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Graduate profile - Diana Ombe

June 27, 2019 - The 2019 convocation ceremony was a very important moment for a number of people from our University community. One of them, Diana Ombe, received her diploma and gave the farewell address during the morning ceremony.

Diana OmbeWhat is your student status?
I graduated with a bachelor of social communication, with a minor in social innovation.

What is your best memory of Saint Paul University?
The memory of my friends and members of the University community who supported me is something I will never forget. Each one of them was there for me in one way or another as I went through a difficult time emotionally.

During my second year, my mother and my brother died. Because of this tragic and unexpected situation, I raced home to Cameroon. My financial situation became precarious.

A number of friends and members of the University community helped me. They supported me in various ways, each in their own way, through a word or a gesture. Many people came to see me and chipped in to allow me to return to my studies. That is a souvenir that I cherish. I am very thankful to the entire Saint Paul University community. It is thanks to them that I am where I am today.

If you could give one piece of advice to the student you were on your first day at SPU, what would it be?
I would like to tell that first-year student that her journey would not be easy, but everything would be okay. I would tell her to enjoy the present moment. Four years can seem very long, but in fact those years would fly by. Even if things didn’t unfold the way she expected, I would like to be able to tell her that in the end, all would be well.

Was there a significant moment that you would like to tell us about?
I loved my experience as vice president (external) of the Student Association, which allowed me to help students every day. To do this, I created an awareness campaign for the prevention of sexual violence on campus. I enjoyed the conversations I had with my student colleagues. Even though not many of them took part in the awareness activities, those who did loved their experience. This allowed us to become aware of a misunderstood and at times taboo situation. I hope I managed to give back to the University community everything it gave to me when my mother and brother died. I did my best and I hope they could sense that.

Describe your experience at Saint Paul University
Enriching. I loved the human values conveyed by the professors. I learned that at SPU, you can build very personal relationships among everyone, whether they are part of the administration, professors or students. At Saint Paul, the student is not just a number, but a whole person, and everyone knows your first name.

What was your greatest challenge?
Life is sprinkled with challenges! While I was studying, I overcame a financial challenge when I had to pay both my tuition and funeral costs for my family. Lots of questions rushed through my mind: Could I put my studies on hold? Would I have enough money to make ends meet?

Now that this difficult stage is behind me, some more exciting challenges are on the horizon: the job market! Life is full of surprises. Where am I going? I am open to all opportunities that the future will offer me. I am staying positive.

What are your plans for after graduation?
I am very excited that my experience in the labour market is starting with a job as liaison officer at the Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne (FESFO). This not-for-profit organization fights for the rights of the Francophonie and of young francophone leaders.

Anything to add?
The only thing I’m sure of is this: at Saint Paul University, you find more than classmates or relationships. Here, you create a family, and above all, you make very, very good friends.

Congratulations, Diana! We can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!

 



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