Tales from the Newbie...

Hi everyone,

I would like to introduce myself to you: my name is Shannon Kehoe and I am the newest member on the Mount Admissions team. Over the last few weeks I have been traveling through communities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia talking to students about coming to the Mount for university – in fact you may have met me at your school!

The Mount mobile in front of the world's largest

illuminated fiddle in Sydney, NS. (55 feet tall)

I have had an awesome time meeting new people and going new places, and I think I have more in common with some of you than you may think. Sure, I have a degree (Bachelor of Public Relations) and I have a job in my field, but I still don’t always know where I am going in life. For instance, on my first week on the road I let my GPS take me down a back road used for logging. According to Daniel (the GPS) this road was the best way from Chipman, NB to Halifax, NS. I am here to tell you that it was not the quickest and at times was scarier than the highway would have been. But I believed that the choice I had made would work out, and I was right. Forty five minutes later than planned, the Mount mobile emerged from the woods, unscathed, and I emerged a little wiser. What does this have to do with being in high school? My point is that we don’t always know where we are going in life – and you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do out of high school. Just like my GPS gave me a couple options of routes to take, university is giving you options about what you can do in life. It’s still early in the year. Take this time to learn about schools – do research and ask questions, and when you do choose a program, choose something that will interest you. The decision you make should be based on what you want to do in your life. Remember to follow your passion and to enjoy the scenery life hands you along the way.

Taking in the scenic route along Kelly's Mountain in Cape Breton

:)

I did it!!! And you can too!

Hi Everyone!

Well it was a big weekend this past weekend for me because I became an official Mount grad! Woo Hoo! Such a celebration!

'Why am I telling you this?' You might ask... well one of the big questions I got today and have received in the past is "How do I decide what to program to take in University?" There are so many cool programs sometimes it's hard to decide what will be best suited to lead you to the right career path. One thing that worked for me and that I would suggest to all students trying to choose a program, is to look at the courses offered in programs you are interested in. You don't have to stress about what you will do when you are finished if you are loving the courses you're taking. For example if you see a program with courses that really interest you, then you will enjoy them, do well, and find it easier to decide what to do with your degree. If you aren't sure, try a general arts or science degree and see what some of your favourite courses are and then decide from there.

When I look back at my choice to take Public Relations (PR) I did so because I wanted to take courses in Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Public Speaking and Persuasive writing among MANY others. The degree looked so cool I wasn't even sure what a PR person did, but I knew if it involved all those things then I would love it! =)

You can apply this lovely philosophy to ANY program!

This tip and others brought to you by the letter "M" and the "Brilliant" mind of Melanie LeBlanc!

Psych!

Hi everyone,

I'm back in Halifax this week visiting schools at lunch hour! I had the first school today and had a grrrreat question! "Does the Mount offer a degree in psychology through the arts program?" The answer is "YES!" we do offer it through the arts and science program. So come, learn, enjoy...and have no fear psych is here!

Ciao 4 now!

I'm Famous!

Hi again Everyone!

Today I went to my old high school...it was awesome! The year I left, they also built another high school nearby the old one and i got to visit my old teachers at both....and even some who went to other high schools. It was so nice to catch up and speak to students about my experience in high school and university. I talked to two leadership classes about how their leadership skills can be applied to post-secondary education. One of the main things I learned and wanted to share was that "You are not a leader because people follow you...but instead people follow you because you are a leader."

I had lots of questions in these sessions...one of the most popular was about how high school prepared me for university. I think that it prepared me well. Lots of the things I learned that I thought I would never use became very valuable. Things that I thought were small skills were actually invaluable assets in my degree and since then. One of the best skills I learned from my leadership class was an ability to interpret my audience. If you want to know more about what I mean e-mail me...it's helpful in everything from applications to essays!

Also check out the attached pictures! It's ME! I'm a celebrite in the Kawartha Pine Ridge Distric School Board...these posters are in each school in the board! (I'll be handing out autographs upon request)

Ciao 4 now!

Independents Begin

Hello Everyone!
I'm just about to start 3 weeks of independent visits for the Mount!
I will be in Courtice, Brampton, Kitchener and then Mississauga this week.
I look forward to meeting with interested students and I hope to see some students I have already met in the last two weeks. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone...I hope it was delicious.
Know what I'm thankful for? That I have the best and easiest job in the world! I get to travel and meet great people while promoting the best* university around.

Also enjoy the pic...this is what you might see if you encounter me at your school. =)

Have a good one, and again feel free to contact me with any questions!
Ciao 4 now

*Opinions above reflect Melanie LeBlanc and although she believes if you attend you will agree, they do not necessarily have any scientific basis.