Jenoa Cassidy - BOLD Stories
Supportive, kind and welcoming. These are three words Jenoa Cassidy uses as she reflects
on her first three months as a new pre-university student.
Jenoa was one of many students accepted into the inaugural year of the Indigenous Students STEM Access Program (ISSAP) for September 2023, an alternative pathway for Indigenous students interested in completing a degree in engineering or science, offered in partnership between Brescia University College and Western University.
From Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and formerly attending Westminster Secondary School in London, Jenoa wasn’t entirely sure what her career path would look like following graduation. It wasn’t until a conversation with her guidance counsellor that ISSAP was introduced.
“I knew this would be an opportunity solely for me; an opportunity to grow even closer
to my culture and watch doors open to a career in the science field. I never thought
I could do any of this, yet here I am,” said Jenoa.
The program allows students to complete the grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses needed for either science or engineering at Western. These courses are hosted at Brescia, where students acclimate to university life prior to starting their official undergraduate studies at Western the following year.
In addition to providing students with a supportive and inclusive learning environment, ISSAP allows for Indigenous ways of knowing and being to form the disciplines of engineering and science.
As Arielle Bressette, Western Engineering’s Indigenous Recruitment Coordinator, explains,
“Prior to this program being developed, these fields of study had always been considered
through a non-Indigenous lens. Considering this newly developed pathway program, students
will have the opportunity to provide solutions that are sustainable and adaptable
to long-term thinking. This is essential because of the impact of actions on the environment,
society and well-being of seven generations of people ahead.”
With the support from Brescia’s Preliminary Year Advisor, Lissette Ochoa, Arielle Bressette and Western’s Indigenous Student Centre (ISC), Jenoa was able to transition with ease into her university-based studies. Her current courses include biology, chemistry, math and leadership, in which she describes as exciting and fulfilling.
“I owe a lot to the support systems that have been in place from the time of my acceptance as I transitioned into these courses. Lissette, Arielle, and the ISC have been amazing. I love that with these supports available to me, I was able to choose my courses and map out my own schedule,” said Jenoa.
Although her courses this year are hosted on Brescia’s campus, which she describes as an incredible start to her university journey, Jenoa has been able to access the many benefits of the broader Western community. This includes attending events and accessing supports through the Wampum Learning Lodge, a home for Indigenous initiatives on campus. “This centre really is the optimal place to be; where I can combine my cultural understanding and heritage with all the learning experiences I have had and will continue to have while studying here. It’s a different way of learning than I am used to in the past, but I love it.”
Students in the program are considered Western students from the day they step foot on campus, with access to the same benefits, resources, programs, and services. “It’s amazing that our ISSAP students have these supports available to them, as they help students to thrive in the program. It has been such a rewarding and holistic experience to watch these students transform into university students,” said Arielle.
As a wrap up, Jenoa was asked what advice she would give to students interested in ISSAP. Without hesitation, she responded with,
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This can be a very intimidating experience at first
glance, especially when you are coming right out of high school. Once I started to
ask questions, my stress was lifted from my shoulders. I could breathe, and I have
relied on those supports ever since. In addition, I want students, especially Indigenous
students, to know that this program has changed me as a person. Maturing is one thing
but it’s the community within this program that is nothing like I have ever experienced
before. You deserve to have these opportunities too.”