November 15, 2022 at 1:04 pm
About 650 students in grades 7 and 8 attended the Health and Wellness Fair at Lambton College on Tuesday.
It has more than a dozen events and presentations organized by Lambton students in nursing, pharmacy, children and youth, and caregiver programs.
Sandy Boldt, manager of college admissions programs, said the campaign was initiated by the school’s college work program to give students an idea of how to transition from high school to tertiary education.
“So our goal is to get students into our colleges and think about what higher education and opportunities look like, to see if they’re interested in the health or community service fields.”
(L to R) Eric Ostojic, Justin Cicchini and Sandy Bolt with Lambton College. November 15, 2022. (Photography: SarniaNewsToday.ca.)
Boldt said they have some very good health programs at Lambton College, including a new four-year nursing program starting this fall.
“We have practical nursing, we have PSW, we have paramedics, pharmacy, occupational physiotherapy and we have this amazing new space full of simulation labs with the latest technology for them to learn.”
Mekenzie Van Bynen is a second-year paramedic student. During Tuesday’s exhibit, she demonstrated some basic CPR techniques to young students.
“Some people were surprised, some people were shocked. They were a little shy at first, but our students here are really good at being part of the community and connecting with people at all levels, so I think we got them to the point where they were fully integrated into us, I think They had a great time.”
Van Bynen also shared what it’s like to be a paramedic.
“It’s a very rewarding career, there’s a lot to learn, and it’s a great way to serve the community. The programs here are amazing, the teachers are so eager to help you succeed, it’s great for team building, and will only encourage Your skills and development.”
Grade 8 student Lochlan Kennedy participates in a CPR demonstration.
“And I did it perfectly, I did everything right, so I might look into it.”
Kennedy also delivered a message to the public after the event.
“Stay healthy, don’t smoke, don’t do drugs.”
Another Year 8 student, Mackenzie Mason, said she was very interested in the exhibit discussing the dangers of smoking and its relationship to diabetes. She also said she has missed these school trips over the past few years.
“I hate online schools, my grades are down, and honestly — not much motivation,” Mason said. “But going back to school and being able to come here and do these things and see all the opportunities, it’s been really great.”
This is the first time the college has hosted the event since 2019.
