After I completed my two-year Teacher Aide diploma I obtained a full-time position as an Educational Assistant; however, it was always my dream to be an elementary school teacher. An aunt and uncle of mine recommended that I look into Athabasca University because they each had successful educational experiences with AU. While researching Athabasca University's programs I discovered AU's Bachelor of Professional Arts 4-year degree. I found that the BPA degree was particularly unique and enriching because it provides a competitive edge, since one's prior learning and experience can be entirely recognized and applied to any of the majors within the Bachelor of Professional Arts designation.
Thanks to AU's sublime distance education programs and services, as well as their wonderful support and flexibility, I was able to gain paid classroom experience, maintaining my full-time position as an Educational Assistant, while I worked towards the completion of my degree. My university coursework alone provided me with classroom-relevant education in the areas of Learning Disabilities: Issues and Interventions, Teaching and Managing the Child with Learning Difficulties, Consultation and Collaboration for Students with Special Needs, Managing Behavioural Problems in the Classroom, and Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs. Therefore, due to my undergraduate studies, I will be entering a Faculty of Education with specific knowledge, unique skills, and a variety of experiences relevant to classroom education, which will ultimately benefit the students I will teach because I am better prepared to serve my future students in their educational needs for their educational success.
I am proud to say that I graduated Athabasca's Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services degree with distinction and I am excited to share the news that I am currently awaiting admission decisions from three Faculties of Education, which will complete my dream of becoming a teacher. Athabasca University made this breadth and calibre of education, and the acquisition of my degree, possible. I have recommended, and I will continue to recommend, Athabasca University to others. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to God, my husband, my parents, other family members, and friends/colleagues for their unconditional love, support, and belief in my abilities. I would like to send accolades to my aunt and my uncle for their individual referrals to AU, as well as to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone at Athabasca University who assisted me along the way.
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UPDATE:
As stated above, Pamela was awaiting admission decisions from three post-secondary institutions in order to complete her dream of becoming a teacher. Pamela just let Open AU know that she was accepted to all three of the Bachelor of Education programs, and on June 8, 2011, she conferred her Bachelor of Education for the 2010-11 academic year with a 3.824 GPA.
Pamela and her peer were also selected from their division by the institution's faculty to receive the J.W. Trusler Proficiency Award in Education, which is based on academic achievement and excellence in practice teaching. Pamela was also recently hired by a local school board and looks forward to beginning her teaching career.
Congratulations Pamela!
Pamela Muma
Education should be the first on the list for an individual to expand their horizons. So why has education always been a thorn in my side? From past experiences I had become jaded in regards to the idea and desire to attend a post-secondary institution. I am 38 years old and I realized that I would have to make a decision; time is of the essence. I have two young children that have given me hope with their ability to change the world, one smile at a time. This new found glory motivated me to work towards a goal that will help me and will undoubtedly lend a helping hand in teaching my children that education is a key ingredient in creating their own sense of individuality and enjoyment.
After attending college and working in the Broadcast Arts industry and various nightclubs, I became disillusioned with the whole school derivative. Then I met someone who inspired me to continue my pursuits of happiness and give education a second chance. One of the best decisions I made was to register for a course at Athabasca University. The Athabasca on-line course has offered me a chance to recharge my inner battery and find enlightenment and it has sparked my interest and imagination to be a success.
The future is bright and I look forward to doing something I am truly passionate about. I've come to the conclusion that life is what you make it! If you choose to be a bitter old man living out his life yelling at kids, "Get off my lawn!" then you will be very lonely. The real choice is a no-brainer. Choose to live each and every day like it was your last and have no regrets. Carpe Diem!
Stan Ashbee
If there is one thing I have discovered over the past decade, is that my financial stability is directly proportional to the number of times I visit Starbucks in one month. The draw of intense espresso is irresistible to me; once I start ordering them two-three times a week I know my finances must be pretty stable. Of course, I did not always have the luxury of enjoying a chai latte every Wednesday morning. When I was knee deep in my undergraduate courses, every penny I earned went to pay for my tuition and jumbo box of the proverbial ramen noodles.
Now that I've completed my AU degrees, I've moved into the category of alumni that means that I'll occasionally receive a polite letter requesting donations to help our continually under-funded university. Initially, donations were just not conceivable. When you have to choose between eating baked beans for a month versus donating to AU, there's really no decision to be made. However, time does go by, your personal means improves (thanks in part to an AU degree) and eventually you find yourself buying a grande white mocha twice each week. The last time I received an alumni donation letter I happened to have come back from a trip to the big "S". My initial reaction of, "I can't afford to donate yet" started to sound particularly hollow as I scarfed down my third latte that week.
I've decided to challenge myself to give back to the institution that gave me so much. If I can afford a $5 coffee three times a week, surely I can skip one day per month and send my alma mater a $60 donation each year. While the amount may be small, AU is blessed with over 10,000 alumni and a plethora of small donations quickly adds up. With our fast-paced lives it's very easy to forget about the institution that we attended months or years ago, however with AU's open admission and mission to remove barriers to education, is there a more worthy cause? So the next time you decide to visit the coffee shop, take a minute to think about donating your non-fat cappuccino to AU, I'm sure she'd appreciate the drink.
Lisa Priebe
I heard of Athabasca University while living in South Korea teaching English. It seemed like the best option for me to advance my education while still continuing to travel. After my return to Canada I enrolled in AU's Bachelor of Management with a focus in International Business.
Three years later and six countries travelled during my studies I completed the degree. Once the degree was completed I began to focus my attention on a business that would work well with my spiritual life, business, and personal - a way to have it all in one package and run it as I saw fit. A business birthed out of the degree and for the last three years I have been running my own business full time with no other means of income. I spend winters in India and the summers touring around BC selling my wares while continuing to supply stores around the world and individuals through the website.
I learned my craft of making malas (Buddhist/Hindu Rosaries) in Bodhgaya, India where the Buddha obtained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and return yearly or every other year to connect with friends/suppliers and to offer my services from there. The website is open year round and is serviced by an assistant during my travelling absence.
Without AU I think it would have been difficult to have faith in starting a business that I loved but didn't know if I could make a business of it; it gave me the knowledge and faith that what I learned I could put into play regardless of what "business model" that may be.
Blessings,
Gaurang McIntyre
I would never have gone to school at age 40 but because of long distance education, two and a half years later, I'm half way to my goal of being a certified accountant. Not to mention my ultimate goal of being a CGA. I brag about my university every chance I get. Thank you!
Denise Sandberg
I graduated from AU University in 2004 with a BA. I was a stay-home single mother at that time and AU provided me with the means to complete my education while maintaining balance in my family life. I recently published my first fiction novel "The End of the Dark and Stormy Night" which has received a lot of buzz in the media. I am forever grateful to AU's creative writing courses with Caterina Edwards that provided me with the foundation and 'know-how' of starting and finishing my first novel.
Rajni Khelawan
