Meet your Smart Start team for 2024!
Learn more about their program of study, future plans and more.
Chloe
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Consecutive Education – Junior / Intermediate, Vocal Music
What is your plan for life after Brock?
I hope to be teaching in an elementary school! Or obtaining my Masters of Arts in composition.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
During my time at Brock, I have been involved with three of the music ensembles which include the choirs and the wind ensemble. I was a co-host for the podcast Dear Marilyn. As well, I was a Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts Ambassador along with being the student representative for the Music department. Finally, I’m a member of Brock Dance!
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Go to the Grape Stomp!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love going to Niagara Falls! Just walking around that area is so much fun and there is so much to do!
Kassie
What is your program and year of study?
6th year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate / Senior, French and Mathematics
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After I finish the Concurrent Education program, I hope to go back to school to work towards a Master’s degree in either Sustainability or Geography. After teaching, I would love the opportunity to become a Principal one day!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Brock Dance, Tourism and Geography Society, Concurrent Education Student Association, Brock Musical Theatre and Brock Intramurals – Dodgeball
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
The Grape Stomp!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
The hiking trails, Sunset Beach, The Niagara Outlets and Avondale Dairy Bar!
Aryan
What is your program and year of study?
3rd Year, Sport Management
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Work in the sports industry in marketing or event management
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I have worked at the Brock welcome desk, been a delegate for OUSA GA, and I am an executive for 2 clubs — I am the President of the Brock F1 Club and the Vice President of the Brock Winter Club. I am also SOCS Assistant where I help off campus students with any issues, and a Street Team Member for BUSU, and I was on a leadership team where we won the National Championship for Brock at the Collegiate Leadership Competition!
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
To create a change for students that can continue for years!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Hangout with my friends, try new food spots and go the Pen Centre !
Bria
What is your program and year of study?
6th year, Concurrent Education – Primary/Junior
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After Brock I am hoping to get a job in the school system either as a classroom teacher or someone who supports language development in children. I am also open to working with different community groups to tutor students in a variety of subjects.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I love volunteering and connecting with people so while at Brock I’ve volunteered for Student Recruitment events such as Fall Preview Day. I have also gotten the opportunity to volunteer with the Brock Learning Lab multiple times. Through the Learning Lab I was able to tutor students one on one in Math and Literacy from Kindergarten to Grade 3.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
I want to hike the Bruce Trail
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Niagara grows so much fresh produce, so I love going to Farmer’s Markets, fruit stands, and picking my own fruit with my friends.
Gabe
What is your program and year of study?
4th year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate/Senior, English and History
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Creative Writing Professor
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Creative Writing, gym, Brock Leaders Citizenship Society
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Be Boomer
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Game cafe!
Isabella
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate/Senior, Physical Education and Geography
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After I graduate from the Concurrent Education program at Brock I plan to become a high school teacher, with hopes that I can advance to become a principal one day!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I have not been involved in many extracurriculars a Brock yet.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Become more involved, especially with the Smart Start Team!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love walking around Clifton Hill with my friends!
Jay
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Computer Science
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Get my Permanent Residence in Canada and then Master’s!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Computer Science Club, Brock LINC, Brock Cyber Security Club, Brock University Volunteer Association
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Get into research!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love going to play pool with my friends.
Kennedy
What is your program and year of study?
4th year, Concurrent Education – Primary/Junior
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Become an elementary school teacher and mentor LEGO robotics teams at the schools I teach at!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA), Winter Club, Intramurals
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
To one day visit the top floor of the Schmon tower
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Go to the St. Catharines Farmer’s market!
Lily
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, Child and Youth studies
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Hopefully working for Brock full-time as either a professor, career specialist, or academic advisor.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Pride club, in first year was very involved in residence. Always looking to get involved!
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Explore every corner of the campus.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I like how friendly everyone is here, my mom grew up here so it feels like I was genetically crafted to love it here!
Luke
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Accounting Co-op
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Thinking about going for my Master’s after finishing my program and looking to get a job in the accounting field after that but not sure where. No matter what I do however, I think I will in some way try and stay involved at Brock.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Smart Start is really the first thing I’m doing at Brock but excited and looking forward to getting more involved in my second year!
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Tie between getting more involved in campus and also just taking more advantage of/enjoying the spots on campus more
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I haven’t lived here long so I don’t know much about being here, but I really like to just go out with friends and walk around getting to know the area.
Mabrukah
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, Medical Sciences
What is your plan for life after Brock?
My ambitions and goals for the future include pursuing a postgraduate degree, and follow career options in the medical sciences field (Pharmaceuticals, research etc.)
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I am member of a few clubs e.g NSA (Nigerian Student association) and BLSA (Black Student Association). I am also keen to volunteer for a few events around campus like: Hadiyaˀdagénhahs’ 1st Annual Pow Wow, The Black Secondary Symposium etc.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Attend at least one game of all Brock sport teams
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I really like the waterfall.
Manara
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, Nursing
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After I graduate, I’d like to work as a travel nurse for a few years, then go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I am a general member of a few clubs on campus and an exec on another! I worked at the Black Student Success Centre in my second year and loved getting involved on campus.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Visit the level 3 containment labs!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
My favourite thing about Niagara is the community. Niagara is big enough to cater to your interests but small enough to see familiar faces.
Mariam
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, Political Science and Economics
What is your plan for life after Brock?
I am interested in continuing my education in law school. I would like to pursue a career in the legal field, specifically relating to social justice on a global scale.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I am on the executive team of Brock University Debate Society (BUDS) and attend various clubs as a member. I also volunteer with various organizations through Brock such as the Student Conduct Council, Empowerment Squared, and more.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Research with a professor!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Taking walks and hikes in the nature!
Michael
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Labour Studies and Sociology
What is your plan for life after Brock?
My goal is to be admitted to Brock’s Consecutive Education program to teach Intermediate/Senior History and Drama!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I volunteered for the Start with Strategies summer transition program in the summer of 2023.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
To go to the CoCo bubble tea stand in the library. I love bubble tea but haven’t pushed myself to go!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love taking walks around the school after classes are finished, especially when the cherry trees bloom!
Mimi
What is your program and year of study?
4th Year, Psychology Co-op Research Stream
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Going to Master’s for psychology
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I am a part of Improv club and ASL club. I have worked as a Learning Strategist Peer in Student Accessibility Services. I am also a volunteer research assistant at two of Brock’s Labs.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
I want to my undergraduate thesis and get on Brock improv’s professional team
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love to hike. The trails in Niagara are great.
Olajumoke
What is your program and year of study?
3rd Year, Public Health
What is your plan for life after Brock?
A Master’s degree in Public Health
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Baking Club at Brock, Winter Club, Brock University Volunteer Association, Black Student Success Center
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Working with a Professor full time
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
To take a walk and appreciate the view of the city
Rachel
What is your program and year of study?
5th year, Concurrent Education – Junior/Intermediate, French, Minor in Educational Studies and Psychology
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After graduating from Brock, I want to become an elementary or middle school teacher and possibly teach Core French!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Participated in a study abroad program in France, an exchange program in the Netherlands, Brock Ambassador, member of the Brock French club, lived in a Concurrent Education Living Learning Community in residence!
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Join an intramural sports team!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
My favourite part of this area is being so close to Niagara falls and Clifton Hill! There is always something fun to do with your friends!
Serzna
What is your program and year of study?
4th Year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate/Senior, Biology and English
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Become a high school biology teacher.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
Spin (ExpressFit), skating (Frost week), drop-in sports (badminton, basketball), swimming, Let’s Talk Science
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Use the Tarzan rope at Eleanor Misener.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Niagara SkyWheel
Vinny
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, Medical Sciences
What is your plan for life after Brock?
With my Brock degree, I plan on going into the medical field.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I love volunteering around the Niagara Region and at home. I love to represent the student community at Brock University Students’ Union or as an International Student Ambassador for the school. I am the President of the Brock Aviation Enthusiasts Club, an executive member of the Brock Model United Nations, and the Latinx & Hispanic Students Association.
What is the #1 item on your Brock Bucket List?
Attend a Brock sports game!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love how green it is and exploring the nature it has to offer!