Staff: Enhancing the student experience

At NorQuest College, we take pride in seeing our students grow, succeed, and even return as staff members to support the next generation of learners. Why do we hire our own alumni? Because we know their potential firsthand—and as former students, they are uniquely qualified with a deeply personal understanding of the student experience.

We spoke with four incredible alumni who are now part of the Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning (FSFL) Business Operations team, supporting students enrolled within the programs offered within the Skills and Foundational Learning Faculty. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences.

Faustina Apdujan

Faustina has been with NorQuest College for five years, having completed the Administrative Professional Certificate program in 2018. She looks back on her time at NorQuest as an incredible experience and was thrilled to return as a staff member, eager to contribute to a positive experience for future students.

In her current role, she supports FSFL students by connecting them with the right services and resources to meet their needs.

“There’s an incredible sense of fulfillment and energy that comes from knowing I can make a real difference in students’ lives by helping them get the resources and support that they need. Seeing their progress and knowing I’ve played a bit of part in their success inspires me to give my best every day.”

Rhona De Los Trinos

Rhona also joined the FSFL team as a 2018 graduate from the Administrative Professional certificate program. In her sixth year working at NorQuest, she values the impact that she has in big ways and small. From answering pressing questions and finding pathways for students to succeed, to the often-unnoticed background details that make the lives of students easier, working at FSFL is a way for her to be part of a larger mission to support students in meeting their educational and career goals.

Now that she works in a student facing role, she realizes how much support the staff provides that she didn’t always notice as a student “The biggest impact we have, being in admin position, are the little background things that goes unnoticed to students. At NorQuest, everyone wants you to succeed, and we work to be helpful in any way we can. If we don't know the answers, we find alternative ways to help; and even if sometimes we can't help, at least they know we care enough to try.”

Michael Ogbonna

As a recent graduate from the Business Analysis program in 2023, Michael is a newer member of the team, having been at NorQuest for just over a year. As an international student, he had challenges adjusting to the climate and culture, but he found NorQuest to be inclusive and welcoming, and he wants to help build the same atmosphere with the LINC students he is now working with.

As a former international student himself, Michael is deeply empathetic to the challenges of the LINC students.

“As an alumnus at NorQuest, I can relate to the needs of the FSFL students, especially those in the LINC program. Given that they are also new in Canada, I am able to use my role and experience here to assist them settle in with ease. I am empathic to their challenges and advise them on matters both academic and non-academic related.”

He finds that his work is rewarding because it has such an impact on the students’ lives, and is always encouraged when he can see their growth and progress over their time at NorQuest.

May Amer

May Amer came to the FSFL team shortly after completing her studies in the EAL Intensive program in 2020. She now gets to use the knowledge from her program to support her work with new EAL learners. In her third year as staff, she loves her ability to contribute to the growth and success of NorQuest EAL students as they improve their English skills and integrate into the community.

“As an alum, I have a deep understanding of the challenges EAL students face, from overcoming language barriers to adjusting to a new academic system. I recognize that students need more than just language skills; they need support in areas like cultural adaptation, confidence-building, and connecting with peers. I am passionate about ensuring that students feel they are not just learning a language, but also becoming part of a community that supports their personal and academic growth.

When I meet students in person, I can sense their feelings and anticipate their questions. I truly feel like one of them, and I want to help in any way I can."

Full circle: Why our Alumni choose to come back

What do all these stories have in common? These alumni have come full circle—once students themselves, they now dedicate their days to supporting the next waves of NorQuest students. Drawing from their own experiences, they understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities students face. With a deep commitment to student-first services, they work every day to create a more supportive, enriching, and successful academic journey for those following in their footsteps.