Anthony Frisina's passion and true loves are the Hamilton community and volunteering. Anthony serves on the local planning committee with Rick Hansen's Wheels in Motion, as well as with the Canadian Paraplegic Association to raise funds for people living with spinal cord injuries.

He is an active member of Mohawk College's Accessibility Planning Committee, representing the committee as an alumnus and facilitating accessibility-focused Campus Renewal Projects. Anthony also serves on the advisory committee for the Catholic Youth Organization's Marydale Park - Ontario's first barrier-free, fully accessible park & recreation facility.

Starting out part-time at Mohawk, Anthony has continued to increase his responsibilities doing a variety of jobs and involved with multiple programs. His work at Mohawk College has been so valuable that McMaster University saw a need for his skill set. Anthony now commutes between the two campus',working hard every day to ensure that both Education Centers and their students are experiencing success, inclusion, and acceptance.

If you could go back in time, what 1 piece of advice would you give to yourself on the first day of College?

If I could go back in time and give myself one piece of advice on the first day of college, it would be to explore the greater picture Mohawk College. I would tell my younger self to be more active in extracurricular activities because I have learned through experience that that is truly what being a student and a member of the Mohawk community is all about.

Anthony carried the torch for the Pan Am Games in 2015. He also pitched, produced and hosted a pilot on Cable 14 all about Accessibility & Inclusion, entitled Above & Beyond - Bridging the Gap to Accessibility & InclusionNominated for a TedX speaker in Toronto and asked to represent Hamilton as a "Community Champion" - waiting for more information.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

My passion professionally here at Mohawk has always and will continue to be my membership on the Accessibility Planning Committee. I have a difference of ability when traveling through my everyday experiences, which has motivated me to align with other astounding advocates and allies who promote inclusion within our campus as well as the larger community. I am grateful and inspired every day to be a member of this tireless community whom shares my passion to make sure everyone feels valued and included on our campus and in the community.

If you could give advice to a new student thinking of entering your program, or a similar program, what would it be?

I had the opportunity of studying both Enterprise Business, and Office Administration- Executive at Mohawk College. My best piece of advice for students entering my program(s) of study, or any Mohawk College program, as a new student I say Carpe Diem! Whether you are aware of it or not while sitting in the classroom, Mohawk College will allow you to attain the skills to recognize, have the confidence and to take control of your future.

How has your education at Mohawk prepared and supported you throughout your career?

Education at Mohawk College happens both inside and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, I learned about Business and Professionalism. Outside of the classroom I built up my life skills toolbox, learning about networking and public speaking. I learned so much about myself, in my time here as a student at Mohawk, that I gained the confidence to be successful.