(March 16, 2023) - Chloé Génier, a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) student, was born and raised in the small town of Cochrane, Ontario, located about four-hundred kilometers north from the city of Greater Sudbury. She graduated from École Catholique Nouveau Regard (2016) before attending Cambrian College where she earned her diploma in Community and Justice Services (2018). She went on to continue her undergraduate studies at Laurentian University, and is an alumna of the service social program (2022).
“I’ve had a unique experience in post-secondary education,” explained Génier who earned about a year’s worth of transfer credits toward her Bachelor’s degree, thanks to her efforts at Cambrian College. “My undergraduate degree at LU was also completed fully online, which kept me on my toes as online programming requires students to make their own schedules but nevertheless work toward tight deadlines.”
For Génier, maintaining a positive mindset throughout her post-secondary journey has been a top priority. When she graduated high school, she admitted that she wasn’t initially sure if university was the route she’d want to take, however, upon earning her college diploma, she felt compelled to earn a degree. “I knew Laurentian was where I wanted to go, and even if I was a little nervous, an important mentor and a close family member once told me that we need to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This mindset has helped me get to where I am today and to continue challenging myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone.”
While the fact that Laurentian offered a degree for which Génier could earn transfer credits was enticing to her, that the program she sought to study was available in French was of equal value. A proud francophone, Génier enthused, “when I graduated from service social, I earned my certificate of bilingualism, which was pretty cool.” This certificate is a recognized acknowledgment of bilingual (English & French) competency that is sought after by the province’s employers.
Even though her undergraduate courses were accomplished online, Génier stressed that she has met some incredible friends at Laurentian. “I’ve been so lucky to have made such strong connections with my peers. My friends and family are so important to me - they have motivated me to reach my full potential.” Génier explains that supportive faculty members have also assisted her efforts, as have her experiences in placements better prepared her for career opportunities.
As she works toward her Master’s degree, Génier keeps busy as a Probation and Parole Officer at the Cochrane Probation and Parole Office. “I’m also a registered social worker. Though I support all sorts of clients, I am especially interested in and passionate about mental health amongst youth and children.” Soon, Génier will select a topic of inquiry for her graduate thesis. “I’m not yet sure what my focus will be, but my interests in youth, mental health, and education are good stepping stones.”
Once she completes her MSW, Génier, who lives with her partner in Cochrane, hopes to stay in the region. She has a special place in her heart for Northern Ontario and for contributing to her community. “I’m certainly open to opportunities, and am excited for what my future holds.”