My CBU Story: Brooke Kelly

From the time she was a little girl attending basketball and gymnastic camps in the Sullivan Field House, Brooke Kelly imagined what it would be like to become a Cape Breton University student one day. Now, just weeks away from graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours in Psychology), Brooke says she is grateful to have attended a university so close to home. 

“CBU has so much to offer and will make you feel at home,” Brooke says to those considering applying. “When you get here, make sure to participate and get involved in everything you can. It may fly by, but it’ll be the best time of your life.” 

Brooke certainly followed her own advice, getting involved in campus recreation as well as becoming a member of the CBU Women’s Hockey Team. She says playing for the Capers has been the highlight of her time at CBU, and thanks her coaches and teammates for being such an important part of her student experience. 

“From being able to continue playing the sport I love to being part of Kraft Hockeyville and making sure young girls have dedicated ice time and a rink to be proud of, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” she says. 

Brooke says one thing she will miss about CBU is being involved in campus recreation. “I started working for campus recreation in my second year and have watched it grow from the ground up,” says Brooke. “One of my favourite memories is teaching learn-to-skate every week and watching students who have never stepped on ice before building their skills so quickly. It makes me happy to see the recreation program flourishing.” 

With graduation just around the corner, Brooke says she plans to spend her summer with friends and working with Capers in the Community before beginning an online Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program through St. Mary’s University. “CBU has prepared me for my next steps by giving me a quality education, a solid foundation in psychology and critical thinking and problem-solving skills I will carry with me forever,” says Brooke. “I was able to meet life-long friends through this program and always felt supported by my professors.” 

Brooke would like to send a special thank you to her thesis supervisor, Dr. McLennon Wilson, who always made time to help and encourage her along the way. “He helped me get out of my comfort zone and pushed me to be the best I could be,” she says. “His kindness and genuineness will never be forgotten, and I couldn’t imagine doing my honours thesis with anyone else.” Earlier this month, Brooke was awarded the Canadian Psychological Association’s (CPA) Undergraduate Thesis Award for her excellent work on the project. She has also earned a Certificate in Quantitative and Qualitative Psychology Research Methods as well as a Certificate in Mental Health Promotion and Protection.

Brooke says her boyfriend, friends and family were also there for her throughout her degree, offering unconditional encouragement and support. As she prepares to cross the stage with her fellow graduates this month, Brooke wishes her peers the best in wherever their next chapters take them. “Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way,” she shares. 

Congratulations to Brooke and the entire Spring 2024 graduating class!