ANKIT KUNWAR (He/Him)

What motivated you to choose Confederation College, and what inspired your decision to pursue your program?

I chose Confederation College because of its strong reputation for hands-on, practical learning and the supportive environment it offers to students. The smaller class sizes and access to personalized support really appealed to me, as I value being part of a community where instructors know your name and care about your success. Being located in Thunder Bay, it also gave me the opportunity to stay closer to home while gaining a quality education in a beautiful, nature-filled setting.

I was inspired to pursue my program in Recreation Therapy because I’ve always had a deep interest in helping people improve their quality of life—especially through meaningful activities and connection. After seeing how recreational therapy can help individuals cope with mental, emotional, and physical challenges, I knew it was the right path for me. The program at Confederation is well-aligned with my personal values of compassion, creativity, and service, and I’m excited to develop the skills that will allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives.

What was the most impactful experience during your time at Confederation College, whether academic, extracurricular, or personal?

One of the most impactful experiences during my time in college was getting the chance to explore and expand my skills through various electives and campus events. Taking cooking classes not only taught me practical life skills but also boosted my confidence in trying new things. I also got the opportunity to experiment with 3D printing, which opened my eyes to creative and technical possibilities I hadn’t considered before.

Being involved in different college events and activities helped me step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. These experiences, outside of my core program, played a big role in shaping me into a more well-rounded person and future professional.

How has your time at Confederation College shaped your journey, both personally and professionally?

Life in college has played a big role in shaping both my personal and professional journey. Personally, it’s helped me become more independent, confident, and adaptable. Living away from home, managing my time, and balancing studies with personal life has taught me resilience and responsibility.

Professionally, college has given me a solid foundation through hands-on learning, placements, and working with real clients and teams. It’s shown me the importance of communication, empathy, and professionalism in the field. The experience has not only developed my technical skills but also helped me discover my passion for making a positive impact in people’s lives. Overall, college has been a stepping stone toward the kind of person and professional I want to become.

What are you up to now?

Right now, I’m focused on building experience and improving every day—whether it’s through physical work, learning new skills, or taking on responsibilities that push me outside my comfort zone. I believe every task, big or small, is an opportunity to grow, and I’m committed to developing both personally and professionally through consistent effort and hands-on learning.

Is there anything else you'd like to share? Whether it's personal or professional—have you recently bought a house, tied the knot, or received an award? We'd love to hear about it!

One personal milestone I’d love to share is that I recently started a new chapter by moving into my own place. It’s been a rewarding step toward independence and personal growth. I’ve also been working hard on developing both professionally and academically—especially through my studies and hands-on experiences during my program. While I haven’t received any formal awards recently, I take pride in the positive feedback I’ve received from instructors and supervisors during placements, which motivates me to keep growing in this field.