Meet your Smart Start team for 2026!
Learn more about their program of study, future plans and more.
Abigail
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate/Senior with teachables in History and English
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After graduating I plan to become a high school history teacher, and if I am able I would love to teach abroad (preferably somewhere in Europe)
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
This is my first year on the Smart Start team! I am a member of the Brock Historical Society one of the many History clubs here at Brock. I work as a tutor with Brock Learning Services. I also do volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara in their elementary school mentorship program.
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of its Concurrent education program, I also fell in love with campus when I attended Fall Preview Day
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love exploring all the cool thrift stores in downtown St. Catharines, trying local food spots and going to the movies
Agrim
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, Sport Management
What is your plan for life after Brock?
Upon completion of this degree, my aspirations are to explore a career within Europe. Aiming to take on a senior position within a soccer club/organization in the near future.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I am the founder and project lead of the Centre for Sport Capacity Soccer Working Group, as well as a former partnerships coordinator at the Brock Sport & Business Association. This is my first year on the Smart Start Team
Why did you choose Brock?
The university’s sport management program was the primary reason for choosing Brock.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Have all-you-can-eat sushi with my friends in downtown St. Catharines.
Aliyah
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year, combined major in Child and Youth Studies and Psychology
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After my undergraduate degree, I would like to get a Master’s degree, and possibly a PhD to become a Child Psychologist or work with kids in a counselling setting
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I have done a lot of on campus jobs at Brock! This is my second year on the Smart Start team, I have also been a part of the Student Success Navigator team and the Brock Ambassador team. I also have volunteered at Brock and in the Niagara region throughout the year and attended a lot of amazing Brock events!
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of the strong sense of community it fosters. On campus, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many supportive and inspiring people who have made me feel less nervous to experience new things. Brock also has strong connections throughout the Niagara region, creating valuable opportunities to learn and work outside the classroom in hands-on, engaging ways. This combination of community and experiential learning made me feel at welcome at Brock even before I had even accepted my offer.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I like going to the movies, going to explore new activities and studying in cafes downtown
Amy
What is your program and year of study?
2nd year, Biomedical Sciences
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After graduating, I would like to apply for medical school or do a Master’s in Public Health or Genetic Counselling. At some point in the future I would like to work in a research clinic.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
During my time here at Brock, I have taken part in badminton intramurals, as well as attended the Brock Live4Dance club where we learn a new choreography every week! Additionally I have also been a part of the Sri Lankan Student Association and I also love going to the gym and making use of the badminton drop in hours.
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock due its close sense of community, I felt very seen at Brock and knew I would always be able to reach for the supports I’d need. I also really enjoyed visiting the campus, I felt at home in this environment and didn’t feel overwhelmed, additionally as a Biomedical Sciences Student I appreciated having access to cadaver labs!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I have enjoyed exploring cafes in the Niagara Region, as well as going downtown Niagara Falls to see the tourist attractions. I hope to next visit Port Dalhousie and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Andrea
What is your program and year of study?
5th year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate/Senior with teachables in History and English
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After graduating, I would like to travel and teach abroad and eventually become a high school History teacher.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I have served as the treasurer and president of the Concurrent Education Student Association. This opportunity allowed me to act as the student representative on the Undergraduate Educational Studies Committee. I am also a Digital Media Coordinator for the Brock Press and participated in the Brock Mentor Link program. Lastly, this is my second year with Student Recruitment and the Smart Start team.
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of its Concurrent Education program and its close proximity to my hometown!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love exploring new cafes and visiting the farmers market in Downtown St. Catharines!
Isabella
What is your program and year of study?
4th year, Concurrent Education – Intermediate/Senior with teachables in Physical Education and Geography
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After completing Concurrent Education I plan to do my Master’s of Education. After that, the goal is to become a high school physical education teacher!
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I have been on the Smart Start Team the last two years and have worked with Student Success as a Student Success Navigator. I am also on a few intramural teams and volunteer with various adapted physical education programs!
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of its concurrent education program with the specific physical education stream. I also love the campus size and vibes!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Visiting sunset beach and riding the go karts at Clifton Hill!
Jami
What is your program and year of study?
1st year, Master’s of Applied Linguistics and Graduate of Honours Applied Linguistics: Teaching English as a Second Language
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After my Master’s, my goal is to teach English as a Second Language in universities here in Ontario, as well as fulfill my dream of being a swim coach.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
This is my second year on the Smart Start team, and throughout this past year I was a part of the Brock Ambassador team. I have been a Varsity Swim team captain, studied abroad in Japan through Brock, and am part of the Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese Student Associations. I have participated in intramurals in Ultimate Frisbee and Inner-Tube Water Polo.
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of its community. As soon as I stepped on campus before the tour had even begun, I felt a feeling of home and thought, “this is the one.” The people, peers and professors alike, were incredibly friendly, and each individual here at Brock stood out rather than being a number within a crowd.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love to go on walks, try new foods, and go to the beaches with my friends.
Michael
What is your program and year of study?
4th year Labour Studies and Sociology
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After my undergraduate degree, I’d like to return to Brock to pursue my Masters in the Critical Sociology program
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
For the past year, I’ve served as Co-President for the Brock Accessibility Association (BAA) student club! Throughout my time at Brock, I’ve also been involved in in various volunteer positions with Student Recruitment and the Brock Call Campaign, and Student Accessibility Services’ Bridge to Brock program
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of its sense of community. It can be nerve wracking when making new friends or speaking to professors, but being at Brock made it easy. People, whether they’re potential friends or professors, want to know who you are and build connections! You aren’t a body or statistic; at Brock, your unique insights and nuance shine through.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I enjoy going to the Film House in Downtown St. Catharines! The popcorn is great and there’s always some awesome independent films being showcased!
Samantha
What is your program and year of study?
4th year English Literature, Minor in Critical Criminology
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After my Bachelor’s, I’d like to either work for a year or perhaps pursue a Master’s before heading to law school; my dream lies in advocating for justice and equity through law, particularly within healthcare systems and systemic inequities against Black communities.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I am the founder and current President of the BIPOC Law Society on campus! We host events for all pre-law students interested in pursuing careers in the legal field, from workshops to panels, bringing opportunities to Brock! Additionally, I’m an ambassador and mentor for the Black Student Success Centre. Lastly, I enjoy working creatively whether it’s making business cards or a marketing kit – I also love playing the guitar.
Why did you choose Brock?
I remember my high school volleyball coach telling me that Brock had a sense of community. In the last year, I’ve really come to understand how big the campus is in terms of community by participating in and facilitating events that bring people together. From professors to peers, Brock has a place for everyone to make it their second home.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Someday Books is a really cute, locally owned spot! Beechwood donuts are the best in town, and I enjoy going to Port Dalhousie to see the lighthouse – once I saw a huge cargo ship! Had never seen one before so I was very excited.
Simona
What is your program and year of study?
3rd year of Concurrent Education in the Intermediate / Senior stream with teachables in Math and Chemistry.
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After Brock, my goal is to become a high school math teacher, and maybe teach in Italy!
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock mainly because of the campus, community, and the Concurrent Education program, but bring close to home is a bonus as well!
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
Being from niagara, I have always appreciated the quietness of the environment, but my favourite place to visit is definitely Niagara on the Lake!
Tomas
What is your program and year of study?
4th year Bachelor of Kinesiology
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After my undergraduate degree I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. My goal is to help youth develop the skills, independence, and confidence to participate fully in daily activities.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I was an instructor for The Learn to Play Program, where I worked with kids of all ages and helped them learn how to play various sports. I volunteered at the Bfit centre, where I worked with an 87 year old trying to recover from stroke. I learned how to create a rehab program for him. I participated in intramural sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball and I use the Zone Fitness Centre regularly.
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock primarily because of its strong Kinesiology program and its campus. I especially loved the anatomy labs. I was attracted to the opportunities for hands-on learning and involvement in campus activities.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I enjoy going to different quiet study spots and Niagara Top Team downtown.
Vincent
What is your program and year of study?
4th Year, Medical Sciences (Honours) (BSc)
What is your plan for life after Brock?
After Brock, I plan on pursuing higher education and going into the medical field.
What extracurriculars have you been involved in while at Brock?
I volunteer around the Niagara region and stay heavily involved at Brock, focusing on student advocacy and campus engagement. My background includes representing international students through the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), as well as working within Brock International and Student Recruitment. At Brock, I have held several executive roles in student clubs, such as Medical Sciences Branch Head within the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Student Association and an executive role in the Brock Model United Nations club.
Why did you choose Brock?
I chose Brock because of community and the welcoming arms that Brock International displayed to my family and I.
What is your favourite thing about/to do in Niagara?
I love how green the Niagara region is, and also enjoy visiting Clifton Hill and Niagara-on-the-Lake!