Explore your Pathways: Lauren’s recipe for success from culinary arts to social sciences

Meet Lauren

The culinary industry gave Lauren, a graduate of Mohawk College's General Arts and Sciences program, valuable skills like the ability to work well under pressure, act quickly and stay organized.

“I worked my way up in the culinary industry,” Lauren explains, “but I always had this idea of wanting to return to college, even though I had no clue what that might look like.”

After researching different programs that would help her achieve her goal of eventually going to university, Lauren decided on Mohawk's General Arts and Sciences program as a stepping stone towards that.

“I knew I needed academic preparation, and the General Arts and Science program seemed like a good fit,” Lauren says.

Mohawk College General Arts and Science to McMaster University Social Science

The flexible curriculum of the General Arts and Science Diploma (University Transfer) is designed to give students a broad foundation in multiple academic disciplines. Students also have the option to complete this two-year diploma and transfer to a university program with a partner institution, such as McMaster University.

Lauren found the Pathway to university to be an exciting opportunity, especially with her sister’s positive experience in the same program. 

“It was great to know that there was an opportunity to transfer directly to university from Mohawk,” Lauren says.
Along with creating a pathway towards university, Lauren also recognized that the General Arts and Science program could open doors to various career options.

“I’ve seen it as a pathway to clarity for many students,” Lauren shares. “Some enter the workforce right away, while others discover their passions and what they want to do in life.”

Finding friends

Not long after starting her program, Lauren quickly felt that she belonged in the Mohawk College community.

“There are so many opportunities to get involved, whether through student leadership or community projects,” Lauren notes. “I had never felt that before.”

For students who feel like they’re taking a “less traditional" path to education, Lauren says this supportive environment was especially welcoming. 

“You won’t feel like an outsider if your path is different,” Lauren comments. “There’s a diverse range of students, from newcomers seeking Canadian credentials to mature learners returning for a new career.”

Exploring academic interests

“The professors are passionate about what they do and actively seek ways to connect students to opportunities,” Lauren says. “This made a significant difference in my education.”

Taking the time to connect with passionate faculty while also being exposed to a variety of subject matters helped Lauren discover and narrow down her interests.

“I decided to pursue anthropology while I was still at Mohawk, thanks to the courses I was taking,” Lauren explains.  “It was a privilege to spend two years figuring out what I wanted to do.”
For Lauren, her experience at Mohawk College was crucial in getting her ready for her transition to McMaster University's Anthropology program.

“I felt really prepared because I had a broad foundation in subjects like political, economic and women’s studies,” Lauren comments.

Continuing beyond Mohawk

Looking back, Lauren says she is very grateful for the experiences and connections she made at Mohawk College. 
“I built confidence through the community I found in the General Arts and Sciences program,” Lauren shares. “Meeting people whose stories are complicated or non-linear helped me realize that my path is valid.”

Lauren recommends Mohawk College's General Arts and Sciences program and encourages others to embrace the opportunities that the program provides.

“Trust the process and lean into the pathways offered,” Lauren advises. “Making the most out of your time at Mohawk will prepare you for your next steps, and it really does feel like a softer landing than jumping straight into a larger institution.”