A high school student’s journey to the Mount.

Jenna, taking advantage of a Mount photo booth at a recent event.

This year I am a grade 12 student at Hants East Rural High and I plan on attending the Mount  in September. For a very long time I didn’t know what I wanted to study, where I wanted to go to university or who to talk to but there was one thing I’ve known for a long time – I want to be in the navy. I then decided I wanted to be a public relations officer, which led me straight to The Mount.

The Mount is the only university in Atlantic Canada to offer public relations,  and in my opinion has one of the easiest and fastest application processes. I heard back and got my acceptance letter only four days after the admissions office received my transcripts!  As soon as I got my acceptance letter, I began the simple process of applying to live in residence. I knew right away which residence I wanted to live in thanks to the extremely helpful campus tours The Mount has to offer.  Now I’m really excited to start university in the fall.

Luckily for me, I got to start my university experience early, working in the Public Affairs and Recruitment  Office at the Mount as a co-op student.  During this time, I’ve gained a lot of experience and am able to meet  so many people who work here at the university. I also like having the chance to really explore the campus on my own. Some small jobs that I’ve done in the Dean’s office such as mail-outs and learning about  the early registration and academic advising event has made me really excited to come to the Mount  for Early Registration in May where I got my student ID, met my future professors and chose my classes.

I’m sure all of the events and help the Mount provides for us high school students will all pay off in the long run, come September you’ll know the campus and people so much better and I encourage everyone to attend the summer registration events, called Jumpstart. From experience, I can tell you the staff, faculty and students will be there to help you every step of the way!

A letter to the Mount, from France.

Cheryl Halverson is a Mount student in the Bachelor of Public Relations program, who is currently studying abroad in Lille, France. You can read more about Cheryl’s adventures on her blog, http://cheryl-pasunjourmaisaujourdhui.blogspot.com/.

Just over two months ago, I left Canada to start an adventure that I had only ever dreamed of. December 31^st, 2011, marked the start of my exchange from Mount Saint Vincent University to ISTC – Ecole de communication in Lille, France.

I have always been interested in traveling, but I never really thought about doing an exchange through the Mount’s Student Exchange Program. For a long time, I had my mind set on doing a co-op abroad, but it proved to be much more challenging than I had expected. I quickly learned that other countries have different criteria for a co-op position. Then one day it occurred to me, why not study abroad?

My first step was making sure that studying abroad was even a possibility for me. As a Bachelor of Public Relations student, I wanted to be sure that I could re-arrange my schedule to make it work. I soon found out that it was more than possible.

In order to do so, I needed to spread out my courses, move my co-ops around, and graduate a semester later. Live in another country for a semester and graduate later? With an opportunity like that, I had no hesitation in proceeding.

The next step was choosing my destination and completing the application process. I took a look at the Mount website under the “Student Abroad Programs” section to see what options I had for countries I could study in. I narrowed my choices down to Austria, Spain, and France but I finally decided on France. I think I knew that I wanted to go to France all along because I wanted to improve my French and I have always had a fascination with France. The application overall wasn’t hard but it took some time. I finished it quickly though because I was so passionate about going.

Before leaving for my exchange, there were many things I had to prepare for. I of course had to be accepted, but I also had to save money, research the country, book flights, and communicate details between the Mount and what would be my new school, ISTC. There was also a mandatory de-briefing session that prepared me for what was coming up. Once all the details were in place, it was just a matter of getting there, which I couldn’t wait for!

I have now been in Lille, France for almost 3 months and it is living up to every expectation I have ever had. I have been able to immerse myself in the culture, take classes in both French and English, travel France and Europe, and make friends from all over France and the world. I’ve been living the French lifestyle and it is one I could definitely get used to. Who knows, maybe I’ll live in France again one day!

For anyone who is considering doing a semester abroad, I advise you to just jump in and do it. When else are you going to have such an amazing opportunity? The experience you get, the things you see, and the friends you make create memories that will last forever. I would do it again in a second!

From Ontario to the Mount: The Easiest Decision

Sarah Kester, Recruitment and Communications Assistant

By Sarah Kester

When I first mentioned to my family and friends that I, a big-city girl, was venturing from Ontario all the way to the Mount in Halifax, Nova Scotia, surprise was the initial reaction I got. But with its personal feel and strong sense of community, it turns out the Mount was exactly what I needed.

My decision to come to the Mount began with family. My sister and her husband (who she met at the Mount…ahem!) both go to the Mount. So, while it all may have started with family, my journey at the Mount has been one of the easiest, remarkable, and fun-filled ones yet.

I remember my first day distinctively. After getting all of my stuff to my room, my brother, Jon and I went to lunch. I remember feeling so terrified and nervous as thoughts began whizzing through my brain: ‘What if I don’t make any friends?’ ‘What if this isn’t the thing for me?’ ‘Am I even in the right program?’

By the time we drove back to campus, I literally would not get out of the car. But after a much-needed pep talk from my oh-so-kind brother (which involved him telling me to stop being a baby) I got out of the car and began my journey.

I made my first friend almost instantly. She lived on my floor and showed me around the entire campus which helped in two ways:  First, I wouldn’t be lost on my first day, and secondly, I had made a friend (yay!).

So far in my first year, the Mount is already opening up so many doors for me. First, I started my Co-Curricular Record (issued by the Co-Curricular Recognition Program) which is a formal way to document extra-curricular activities on your school record. Having a Co-Curricular Record helped me get an internship this summer in New York City at a top women’s magazine (cough, Cosmopolitan). When I finish, this internship will go on my Co-Curricular Record, which allows me to really stand out to a future employer.

I am also getting a head-start in the communications field. This year, I’ve had the most wonderful opportunity to work with the Public Affairs and Recruitment Office as a Recruitment and Communications Assistant. It is a bursary role that has given me life-long learning experiences, confidence, and, the solidification that yes, the communication field is the one for me.

I love the Mount for its strong sense of community. I like to think of the Mount as one of the best-kept secrets. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that you have everything on campus: classes, cafeteria, gym (to burn off the amazing food from the cafeteria), doctors, massage, physiotherapy, and much more.

So, if you’re nervous now, don’t be!  Breathe, relax, and start to envision yourself at the Mount. This is just my story. Once here and head-over-heels with all the Mount has to offer, you too will share story. Trust me; big dreams can come true at a place as small, personal, and amazing as the Mount.

Don’t believe me? I dare you to try it for yourself.

Co-op: All about the program and why it was the right choice for me.

Stacie Power

The time is finally here, the time that every public relations, business, and tourism and hospitality have been anticipating – it is time to start applying to our first co-op.

Currently enrolled in my second year of the Bachelor Public Relations program, I am a transfer student, and like everyone else in their second year, I am applying for my first co-op.

Co-op is a special program that the Mount offers to helps students dip their toes into the real job world.

Preparing for my summer work term seems as if I am taking a 6^th course.

The co-op process begins in your fall semester. This is when you will begin by creating a two page resume (don’t worry – co-op team will make it work).

Then, there are sessions to attend. We cover everything from how to properly shake hands, how to perfect a cover letter, and how to answer proper interview questions. This may all sound like a lot to you right now, but when you start to apply for your first co-op, you will be thankful for this.

Once you’re in the winter semester, you begin creating endless amounts of cover letters.

Best of all, the co-op team is there so you can ask any sort of question you may have. They are a great help, even when it comes to the task of formatting your resume – I have Scott to thank for that.

Jobs are normally posted online on Mondays, and you have a week to apply. If you want to find your own job, you can sign and Independent Job search form and you can start your own search. By the time you have received your degree, you will have completed three four-month work terms.

Co-op allows you to get a taste of the kind of jobs you will want when you graduate. And graduating with co-op work experience on your resume looks great.

I am glad I chose a degree with work experience. Enrolling in a co-op changes all everything. It gives me a taste of what my life will consist of when I get a job with my degree; lets me learn outside of the classroom and see if I can picture myself doing this for the next 25 years, and; I’ll make some connections so I have a network of contacts when it is time to start looking for a job.

These are some of reasons why I chose the Mount and the co-op education programs. For me, it was just the right thing to do. Not only does the Co-op Office give great tips on how to take part in the job hiring process, but it gives the most valuable thing of all, experience.

Meeting my first Mr. Mount

Megan Elliott

This is the first in a series of postings from Mount Student Ambassador, Megan Elliott. Keep your eye on the blog for more posts from Megan and her fellow Student Ambassadors.

Where on campus might you find sparkly dresses, high heels, lipstick and wigs? No, the kids at Fountain Playcentre aren’t playing dress-up – it’s time for the Mount’s annual Mr. Mount competition.

For 13 years now, the Mount has held their yearly drag king and queen competition; a night where the guys and girls take a walk in the others’ shoes… often brightly coloured and several inches high. Hosted by the beautiful Brandy Michaels, the night is made up of a question period, a talent show, a nightwear portion, and of course an after-party at Vinnie’s.

The lovely host of the Mr. Mount competition, Ms. Brandy Michaels. Photo credit: Gillian Graves

Finally stepping out of the tweens and into its teens, this year’s show did not disappoint. This is my first year at the Mount, and so it was also my introduction to the competition. Together with its dim pink lighting and audience members dressed in semi-formal outfits, the room was full with a fashion-show-like atmosphere.

Caught in action: a feature performance from the Babettes. Photo credit: Gillian Graves

The audience roared when Brandy Michaels made her way across the stage, fashionably late in a Madonna inspired outfit. The perfect hostess, Brandy was full of humour and poise. The show itself was a sight to see, with contestants that included a lumberjack, a beauty queen, Siamese twins, and feature performances from the talented “Babettes.” Each participant was questioned by Brandy and her co-host, Dickie McNosh, with topics ranging anywhere from world peace to the million dollar question; “boxers or briefs, and why?”

What truly made the show though, in my opinion, were the talents. Vinnie’s open mic nights just could not compare to the singing and dancing on stage that night. A couple of my personal favourites included parodies sung by “Taylor Swift’s older sister” Topanga Swift, and a dance routine that included cartwheels and the splits.

This year’s winners were first year students Shannon Kerr and Beth MacLellan, also known as the three-legged Siamese twins named “Bogo”.

And the winner is...Bogo! Photo credit: Gillian Graves

It is a great feeling to know that I am a part of a university that is so devoted to acceptance and openness that it hosts an event such as the Mr. Mount competition. I truly believe that it is an experience that can’t be found anywhere else. I loved it so much that I might just have to break out my fake moustache for next year…

Shinerama Kick Off 2011

Today marked the annual kickoff event for the Mount’s Students’ Union Shinerama Fundraiser. Shinerama is a foundation that raises funds and awareness all across Canada on the fatal genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is a multiple organ disease that afflicts children and young adults. Through the funds raised in multiple campaigns nationwide and the work of dedicated individuals (some of them Mount grads) the life expectancy of those living with CF has risen to an average age of 50, a jump from age 21 over the past 5 years.

The event today was all about getting your feet wet … kinda. The Students’ Union set out to shine one Halifax’s beloved inhabitants, Theodore Tugboat. With the sun poking through the sky, the Union and some volunteers got Theo cleaned, waxed, and sea-worthy. Congrats to all who showed up and started the summer of shine off right! For all of you future Mount friends, Shinerama is an event that is year round. The biggest day of fundraising occurs on the Saturday of Frosh Week where hundreds of Mount students scatter the city trying to get the citizens of Halifax to donate to the cause! But keeping it to just one big day wasn’t good enough and, having that “go-getter” attitude that the Mount has, events have been spread out year round. To get involved on future events such as Beach parties, Summer flings, BBQ’s and more, visit mountstudents.ca for all the details.

Jeremy and Nicole from the Mount's Recruitment Team

Stay tuned all summer for updates from me and the rest of the Mount team!

Cheers,

Jeremy

A Day in the life of a Student Ambassador

For the last 8 months, I have been working for the Mount Saint Vincent Recruitment Office, as a Student Ambassador Captain, and boy are they slave drivers! JUST KIDDING!  It has been an amazing experience, with the chance to meet so many fresh faces of incoming students and nervous parents.  I wanted to give you guys a chance to see what it’s like to be a Student Ambassador Captain, to show you what we do, and maybe you’d like to try the position.

I work Monday – Thursday, all coordinated around my school schedule.  It is great working on campus because it is all around my exam and class schedule, there is never a conflict, and everyone is pretty flexible. I usually start about 9 a.m. most days, and come into the office in Evaristus.  I say good morning to everybody and sign myself in. Then I look to Nicole, the office’s Administrative Assistant, for my tasks for the day.

This is my favourite part, because every day it’s something different.   I could be putting together information packages for incoming tours, I could be sending out mail to brand new incoming students, or I could be contacting schools making sure they know about our Open Campus Day.

Along with all of these tasks, my favourite is going to different high schools and setting up booths to tell students all about what the Mount can offer and everything that I love about the Mount. I also get to learn new ways of recruiting, and I even learn new things about the Mount such as what programs we offer and different types of class that can be taken.  The best part of this is when the students who I have talked to about the Mount show up for tours or Open Campus Day and I recognize them.

All in all, the Student Ambassador program has great benefits, from meeting new people, and making a difference, to getting to know people who already go to school here.  In high school, I was not the pep rally, get involved kind of person, but now that I am here, and involved, I love it.

If you’re interested in becoming a Student Ambassador please email recruitment@msvu.ca and they will put your name on a list to contact when they start filling the team for next year.

By: Katie MacDonald