I would wholeheartedly recommend Centennial College to anyone looking for a career in journalism. Among the program's many strengths, credit has to be given above all to its dedicated and demanding instructors, who set high expectations for their students -- the best kind of preparation for a tough, competitive field.

In fact, at the National Post, where I work, some editors put a premium on Centennial grads, and go out of their way to make room for them because of their reputation for arriving prepared to contribute. Personally, I arrived here with enough experience and training that I was able to write a publishable story on Day One. Things continued to go well and in time I got a full-time, permanent job. I can't think of a better endorsement than that.

As Dan Rather once said, "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called 'truth'." The former American news anchor could have been describing the outstanding instructors at Centennial College who helped me fulfill my dream of becoming a journalist.

They pushed me to get better every day I stepped into the classroom and many of them serve as mentors for me to this very day. I am proud to be a graduate of the program.

As a newly arrived immigrant to Canada, I realized my overseas educational credentials needed an upgrade, so I set about finding a school that would help me. The Journalism - Fast Track program was everything and more than what I had expected. The faculty members were committed, patient and extremely current about the field. I managed to find a fantastic placement with a daily which proved to be a springboard for a summer job and finally a full-time reporter's job.

I read and often write stories about immigrants having a tough time breaking into their field in Canada, I know firsthand that it is not easy, but it is certainly not impossible. With the right attitude and the right school, a whole new world is ours for taking.