Dominique Marcil finds success through liberal education

When Dominique Marcil was applying to post-secondary, she looked for a program that would give her an innovative and well-rounded education, and champion the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. She discovered this and more at the University of Lethbridge.

As a student with ADHD and autism, Dominique knows being able to access ULethbridge resources and staying connected to her friends and classmates contribute to her success. Dominique also balances her studies with spending time outdoors in Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

My most memorable ULethbridge experience has been learning that there are people who will accept you for who you are. And that it is safe to be your best eccentric self.

Why did you choose ULethbridge?

When I left high school, I believed I knew what I wanted to pursue as a career. My original plan was to become a legal assistant. That, however, did not go to plan and I spent several years trying different paths in life by volunteering and working at places of interest to me.

While deciding which post-secondary institution to attend, I kept in mind what I wanted to receive from my education. I wanted an education that was well-rounded, diverse and innovative. With the liberal education requirements, I was able to explore a wider range of subjects that interested me. This is why I chose ULethbridge for my BFA in New Media.

Tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning.

In my independent study, I researched the emotional, career and personal instability that occurs with a lack of accessible resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder women and other neurodiverse individuals at a post-secondary level.

My three biggest takeaways from this research are:

1. How important accessible communities are for minority groups in places of education.
2. How vital it is to create positive and informative environments where people outside of these diverse groups feel safe enough to ask questions and learn about neurodiversity.
3. Accessible to one should mean accessible to all.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?

I have had so many memorable experiences that to narrow it down would be nearly impossible. But, overall, I think my most memorable experience has been learning that there are people who will accept you for who you are. And that it is safe to be your best eccentric self, whatever that may look like for you.