Nicole Sassine

Windsor, Ontario
Graduating with an honours Bachelor of Human Kinetics in leisure and sport management

How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?

My involvement in sports has always been in integral part of my life. For as long as I could remember I was a part of recreation club sports and on sports teams in school. When I reached the high school level, my focus was mainly on track and field. I discovered my passion for the sport and how it allowed me to be myself and motivated me to succeed. When I found out that there was an actual program where you could learn about health and physical education and the management of sport and leisure my mind was instantly made up. I learned about how great the Human Kinetics program is at the University of Windsor through word of mouth, brochures, guest lectures and tours. The staff was so friendly and welcoming that I was sold.

The University of Windsor track and field team has had success over the years and we continue to do so. Dennis Fairall contacted me personally and told me all about the track and field program. The combination of the family-oriented atmosphere in Human Kinetics, and the success of the track and field program aided me in my decision of which major to choose, and which school to study it at.

What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?

My expectations of university were very open-ended. At the time, I didn’t know what to expect since I was only 17. I expected it to be very independent and less social than high school. Looking back, the entire university experience exceeded my own expectations. The Faculty of Human Kinetics specifically showed me a whole other side of University that I wasn’t aware of before, which was a pleasant surprise.

What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?

The most important thing I’ve learned is to get involved. University is only as great as you make it and you can make it a memorable experience only if you expand your horizons. It’s about more than just getting good grades; it’s about meeting new people, trying new things, and living the student life.

What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?

The most memorable part of my UWindsor experience would have to be when the men’s and women’s track and field teams won the CIS championships at home in 2009. I was so proud to be apart of such an amazing, talented group of people who were a part of the first team to win both team titles at home. Had I not been a student-athlete, my experiences overall wouldn’t have been as memorable.

Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.

I can’t imagine being apart of any other graduating class simply because of the memories I have made and the people I have had them with. The people I have met are not only classmates, but friends that I will cherish long after graduation. If I was not apart of this graduating class, my attitude and motivation towards school would be different had it not have been for the people who supported me throughout it.

Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?

A course that stood out in my mind was Dr. Vicky Paraschak’s Social Construction of Leisure. The class layout and theme was like no other. It took a completely different view on assignments, class policies and structure. As students, we played a large part in the outline of the class and the activities we wanted to do. The focus was on experiencing positive moments of self-expression and this is something that was surely accomplished in this class through journals, readings, and in depth class discussions.

What are your plans following graduation?

Following graduation, the next step is more schooling. I have been honoured with an acceptance into teacher’s college here at the University of Windsor in the fall. I will also have the opportunity to compete as a Windsor Lancer once more on the track and field team. I plan to enjoy another year at this University, meeting new people, learning new things, bringing me one step closer to my career.