Patience Omeruo, a second-year Digital Communications and Media (DCM) student, has been selected for an internship experience with Corus Entertainment and Global News. Omeruo is the 21st recipient of the internship, sponsored by Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni Troy Reeb (Broadcast Journalism 1988, Honourary Degree 2019).
"I'm so excited to go," says Omeruo. "Last year, when Jody [-Ann Smikle] won, she told me all about her internship experience and I knew then that's what I wanted to do."
As this year's internship recipient, Omeruo will spend 14 days with Global News, Global National and Corus Radio teams in Toronto and Ottawa.
"The goal of the internship has always been to provide a jumpstart to students who show they have all the ingredients for a successful media career," says Reeb. "The enthusiasm, maturity and creativity demonstrated by Patience makes her an ideal candidate, and I am deeply appreciative to Corus Entertainment and Global News for continuing to offer exposure to the industry at the highest levels."
An international student from Nigeria, Omeruo channelled her own experiences with her written submission for internship consideration. Titled Surviving and Studying: The True Cost of being an International Student in Canada, Omeruo profiled the experiences and sacrifices of her fellow students, including ever-increasing expenses and struggles navigating family hardship half a world away. In her submission, she writes, "international undergraduate students in Canada pay an average tuition cost of $41,746 per year which is more than five times the $7,734 average for domestic students," with "the cost of living adding another estimated $15,000 to $17,000 annually."
Reflecting on her personal experiences in a new country, Omeruo explains the challenges aren't strictly financial.
"Learning a new culture in a new country is a great opportunity, but being so far from home has been tough," she says. "My first Christmas here was emotional - I could only talk to my family over video calls."
Omeruo previously worked in media in Nigeria, where she saw firsthand the transition from traditional to digital media. With a continuing interest in the field, she explored options to improve her skills. In discussions with a friend, she realized international education and experience would give her a leg up in the media industry, which led her to Canada.
"I knew I wanted to come to Alberta, but I didn't know what school or program to attend," she explains. "I did a Google search and found a review of Lethbridge Polytechnic's DCM program from a fellow Nigerian. Fast forward a few years and I'm about to start my practicum and convocate in the fall."
"Patience tackled an important and timely topic," says Peter Gingras, instructor, Centre for Trades and Technologies. "International students are facing considerable hardships related to the skyrocketing cost of living in Canada. It's an issue most aren't informed of prior to their arrival in this country, leaving them scrambling to find work to help them survive while studying here".
Co-ordinated and sponsored by Reeb, and supported by Corus Entertainment, Lethbridge Polytechnic awards this annual internship to a DCM student who demonstrates proficiency in journalism, strong storytelling ability and a clear passion for the industry. Past recipients have gone on to achieve great professional success in media and communications.
Learn more about the Digital Communications and Media program by visiting lethpolytech.ca/dcm.
