Back to Search
This month’s SHSM Student Spotlight features Mateah Egglezos, an inspiring Business SHSM student from Leamington District Secondary School, nominated by his co-op teacher, Ms. Gia Brennan. Ms. Brennan shared that Mateah’s dedication and passion were evident throughout his summer co-op at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Not only did he take pride in his daily tasks—ranging from cataloging historical artifacts to engaging the community through social media—but he also demonstrated a genuine commitment to preserving this local historical landmark. Ms. Brennan emphasized that Mateah’s enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and respect for the sanctuary’s mission made him an ideal candidate for this recognition.
Learn more about the SHSM Program
We caught up with Mateah to learn more about his journey in the SHSM program. Read on for his responses.
1. What initially attracted you to the SHSM program and the Business sector?
I was drawn to the Business SHSM program partly because of my dad, who also went into business and has been a big influence on me. Since my grade 9 business class, I’ve been interested in this field, and having my dad’s guidance made it easier to explore. I knew about SHSM early on, as my brothers were also part of it in high school. I see it as a valuable way to prepare for university or college, helping me gain practical experience before diving into post-secondary studies.
2. Can you describe your experience at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary? What were some of your favorite tasks?
I loved my time at the sanctuary! My role was primarily as the “social media manager,” but I got to do so much hands-on work, like working with geese and historical artifacts in the museum. My favorite task was driving the golf cart out into Kennedy Woods to clear the paths of any debris. Managing the sanctuary’s social media accounts—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn—was also really rewarding, especially as I saw our posts reach a wider audience.
3. You mentioned taking pride in your work. Can you share a specific accomplishment from your co-op that made you feel particularly proud?
There’s one post I created about the newly redesigned Jack Miner Museum that stands out. I wanted to highlight the work of another team member and, within 24 hours, the post had over 20,000 views on Facebook. Seeing those numbers made me realize how important my work was for the sanctuary’s visibility and connection with the community.
4. How did your work with the sanctuary deepen your understanding of the importance of historical landmarks in your community?
Mateah: My role required me to dig into the archives and learn about Jack Miner’s contributions, which shifted my perspective on Kingsville and the sanctuary itself. It added context to places I’d known all my life, making me appreciate the community’s history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
5. What skills did you develop during your co-op placement that you believe will be valuable in your future career?
The biggest skills I gained were teamwork and social media management. With a small team at the sanctuary, everyone had to contribute, so I quickly learned how to collaborate effectively. Managing the social media accounts also taught me a lot about digital marketing, which I now see as a potential career path.
6. Did you face any challenges during your co-op, and if so, how did you overcome them?
Fortunately, I didn’t face many challenges. The work was interesting and straightforward, and I had plenty of support. Anytime I had questions, there was always someone to help. It was an enjoyable and fulfilling placement.
7. How has your experience in the SHSM program influenced your plans for post-secondary education or your career?
SHSM introduced me to various programs and pathways, some of which I hadn’t considered before. I’m still exploring my options for university or college, but my experience has definitely sparked my interest in business and digital marketing.
8. What advice would you give to other students considering joining the SHSM program?
I’d say go for it! SHSM offers life skills, work experience, and exposure to post-secondary pathways. The co-op experience has been my favorite part, giving me the chance to work in a unique job environment. If you’re thinking about joining SHSM, it’s definitely worth it.
9. Can you highlight someone who has been particularly supportive of your journey in the SHSM program? How did they help you?
My biggest supporters have been my parents. They introduced me to the SHSM program and have been encouraging me throughout my entire journey, supporting my choices and helping me navigate school and career planning.
10. What are your goals moving forward, and how do you plan to apply what you’ve learned through your SHSM experience in the future?
I plan to attend university or college, with an interest in business. My experience at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary has made me consider digital marketing and business management as possible career paths. I’ll carry the skills I gained through SHSM—teamwork, time management, and social media management—into whatever I pursue next.
Like what you read? Don’t miss out on more inspiring SHSM journeys! Check out last month’s Student Spotlight to learn about another student’s unique path and accomplishments through the SHSM program.
Stay tuned for next month’s feature as we continue to highlight the incredible stories of students shaping their futures across the GECDSB!
Subscribe