Student Testimonial - Lodine

Name: Lodine
Program: Funeral Director Class 1 (Embalming)
What semester are you in: Semester 2

Why did you choose Humber College? and/or this program?

I always wanted to be a funeral director, from when I was a little girl back home in Jamaica. I always loved to attend funeral services. It did not have to be a family member who has passed away; I would still enjoy attending to show my support to the family members. When I was in high school, my cousin told me that there was an actual program for this career at Humber College. Humber was the only college that offered this program, which is not French immersion. I started to do my research on this program to see what requirements I would need to meet. I wrote them out on paper because I was determined to get into this program when I finished high school. I knew that being a funeral director was my heart's desire, and I did not want to wait to start my journey.

Did you attend an Open House at Humber College or an Information Session? How was it helpful?

Before I started college in September for my first semester, I went to the open house at Humber College. I wanted to make sure I got as much information as possible for my first day of school. Everyone was so helpful and kind. I think going to the open house made things easier for me. I was able to ask some of the students that were in the program already about their experience and what advice they had for future students. That was really helpful for me. They were open about everything and had answers for all my questions.

What has your experience been like so far at Humber College? Within your program? The faculty? The labs? Student life?

Whenever I needed help with something, there was always someone there to help me with whatever problem I had. I could truly say I have strong support for my program. My professors are the absolute best. They are always looking out for my best interests and always understanding me, whenever I need them to. My professor is always happy to help me with whatever I need. All the courses are well put together so that everyone can understand the material. All I needed to do each day was show up and put in the work. I enjoyed my labs each time I had to do them. I have learned so much from the labs I did in the program that will help in my career.

What is your favorite memory so far in the program? or favourite class?

All my classmates were super helpful during the first and second semesters. We always remind each other about special dates or assignments that are coming up soon. I enjoyed all my classes in the program because this was my dream career when I was younger. Each day I am excited to learn something new because I know it is going to help me a lot in the future. If I had to choose my favorite class, it would be funeral arrangements. I love to help families arrange funerals for their loved ones. This class helps me develop the important skills I need to serve each family to the best of my ability.

Have you had a Work-Integrated Learning experience yet? (otherwise known as a field placement, an internship, a practicum). What was your biggest take-away from that? Or, What are you looking forward to?

I will be starting my internship in May. The professor made sure everything was as smooth as possible. I was able to get an internship at our career fair that was organized by the program; I just had to show up and be myself. They made sure I had all the information for that day.

Looking back, what advice would you give to your first-semester self?

Looking back at my first semester, there was a lot of work I needed to do. If I had some advice to give myself, it would be to keep on going and never give up. It might seem hard now, but the end goal will be rewarding. Nothing in this world comes easy; you have to get up each day, show up, and put in the work. Each day, you feel like giving up, think back about why you started it in the first place.