In 2012, Jane Cooper was looking for a change in her life. 

After battling cancer in 2010, and then losing her husband in2012 to cancer, Cooper realized that she should grab hold of life with both hands. Using the strength and determination that had seen her through, she decided it was time to follow one of her dreams. 

Growing up in England, there had always been something about Canada that had intrigued her. So, with plans to move to Canada, a Canadian education seemed like a good place to start a new chapter in her life. After checking out many colleges and campuses, the tour of Mohawk is what convinced her, this was the place she belonged, “everyone was so welcoming and friendly.”

It was at Mohawk, that she gained a solid education in the Business program. By the time she graduated in 2015 she had worked on many projects, such as being involved in running a charity comedy night in The Arnie and selling products for charity. These experiences prepared her for life after college. 

Since graduation, Cooper has worked hard and often, at one point holding-down four part-time jobs as a bartender, administration assistant, supervisor and logistics manager. It paid off when she recently secured a full-time position as the Events Services and Security Manager for First Ontario Centre and Hamilton Place, in downtown Hamilton. Settling into her career, she shares, “I love every minute of my job and a highlight was getting to work on the Paul McCartney concert (he is such a legend to me).” 

Canada is quickly becoming her home. And recently she’s applied for permanent residency. 

Her advice to anyone considering following in her steps, is without hesitation, “100% do it! You have nothing to lose even if you decide Canada is not for you (which in my opinion won’t happen), you will have a fabulous adventure and the college experience for me although tough, I would not have changed it, you meet so many people from so many cultures and ways of life, it is unforgettable.” 

This story was originally published in Fall 2016 of the Mohawk Alumni In Touch magazine.