CU Grads: Derek

1. What was the most memorable moment of your Carleton experience?

The most memorable moment of my Carleton experience would be all times spent with the Men’s Hockey team. The road trips, going to class, the study sessions will all be remembered. It made school that much easier already starting out with a group of guys you are close with and spend all your time with.

2. Which service centers were instrumental to your success as a student?

The Discovery Centre helped me immensely. The ability to book rooms, tables and white boards, was great due to it giving me a place where I could meet classmates or teammates to go over notes and not have to worry about disturbing others. The availability of the white boards also helped me prepare for labs and go over equations with ease.

3. Which community member has made a difference in your time here at Carleton?

Nadine Smith, the Head Athletic Therapist at Carleton, has made not only a difference in my time here, but a difference in my life. Over the years, dealing with numerous minor and major injuries she has always been there to listen and give advice related to hockey and life in general. Juggling hockey and school at the same time takes a toll on you physically and mentally so having someone to talk to and help you take a step back, look at the smaller picture, and set weekly goals to keep motivate gets overlooked sometimes. I owe a great amount of my success as a student and as an athlete to her.

4. What achievement or experience are you most proud of from your years here?

I am most proud of having the ability to go to Nationals twice with the Men’s Hockey program for its first two appearances. Carleton is predominantly known for being a basketball powerhouse, so showing not only our school but, the rest of Canadian universities that we are also a hockey powerhouse has meant a lot to me. I am extremely proud to have graduated while playing the sport I love. Not everyone gets the chance to experience university the way that an athlete does and I did not take that for granted.

5. What advice would you give to a new Carleton student?

The advice that I would give a student that is starting at Carleton would be to enjoy the ride. The more you put yourself out there, the more you will grow and learn about yourself. You are in university once so enjoy every experience that comes your way.