We are proud to celebrate our 2026 post-secondary, secondary, and Azhemiinigoziwin program graduates as they cross the stage later this week.
We asked our post-secondary graduates what their experience at SGEI was like and if they had any favourite parts to share. Here are some of their answers.
Amanda Woodworth | Practical Nursing
I wouldn’t be standing here today without the support of the instructors who saw me through my hardest days. Their kindness turned my most challenging semesters into a lesson on resilience, showing me that nursing is as much about strength of character as it is about medicine. I am so grateful for the foundation they helped me repair. I’m excited to start my career as a Practical Nurse and continue my growth by preparing for the RN bridging pathway this coming fall.
Raelle Redford | Practical Nursing
My overall experience at SGEI was great. It was hard at times, but I expected nothing less. I believe I learned a lot in class and in clinical; I feel confident going into the nursing profession on my own, thanks to my instructors!
Jessica Lorraine Ogemah Clarke-Fraser | Esthetician
I loved the program and would encourage anyone interested to go for it. You can make a positive change for your future and make some good friends along the way. The school has amazing staff who are all super supportive.
Rhianne Hulshof | Paramedic
I absolutely loved the hands-on nature of the program and how incredibly supportive all of the instructors are. Rachel, the program coordinator, especially stood out for being so consistently supportive, always advocating for us and pushing us to be the best we can be. Overall, it was a very challenging and rewarding experience.
Amy McMahon | Esthetician
I enjoyed most that the campus fed us. Not having to worry about feeding myself made doing school and being a mom a lot easier.
Shane Dillon Tom | Building Construction
What I’ve enjoyed most about the program was the hands-on learning and gave me a better understanding on how to be a better Carpenter.
The Rainy Lake Campus is a beautiful building. It’s a great place to learn, and the lunch program they offer there makes it easier to learn because you’re fed and full of energy.
I had a great experience at this school and would recommend it to others who plan on furthering their education in the future. I had a great instructor who was very patient and taught us in a way that made it easy for us to understand and apply.
Nadia Treftlin-Webb | Paramedic
I had an amazing experience with SGEI. I have enjoyed making new lifelong friendships and building good relationships with my instructors. You can tell how much the school and staff care about their students.
Giselle Gray | Practical Nursing
I had a great experience, the school really showed that if you put the work in and want to succeed, they will support you to succeed.
Tanika Kejick | Early Childhood Education
I really enjoyed my instructors and everything they offered within my time. They helped a lot.
Fletcher Klug | Paramedic
I really enjoyed being close to home, the kindness of my instructors, the generous and helpful staff, and the general good spirit around the school. Overall, I really enjoyed attending SGEI, and I will always recommend it to anyone thinking about attending the paramedic program.
Breven Eden Sky Mandamin | Police Foundations
I really enjoyed how thorough and dedicated the instructors were. You could easily tell they really wanted us to feel comfortable acclimating to the idea of being employed in this field of work.
Faye Boshkaykin | Esthetician
My favourite part about this program was going to the Indigenous communities to do salon/spa services with my amazing classmates and instructors!
Marielle Ngaya | Practical Nursing
During my time at SGEI, I enjoyed the supportive instructors, hands-on learning, and friendly campus environment. Overall, my experience was engaging, positive, and helped me grow.
Ian Davidson | Paramedic
I really appreciated the instructors; they were very knowledgeable, experienced, and genuinely invested in the success of each individual student.
Benjamin Ople | Mental Health and Addictions Worker
During my time at SGEI, I experienced a supportive and culturally grounded learning environment focused on student success. Instructors contributed significantly by fostering a safe and inclusive space, sharing lived experiences, and promoting critical thinking. The welcoming atmosphere of the Kenora Campus, characterized by medium class sizes, facilitated strong connections within the community.