Suparna Das came to Lakeland College looking to learn the business basics with the freedom to follow her creativity. She found all that and more – including the courage to step into the spotlight.

Originally from India, Das came to Canada with her husband, who was working in Ontario. Already holding a bachelor of arts, she decided to return to post-secondary, looking for a program that would help her hone her analytical thinking skills while fostering her creative side.

“At Lakeland, I got everything I was looking for with proper guidance and creative freedom,” says Das, who completed the two-year business administration diploma program, majoring in general business. “Everything I learned was hands-on and guided by instructors who were there to help me when I encountered any problems. They really helped me grow and strengthened my confidence.”

In her e-commerce class, Das was given the opportunity to create a website, a project which allowed her to broaden her skills while having complete creative control. Using Canva, with guidance from her instructor Tori Lloyd, Das created Mindful Mugs, a website for selling mugs with inspirational sayings in them.

“It’s based on the idea of mindfulness, calmness and peacefulness,” Das explains. “I kept the design simple, clean and professional. Knowing how to make websites and use those designing tools will help me pursue my career in business operations and marketing.”

Das made the most of her time at Lakeland, jumping at any opportunity to get involved.

“I love this college, especially the business department,” she says. “Whenever I had the opportunity to be there for my college, I always did my best.”

Her best included volunteering at Open House, Registration Day and the career fairs, all while maintaining a spot on the dean’s list for all four consecutive semesters.

The one opportunity that had the most profound impact on Das’ growth at Lakeland, however, was Synergy Speakers’ Corner, where students have the opportunity to work on their public speaking skills.

“When I first came to Lakeland, like many other international students, even though we can speak English, sometimes we can be scared of public speaking and expressing ourselves,” Das says. “Synergy Speakers’ Corner gave me the confidence to speak publicly. In my first semester, I didn’t have the courage to participate, but I’d be there at every session, listening to the speakers and comments from the instructors and the audience. In my second semester, I got the courage to participate.”

Das made the most of the opportunity, completing many of the club’s challenges and earning both a green and gold pin.

“There are a lot of things at Lakeland that are very close to my heart, but especially Synergy Speakers’ Corner,” Das explains. “It gave me the confidence to speak publicly. It built my confidence and strengthened my inner power. I took advantage of the stage they provided and am thrilled with the result.”

With her newfound confidence, as well as her skills in business, web design and public speaking, Das finished the diploma program at the end of fall 2025. She plans to pursue her dream of a career in business and marketing.