Guelph-Humber’s “mother” inspires and is inspired by students
University of Guelph-Humber alumni Kristen Francescutti remembers the first time she met Sandra Tassone.
“She asked why I was frowning, and I just said it was a bad day, but she kept asking, and finally I told her and she gave me advice,” Francescutti said. “That’s why I like her. She’s like a mother around the school, even to people she doesn’t know that well.”
Tassone is 20 years older than the average university student – but a student she is.
“I’m 41 years young,” she said.
Tassone has returned to school at Guelph-Humber after 20 years to complete her studies – but in addition to that, she has taken on the role of mother to many.
“Every day, coming to this school is an absolute joy for me, especially because of the students,” Tassone said.
Tassone became a full-time Justice Studies student at Guelph-Humber in September 2015, which includes a five-course workload. She’s also working part-time as a computer support assistant at the learning commons in the school, helping students or staff with any IT questions they may have.
Tassone is a mother at school and at home. She has three kids of her own; however, being a full-time student and a part-time worker at the school, she hardly has enough time to see them.
“I’m not really able to dedicate the right amount of time to that because I’m here. Academic studies take up most of people’s time, at least they should, and they do for me,” she said.
Although Tassone said it’s hard not being able to see her kids as often, she sees the students as some of her own children.
“They look up to me as a source of inspiration,” she said.
The students agree. Francescutti said she sees Tassone every Thursday walking around the school talking to any student she sees.
“Every time I see her she’s smiling and she always has a story for me. She goes out of her way to talk to everyone,” Francescutti said. “When I’m around someone like that, she makes me happier.”
However, Tassone says it’s the students who inspire her.
“I’m absolutely enamored with all of the kids at this university. I find them to be some of the most well-rounded, caring individuals I’ve ever met.”
Tassone had already done two years of applied geography at Ryerson University, but quit the program when she got a job as a law clerk in a downtown Toronto law office.
After Tassone’s divorce, she was left alone to raise her three children while working at the Rexdale Community Hub. Now she lives with her mother, brother, and three children in Woodbridge, Ont.
Tassone said she wants a better life for herself and her children, so she applied to Humber’s law clerk program, graduating last April. She hopes to complete her studies at Guelph-Humber by April 2017.
“I am grateful to be here every day,” Tassone said. “Never in my entire life have I felt as valued and appreciated than I do in my years at Guelph-Humber.”
The Toronto Star has recently published an article featuring Tassone’s journey to getting her degree.
“It’s absolutely something I’m honoured to do,” she said. “I have so much to say about this university, and the faculty, and students. It’s just a wonderful place and I highly recommend it to any person looking to apply to university.”
Tassone has just finished her summer student job at the Canada Border Services Agency, but will be returning in November. She hopes to become full-time as a legal advisor for the federal government when she graduates from Guelph-Humber.
The university has become a second home for Tassone. “When I step into the main doors, I kind of go into my own little world and it’s a place that’s happy, and I’m focused and driven,” she said.
She hopes to prove to the other students that age doesn’t make a difference.
“You’re never too mature to go back to school,” she said. “If you’re focused and you’re driven, you will achieve.”
About the Author
Christopher Coletta is a journalism student who dreams of hosting his own talk show. He enjoys cats, Ariana Grande and his favourite movie is Mean Girls; however, he assures he's not basic.
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