Even though Demin (Isabella) Kong (MEd ’20, BEd ’25) missed her parents while crossing Brock’s Convocation stage, cheers from the crowd — and one voice in particular — made all the difference.

Heartbroken her parents were unable to visit from China for her graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 12 due to international travel constraints, the Consecutive Teacher Education graduate invited recently retired Faculty of Education (FOE) Instructor Mark Wickens to attend in their place.

“The Wickens family has always been so supportive. They helped me, checked in on me and congratulated me on my successes,”  she said. “I am forever grateful for them.”

Wickens was saddened that Kong’s parents could not be there in person, but says it was a privilege to stand in on their behalf.

“I was honoured to cheer on Demin on this special day,” he said. “My wife Trudy and I are so very proud of her and all she has accomplished.”

As a symbol of gratitude and respect, Kong’s parents sent the Wickens family a Chinese calligraphy poem, which is displayed in their home in the family room.

Kong first came to Brock in 2019 to complete a Master of Education. Her motivation to become a teacher is driven by a deep curiosity about how students learn and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

“The chance to inspire youth through positive education means the world to me,” she said.

Kong faced challenges as an international student adjusting to a cultural shift, but said the supports and resources at Brock helped her get settled and thrive.

“All of my professors and instructors helped me on this journey. I relied on Brock’s student resources, especially around mental health, and I am so grateful for the support,” she said.

A school administrator from the Halton District School Board, Wickens taught in Brock’s Faculty of Education as an Instructor of Educational Studies for 15 years before retiring in 2024.

With expertise in educational methodologies and English as a second language (ESL), he took Brock students to China three times during his career for practice teaching blocks.

“I was fortunate to lead study travel with students and learn about their unique international perspectives,” Wickens said. “Cross-cultural contributions from students like Demin to the University community are what make Brock such an enriching place to learn,” he said.

Deeply committed to educational growth and passionate about nurturing future educators, Wickens offered to mentor the aspiring teacher.

Education is not the only passion Kong and Wickens have in common — both are accomplished musicians with a shared belief in the power of music to foster creative growth.

Wickens and his band even found Kong a well-loved piano of her own so she could keep playing during her studies.

Qualified to teach music in China, Kong has shared her love of music by volunteering with Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre in St. Catharines.

Wickens said as an international student whose second language is English, Kong has shown great resilience and perseverance.

“Demin has worked so hard to get where she is, and now she is a proud Brock grad thanks to her tenacity end endless positivity,” he said.

Kong has been hired by two school boards Niagara and Hamilton as an Occasional Teacher, already making her mark on future generations.

“I’ve always been fascinated by diverse teaching methodologies to connect with students from all backgrounds and abilities, and it’s a privilege to now be doing what I love thanks to the support and encouragement I received at Brock.”