The last two years have been a unique journey for Acha Divine Patandjila. 

 In the winter of 2020, Patandjila came from Uganda to Canada as a refugee with aspirations of studying filmmaking. Arriving in Toronto during the middle of the pandemic, Patandjila felt completely alone.  

“I had to quarantine for 14 days, and once I moved into Humber’s residence, I was still isolated from people... I didn’t know anyone,” said Patandjila. 

Patandjila decided to enroll in the Media Communications diploma program as it would provide her with some filmmaking courses while teaching her other valuable media and communications skills. 

Once the program started, even though courses were being taught virtually, Patandjila quickly made friends with her classmates and really started to enjoy the program.  

“Media Communications was right for me, and it was my opportunity to learn more – from web design to photography and videography,” said Patandjila. 

 The Media Communications diploma program helps students become compelling multi-media storytellers by teaching them photography, videography, web design and media writing. Students also learn to use the Adobe Suite programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere Pro while developing digital marketing strategies that they can use in any industry. 

Students use their new skills to create a portfolio website to highlight their work. Graduates of the program often find themselves in communications, graphic design, content creation, content writing, social media and digital marketing jobs in diverse industries. The program also gives students the opportunity to obtain real-world experience through a work placement in their final semester.

Patandjila says learning new photography and web design skills will make her stand out while looking for a job.  

“[The program] has solidified what I had in mind initially, but now I go in with more to give,” Patandjila said.  

 After completing three semesters, Patandjila began looking for a work placement in the Greater Toronto Area. Coincidentally, she found a position with Humber’s Government Relations, Marketing and Communications (GRMC) department. This department oversees all of Humber’s communications, marketing and public affairs initiatives, including advertisements, photography, videography and social media.   

"Everyone has been so helpful. They make [work] a nice environment, and they’ve given me a standard of the environment I want to work in," said Patandjila. 

Patandjila saw this placement as an opportunity to express herself and use the skills she learned in her writing, videography and photography courses.  

“I wanted a platform to show what I have to bring to the table, what I have to say and what it’s like seeing the world through my eyes,” she said. 

 In the GRMC department, Patandjila has been taking a wide range of photos and conducting interviews for an upcoming content-driven campaign which has taught her a valuable lesson in storytelling.  

"I realized that people have stories to tell that they want the world to know,” said Patandjila. “People are people… and everyone’s fighting a different battle.” 

Initially, when Patandjila started with GRMC, she occasionally struggled with her confidence while trying to figure out her role and how she could contribute to the team. 

“Sometimes I think I do not know as much as I should know and that I’m not doing as much as I should,” said Patandjila. 

 Luckily, Patandjila found that she could rely on those around her in the department when she needed extra support.  

“Everyone has been so helpful. Everyone has made me feel like a part of the community, and that’s been very encouraging.” 

 Now a recent Humber graduate, Patandjila hopes to keep working towards becoming a filmmaker, and her experience with the GRMC department has given her a new motivation to pursue her dreams.  

“I really want to get into film… but there is no growth in the comfort zone,” said Patandjila. “Nothing comes easy... sometimes it takes a little bit of shaking, but it’s worth it.  

“It’s not about the prize; it’s about the journey.” 

Learn more about Humber’s Media Communications diploma program.