Emily Bolt, BSc (Hons) 2016

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I grew up in Meadows, Newfoundland, just across the bay from Corner Brook, and lived there all through growing up, and while I attended Grenfell. I now live in St. John’s while attending medical school and residency, but then I’ll be moving back home to the Corner Brook area!

What have you been up to since graduating from Grenfell?

Things have been very busy since I left Grenfell! Just after graduation I moved to St. John’s to attend MUN’s Medical School. That training has taken me all over the island. I am now about to apply and begin a residency-training program in Psychiatry, hopefully at MUN. I love psychiatry, and my interests are in rural psychiatry in the community, improving telehealth and collaborative care, as well as forensics! I’ll be moving home after my residency to live in Meadows and be a practicing psychiatrist in Corner Brook.

How did Grenfell prepare you for what you’re doing now?

My psychology degree helped me immensely at understanding human behavior, psychiatric illnesses, and counseling basics. The small classes reinforced collegiality, teamwork, and my research interests. I was fortunate to have many research mentors, which allowed me to continue my research with my mentor into medical school in neural entrainment to music and aging. The professors at Grenfell, whether they taught me or not, had so much confidence in me and did whatever they could to help me succeed and stand behind me in my studies and application to medical school. Professors became not just teachers but colleagues and friends.

What would you tell someone thinking of applying to Grenfell?

Do it! The experience at Grenfell is so personal – professors care about your success and your wellbeing, and that creates a positive and safe learning environment. Both academic staff and housestaff help to create a cohesive community that fosters innovation, exploration, and education. Plus, Corner Brook is so beautiful, safe, and diverse!

Brianna Mullins – BA (Hons) 2017

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Corner Book, Newfoundland, and lived there up until the age of 23. I now live in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland. Or as some may call it – the Big Land.

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell?

Upon finishing my psychology degree in 2017, I immediately entered the fast track Bachelor of Education (Primary/Elementary) program at Grenfell. Following those sixteen busy and fun-filled months, I was ready for a life of teaching. I was certain that I would be staying in Corner Book to substitute for the year, since the job search for teaching in Newfoundland is highly competitive. However, just three short weeks after finishing my education degree in August of 2018, I was offered a job for the upcoming school year as a French teacher in McKay’s. I never imagined that I would ever be teaching junior high and high school students. However, I accepted the position with an excited and open mind, and I truly could not have asked for a better first year of teaching.

As I finished that school year in June of 2019, I had no idea where the next school year would take me. But just weeks later into the summer, I was offered my dream job – a permanent kindergarten French immersion teacher. So, without any hesitation, I accepted the job and made the decision to move to Labrador, and have been loving it ever since. 

What has been the highlight of your professional career?

The highlight so far has been the opportunity to work with so many different students and teachers. The way students learn and the manner in which teachers teach are never identical, thus constantly helping me learn how to better my teaching practices. As I continue to grow as a teacher, it is my hope that it will continue to positively impact my students along the way.

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you’re doing now?

I give thanks to all of my professors and instructors for the majority of my preparedness. They were always there to help when it was needed, give advice when I was stuck, while also pushing me to the best of my abilities. They consistently showed what it meant to truly care for students, both academically and personally. Everything that they have shown me, I have taken and applied to teaching my own students. Moreover, Grenfell as a whole has prepared me by knowing that there is always someone in my corner. Whether it was a friendly face or answering a question, I knew that the staff at Grenfell always had my back. It was because of this that I make sure all of my students know that I am always in their corner, no matter what.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going to Grenfell?

If you are looking a quality, well-rounded, yet personal education, Grenfell is the place for you. The decision to study at Grenfell was one of my best choices I have ever made, and I believe that it is a place in which everyone can find their passion. Grenfell has given me another place that feels like home, and that is something everyone should experience through their education.

Tyler Pritchard, BA (Hons) 2015

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? 

I was born in Carbonear, NL. I grew up in a small community called Brigus, which is known for its 'Blueberry Festival', beautiful scenery, and friendly residents.  

I now live in Guelph, ON, while I complete my PhD in Child and Adolescent Psychology. I plan on moving to Corner Brook once I complete my degree. 

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell? 

I graduated from Grenfell in 2015 with a BA (hons) in psychology. Since then, I have spent a couple of years in Ottawa at Carleton University, where I completed my MA in developmental psychology under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Howard. I was afforded the opportunity to learn some advanced statistical methods under her supervision, which I used to model internalizing symptom trajectories over an 18-year span in youth who experienced trauma. While at Carleton, I completed a research practicum at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where I dipped my feet into some interesting clinical work. This clinical work, in addition to my experiences at Grenfell Campus, solidified my decision to enter clinical psychology. Thus, after completing my MA, I began my PhD at the University of Guelph (UoG) in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Lewis. My current research involves understanding, predicting, and reducing suicide. Specifically, and as an example, I'm exploring ways to reduce suicide in rural Canadians. While not conducting research, I also complete clinical work with children and adolescents who are experiencing a range of academic, social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties.  

What has been the highlight of your professional career?

The highlight of my professional career has been seeing clients make gains within our clinical work together. 

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you're doing now?

Grenfell is, to a large extent, responsible for my career path. The clinically focused courses (e.g., Abnormal Psychology, Contemporary Issues in Psychotherapy, and Psychological Measurement) were enthralling and piqued my interest, the research methods courses prepared me beyond what was expected for graduate studies, and my honours supervisor was a true inspiration and fostered some of my research interests.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going to Grenfell?

I truly believe the faculty are one of a kind. They have always made me feel welcome and like they cared for my successes. If your experience is half as good as mine, you won't regret it.

Danica Snow, BA 2014

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I grew up in St. Lunaire- Griquet, NL where I spent the first 18 years of my life. I moved to St. Johns in 2008 and completed the first two years of my BA in Psychology which I finished at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, NL. I lived in Halifax for the last year and a half and am currently residing in Kingston, Nova Scotia.

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell?

Immediately after finishing my BA at Grenfell I went on to study Social Work. I completed the social work program at Dalhousie through distance education. After receiving my BSW in 2016 I was hired under the Labrador Grenfell Health Authority in Roddictkon, NL as a Social Worker with the community supports department. I worked as a Social worker in Roddickton for two years and then was accepted into the MSW program at Dalhousie University. I recently completed my MSW degree and was hired by the Nova Scotia Health Authority as a Child and Adolescent Clinical Therapist. 

What has been the highlight of your professional career?

The highlight so far in my career is being provided this opportunity to work with children and adolescents with mental health concerns. I feel that I worked so hard for so long to become a therapist and spent eight expensive years in university (lol) to land this career. I also have some great trainings coming up specifically focused on clinical therapy with children and adolescents which I am excited for.

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you’re doing now? 

I had a great experience at Grenfell that definitely prepared me for further studies and my career. Going to a small campus allowed me to have more one on one guidance from professors. I can definitely say that I started at Grenfell Campus as a terrible writer and left being told that I am a great writer. Grenfell definitely shaped my writing and public speaking skills to say the least. I also cannot say enough about the professors at Grenfell. The professors genuinely wanted their students to excel in their work and they always made time in their busy schedules for you! I also made many lifelong friendships that began at Grenfell! With the classes being small, we relied on each other for support.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going to Grenfell? 

I would say that Grenfell campus is an excellent choice. The campus makes you feel at home- a home you never want to leave. Although I do not want to be a student for the rest of my life haha I miss Grenfell, the people I met there and the experience I received every day! Grenfell is one of three campuses that I been on and it is most significant to me because of the great amount of support I received from professors that you do not always receive, especially at larger campuses. 

Mark Snow, BSc (Hons) 2016

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Pasadena, NL. I now live in Oshawa, ON but I try to visit NL a few times per year.

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell?

After graduating from Grenfell in 2016, I moved to Oshawa, ON to pursue a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at Ontario Tech University. My academic research has generally centered on investigative interviewing. My Master’s research was focused on the topic of alibi assessment, exploring an active point of disagreement within the literature regarding the effect of alibi corroborator age on assessment outcomes. Since beginning the PhD program, I have shifted my research focus to the role of emotional arousal in eyewitness memory.

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you're doing now?

As many Grenfell alumni will no doubt attest – Grenfell’s small size is one of its biggest advantages. Many of my professors were outstanding lecturers and provided incisive and individualized feedback. I try to emulate many of these qualities in my own work as a Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant. More specifically, the Psychology program provided me with a strong background in foundational and contemporary topics in psychology, statistics, and research methods – really, the core of my current work as a psychology graduate student and researcher. My employment at Grenfell as a student research assistant for Dr. Kelly Warren provided additional firsthand experience in psychological research and set the course for my current path within the field of Forensic Psychology.    

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going to Grenfell?

The Grenfell campus is tightly connected – students and faculty are often familiar with one another, making for a uniquely casual and supportive learning environment. The quality of instruction available at Grenfell is impressive and highly memorable. The faculty are committed to their student’s success and happy to provide feedback and encouragement. Lastly, and to top it off, the campus is located on the beautiful west coast of Newfoundland.

Katherine Rose, BA (Hons.) 2014

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, where I spent the first 22 years of my life. I now reside in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia.

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell? You were working on graduate studies with a focus on forensic psychology. Can you tell me a little about that and what you're up to now?

Life post-Grenfell has certainly not been boring! In 2015 I relocated to the west coast to pursue graduate studies in psychological science at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. I've since been afforded the opportunity to study, research, publish and speak about my field: forensic psychology. Specifically, my interests include juvenile justice, deception, cyber-crime, sexual violence, psychopathy and trauma. My goal is to understand how to better treat both perpetrators and victims of crime, with particular interest in vulnerable populations such as youth. Most recently, I defended my master's thesis on the role of individual differences amongst young violent offenders. Shortly thereafter, I co-organized an international conference on deception at Stanford University. I'm now a first year PhD student funded by a Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Doctoral Scholarship (valued at $105,000).

What has been the highlight of your professional career?

The highlight so far has been the opportunity to connect and work with RCMP officers who specialize in crimes against children. I hope to be able to contribute meaningfully to their efforts to aid young victims of crime and their families.

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you're doing now?

Attending classes with a small cohort of peers allowed for personalized guidance in academic writing, critical thinking, public speaking and professionalism that I employ daily. The professors at Grenfell went above and beyond to ensure I reached my goals, including mentorship, additional opportunities, constructive feedback, and personalized reference letters. As a teaching assistant, co-supervisor, and an aspiring professor, I work hard to deliver the same considerations to my students.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going to Grenfell?

The campus charmingly reflects the Newfoundland culture that surrounds it: community, compassion, and adventure. If the university culture isn't inciting enough, Grenfell students are held to - and helped to achieve - extraordinary standards of excellence sought by graduate programs, employers and funding agencies.

Elizabeth Russell, B.A. (Hons), 2007

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I'm from Ontario. I currently teach at the Trent University.

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell?

I left Grenfell with a psych degree and came back to teach for a year after I completed my PhD...and again, but from a different perspective, experienced the uniquely warm and friendly, but yet rigorously academic value, that Grenfell has to offer. I found that even behind the scenes, the respect for students and value of their learning is all-important to those who make this place what it is.

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you're doing now?

I feel that my approach to teaching, today, as a faculty member at another university, is solidly rooted in both the academic excellence and student-centred approach to learning I experienced at Grenfell. I would highly recommend Grenfell to any student looking for something a little different, along with a quality educational experience.

What's your Grenfell story?

I arrived in Corner Brook, NL, as an 18 year old from Ontario seeking new adventures and a small campus experience. What I found was a community that I'm not sure is present at most institutions. The small classes...professors who value your learning...multidisciplinary connectivity on a daily basis...a beautiful environment for outdoor adventure...a university that, because of the above-and-beyond efforts of faculty and staff, and the strong sense of community on campus and around town, feels like a home.

McLennon Wilson, BSc (Hons) 2016

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now?

I was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. After completing high school in Corner Brook, I spent a year away studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax before returning to the greener pastures of Grenfell Campus to complete my B.Sc in Psychology. Since September 2016, I've been attending the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, ON.

What have you been up to since you graduated from Grenfell? Can you tell me a little about that and what you're up to now?

During my time as a student at Grenfell, I fell in love with Psychology, and as a result, since finishing my undergrad, I've been working towards my doctorate in Developmental Psychology. The ultimate goal of my research is to improve our understanding of how temperamentally shy children think, feel, and act in social situations. It is my hope that my research will help us (as parents, educators, and policy-makers) to do our part to ensure shy kids develop into happy, healthy adults. Here at the University of Waterloo, I've had the opportunity to work with hundreds of kids and their families, to share our research with the general public, and to design and teach undergraduate courses in Developmental Psych. I'm currently in the fourth year of my PhD, funded by a Alexander Graham Bell CGS Doctoral Scholarship (valued at $105,000) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

What has been the highlight of your professional career?

I'm fortunate enough to work with both brilliant researchers and spunky, insightful kids on a daily basis, so every day is a blast. But if I had to pick a single highlight, I would say teaching undergraduate-level psychology courses has been among the most fulfilling experiences of my professional career. In a school as large and busy as the University of Waterloo, many undergrads report feeling isolated and anonymous in their classrooms. This is a stark contrast to my own experience as a student at Grenfell, where my professors' care for their students was always palpable. So as an instructor, I try to bring a little bit of the Grenfell spirit to my classroom by making the learning experience as fun, thought-provoking, and student-oriented as possible.

How did Grenfell prepare you for the work you're doing now?

Grenfell provides a close-knit academic community for students to connect with both professors and peers. As such, the transition from Grenfell to a graduate studies program was nearly seamless. Compared to my peers coming from larger institutions, I felt much more prepared to work collaboratively with faculty members and other student groups.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of going to Grenfell?

For its student-focused programming and close-knit community, I would recommend Grenfell to any student (from Canada or abroad) looking for a high quality undergraduate education.