Inside the CSC with Jolene - My First Campus Experience

Jul 19, 2024 | Jolene Carter, CSC President

The first time I came to campus was a very hot summer day in June 2023.

I was very nervous as that was the first time I’d worn a dress in public so openly, and for a Transwoman (someone assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman.) That’s a big deal.

When I arrived I found the Welcome Centre; a place I now feel as attached to as a childhood home and can be found most days.

Taking a tour with Erin from Access and Inclusion was the first real experience I had with the campus itself, and it was nerve-wracking.

I can remember feeling so anxious; picturing myself for the first few weeks of my program; swamped with work.

That’s when I instead focused on the atmosphere I was connecting with that day; an environment of inclusion and diversity of ideas.

While in the past my individuality was something that had me ostracized, I could now tell that the institution I was heading into didn’t just value authenticity and individuality, it encouraged it.

I mention this to highlight what drove me to want to pursue the Student Council President position. A willingness and eagerness to include others and their diverse cultures and experiences in the greater campus community.

Throughout my time here, I have learned that when you branch out and you meet new people, you might not have otherwise; you grow as a person and increase your ability to connect with others.

I credit a great deal of my personal growth to the conversations I’ve had at the aptly named “Conversation Club.”

As such, I hope all of you reading know that I’m always open to speak about your concerns as that’s my role here; to support you.

In hopes that one day, all the students I’ve interacted with can feel as brave as I do, being as proud and visibly their authentic selves.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Kind Regards,

Jolene Carter
CSC President 2024-2025

#Access and Inclusion #Canadore Students' Council #Student Experience #Student Life