Katherine Dinesh found a warm welcome when she arrived at Lakeland College in January, despite the frigid temperatures.

Growing up in India, Dinesh had planned to study abroad since she was a young child, encouraged by her parents.

She chose Lakeland's child and youth care program as a place to start, intending to pursue a career in art therapy and everything was going according to plan - until the COVID-19 pandemic affected her travel plans.

“Initially, having my plans impacted by the pandemic was disappointing. I thought there wouldn't be an instructor-student relationship because I wouldn't be in the classroom during the first semester,” says Dinesh, one of 149 international students at Lakeland in 2020-21.

When she began her online courses, however, those fears were quickly put to rest.

“The day I started, I put all those worried thoughts out of my mind,” Dinesh explains. “We have such a good set of instructors and I was so impressed with how things went. There was so much interaction in the class discussions and our instructors were always willing to help us out, no matter the time difference.”

Dinesh landed on the dean's honour roll for Fall 2020.

She enjoyed the online classes so much, that when she was able to join her classmates on campus in February, after quarantining for two weeks with family in Calgary, she had a new set of worries to deal with.

“I worried that because some students had already been on campus in class for the last semester, joining them might be difficult,” she admits. “But the other students and faculty were very welcoming and it's easy to make friends, even with the health and safety restrictions.

“The program is really amazing, I'm genuinely so happy with it.”

Dinesh credits her instructors with ensuring she is thriving in class, as well as Lakeland's emphasis on student wellness.

“I really appreciate Lakeland putting student wellness and mental health as such a big priority,” Dinesh says. “Plus, the faculty and instructors are so supportive. They notice the smallest thing, like if you aren't responding in class or anything. They'll contact you just to make sure everything is okay. They're so sensitive to student needs. It makes me feel so welcome, especially in a new country.”

The warm welcome was especially nice considering it was -40 when Dinesh first arrived. Since arriving on campus, Dinesh has enjoyed the opportunity to participate in student life activities, including Lakeland's Got Talent, where she came in first place with her skills in art and calligraphy.

“Art is my passion,” she says. “Working with children and youth facing difficulties is my calling. Giving my all to equip and support children and watch them reach new heights is my aim.”

She is excited to spend the summer with her family in Calgary, to see more of the country when she can and to complete her second year of studies next year.

Photo: Katherine Dinseh in the Vermilion campus quad.