Transforming Lives: Moving Beyond
Ed Dubrovsky: An investment in yourself
Transforming Lives: Moving Beyond is a testimonial series written by AU students and alumni who want to acknowledge how AU has helped shape their lives.
It’s a space for those who want to thank the people who have helped to support and transform their AU experience to achieve their greatest successes, all while looking forward to their future educational and personal potential.
Their story is worth shouting from the rooftops! Have an inspiring story of your own to share? Email us! We’d love to hear it
My university story started many years ago at a different university—the traditional kind.
As a young adult I was enthusiastic to begin my life. However, within two years I felt “boxed-in” and dropped out. I simply could not connect with the method of teaching, the pace, and the limited selection of courses. Years later, as my kids were born, I wanted to finish what I started but I wanted to do it on my terms.
From start to finish
I already had a successful career in technology and cybersecurity, which was an emerging field at the time, so it was not so much about getting ahead. It was more for my own benefit and to prove I can do it and earn my Bachelor of Science (BSc).
At Athabasca University (AU) I found an incredible selection of courses, and I received some credit for the classes I took years ago, which was a great boost. I won’t lie, it was tough juggling a family, full time-work, a side business and some hobbies—but AU allowed me to work at my own pace, and the instructors were awesome and worked with me.
A graduate student
There was just enough structure to keep me focused and a few years later, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Systems. Just when I thought that I can take some time off from school, the master’s program beckoned. Before I knew it, I was a graduate student.
AU did more than just enable me to complete my degree, it ignited the flame of learning in me. I cannot quite put my finger on what it was, but it was just right.
A few years later, I completed not only my Master of Science degree but also a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a bricks-and-mortar school. I am even a part-time professor and program advisor at a Canadian university and I teach hundreds of students on a yearly basis.
“AU did more than just enable me to complete my degree, it ignited the flame of learning in me. I cannot quite put my finger on what it was, but it was just right. ”
– Ed Dubrovsky
Continuous self-improvement
The flame of continuous self–improvement is still burning within me and I have to credit a lot of where I am today to that day many years ago, when I found AU and decided to take the “plunge.” In addition, my career has changed dramatically, because when you are continuously working on improving yourself, your own value skyrockets and opportunities appear where there were very few before (or perhaps different opportunities).
For me it elevated me from a contributor to a leader—and presented ever–increasing challenges and associated rewards.
If you are reading this, and you are looking for something “more,” you may not know what the future holds, since none of us do. But you want to take the first step, my suggestion is to take the first step today. No one has ever regretted investing in themselves. So remember, it is a sound investment.
