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Meet Â黨´«Ã½alumni Mike Burton

Hometown: Nelson, BC
Program: Associates Degree for Science, Vernon - 2018

Affordability and closeness to home are great aspects on why I joined the Okanagan College, the smaller class sizes are also invaluable towards  post-secondary education. Having the opportunity to have a close relationship with the professors and knowing how badly they want you to succeed is something that one does not always experience in a massive university setting. I have met some of the most amazing people, both faculty and staff, during my time at the OC, and recommend going there to this day.

Can you tell us how your experience at Â黨´«Ã½helped shaped the path you have chosen?

I completed my Bachelor’s of Science with honours in biology at the University of Regina and am now enrolled in the Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

My experience at the Â黨´«Ã½allowed for me to build the confidence I needed in academia for the years ahead. I joined the associate’s degree program when I was 24, and with the smaller class sizes and community atmosphere, I felt that my time with the faculty and fellow students was part of some of my best memories in post-secondary education.

Being able to volunteer as a professor’s assistant and to be involved with labs teaching elementary and high school students with the Â黨´«Ã½Experience event bolstered my love of helping others and the desire to bring education and the sciences to more people. It taught me the skills that will be necessary as a veterinarian to be able to effectively teach the public on complex concepts and reinforced my desire to always educate and help those in need. I believe that my time at the Â黨´«Ã½will always be the core foundation that set me on and kept me on the path I have today.

Why did you choose Okanagan College for your post-secondary education?

I chose the Okanagan College due to its closeness to home, its affordability, and the smaller class sizes relative to universities.

Tell us about a memorable experience or project that made a lasting impact on your learning journey at OC

As I’ve discussed previously, the times I helped with biology, chemistry, and physics labs for the Â黨´«Ã½Experience and the biology labs for elementary students were my most memorable experiences there. Being able to help aspiring scientific minds and bolster their love for the sciences was honestly one of my greatest joys during my time at the college. It was during one of these events that a student found me after and thanked me profusely for the impact I had on her choices going into post-secondary life. Despite being 7 or 8 years ago now, I hold moments like that close to my heart to allow for me to continuously push through the challenges I face later on in my academic and professional careers.