Alumni Naresh Saroye’s Saskatchewan Polytechnic journey from international student to community leader

February 2025

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is more than just a school for Naresh Saroye—it’s home. Even after graduating in 2024, he still visits the Prince Albert campus every two weeks. As an international student with no family in Canada, he found his family at Sask Polytech.

Saroye’s journey to Saskatchewan began with two suitcases and a big dream. Arriving as a nineteen-year-old in September 2022 to pursue a Sask Polytech Business Diploma with a specialty in Management, he quickly realized he had made the best decision of his life. “The instructors at Sask Polytech weren’t just teachers—they were mentors who were incredibly supportive and genuinely cared about my success,” Saroye says. Their encouragement gave him a sense of security and belonging in a new country.

One of Saroye’s greatest mentors was Shannon Pettem, his first-semester instructor and now the program head for the Office Administration certificate and Business diploma programs in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Prince Albert campus. Pettem recalls, “Naresh was always eager to learn and grow, and it was inspiring to see his confidence develop throughout his studies.” Saroye adds, “Shannon encouraged me to solve problems independently, which played a key role that shaped my mindset for the future.”

However, despite his academic success, Saroye faced personal struggles. Feeling down and missing family and friends back home, he reached out for support and met with Monica Harper, a campus counselor. That decision changed his life. “Talking to Monica was one of the best decisions I ever made. She encouraged me to volunteer and that advice changed everything for me,” Saroye says.

Monica encouraged Saroye to volunteer as a way to stay engaged and build connections. Taking this advice to heart, Saroye’s involvement in student life grew. He successfully ran for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students’ Association (SPSA) executive council, working alongside staff and faculty to enhance the student experience. “Becoming a part of the SPSA gave me a sense of accomplishment and made me feel even more connected to the Sask Polytech community,” he reflects.

His education at Sask Polytech also introduced him to the importance of Indigenization. Through lectures and the Indigenous Students’ center, he developed a deep respect for First Nations culture and formed meaningful friendships. Inspired to give back to people of the Treaty 6 territory, he opted to pursue a career in community development. With a richer understanding of Indigenous culture as well as working on student needs and supports, this combination helped Saroye attain a job working with youth at the Prince Albert YWCA.

Saroye volunteered at campus open houses and student orientations. Beyond campus, he pursued opportunities in community initiatives. Saroye volunteered with the downtown street fair and he was appointed to the City of Prince Albert’s Community Service Advisory Committee. These experiences, supported by Sask Polytech, helped him to continue developing both professionally and personally.

Graduating in April 2024 was a momentous occasion. Walking in the procession with senior leadership and delivering a speech at convocation was a proud achievement. When Mitch Holash, Sask Polytech board chair called him an inspiration, he knew his journey had come full circle. “That moment reaffirmed that all my hard work was worth it,” Saroye says.

Now, at twenty-one, Saroye works as a Vocational Counselor at the Prince Albert and District Community Service Center and as a Youth Care Worker at the YWCA. “The guidance and opportunities I received at Sask Polytech shaped me into the person I am today. I’ll always be grateful.” And while his time as a student has ended, he remains forever connected to the school that became his home away from home.