Learners Like No Other is a new series where real students and alumni share how online learning at AU is like no other university experience. Submit your story.
Lexis Roy
Bachelor of Science student
📍Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Alta.
Why is online learning at Athabasca University the right fit for you?
Online learning is incredible because I can study from anywhere. I travel to places I have dreamed of while keeping my course materials and textbooks with me. I can work and study without being tied to a classroom, which AU makes possible.
Time-wise, AU works well for me. If there is a subject I excel in, I can move through it quickly. If I need more time, I can slow down without feeling like I am holding up a class.
How is studying at AU helping you achieve your goals
Studying at AU helps me achieve goals I do not always realize I am reaching at the time. I am strengthening my time-management skills, passing challenging courses, and building professional relationships at conferences and events I would not be able to attend in a traditional program.
Working toward an AU credential shows employers, friends, and family that online learning requires commitment and that completing a degree this way is a significant accomplishment.
What obstacles have you had to overcome? How do you overcome them?
At AU, you are often your own motivator. When I encounter challenging material, it can be easy to feel discouraged knowing I am responsible for learning concepts that are typically delivered traditionally—in a classroom.
To overcome that mental hurdle, I remind myself that something feels difficult because it is new, not because I am incapable.
How do you balance your studies with other responsibilities like work or family?
When life gets busy, I find small pockets of time to study or work on assignments. When things slow down, I focus for longer periods. That flexibility creates a strong balance between life and school.
I also take intentional breaks by making tea or spending time outside and listening to the sounds around me.
Who is your biggest cheerleader?
I draw inspiration from my family matriarchs, as well as my dogs and cat. Whether through words of encouragement or simply their presence, they give me the motivation I need to keep moving forward.
What is your favourite course?
Biology 325: Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 325).
What are your plans for the future after completing your AU program?
I plan to enter the workforce with the skills and education I gain from my degree, along with a new sense of confidence, and to continue being a lifelong learner.
How is your AU education different from what you have experienced previously?
AU is like no other because online learning is personalized. I choose my courses, set my schedule, and take ownership of how I learn. Those self-directed skills are strengthened through AU’s online model.
Share your story to win!
Click on our entry form to answer questions about your education journey and to share photos to accompany your submission. Published writers win an AU swag pack!