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.
Vanessa Lagacé
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major
📍 Grande Prairie, Alta.
Why was online learning at Athabasca University the right fit for you?
There are a couple of reasons why I thought online learning with AU was the right fit. First, I was able to stay home close to family and friends during my studies—that was huge. Second, I am a self-motivator with great time-management skills and I felt that would make me a great candidate for online learning. I learned these skills through the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as I am surrounded by family and friends, I excel in online learning.
How has studying at AU helped you achieve your goals (personal, professional, academic)?
Studying at AU has helped me continue to meet the requirements for my degree in psychology. It has helped me learn valuable skills, improve my time management, and learn the best way for me to retain information. Personally, I am able to stay home and do the activities that I enjoy with the people I enjoy such as hockey and ball hockey. Staying home has also made for the opportunity to stay close to my boyfriend and his family.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to pursue your education? How did you overcome them?
Graduating high school in 2021 was a high point in my life. I hadn’t really faced major adversity until the fall of 2021 when I was scheduled to start post-secondary education. I was dealing with personal difficulties such as the separation and divorce of my parents. Eventually, I questioned whether I could focus on my studies.
I pushed myself to stay connected with my social circle and I was even able to expand this social circle during my first year of post-secondary. It was these new connections, and some older ones, that brought me out of that dark place and helped encourage me to continue with my schooling. I thank these people constantly for this, as I don’t know where I’d be without them for what they did for me that first year.
How do you balance your studies with other responsibilities like work or family?
I make my studies a priority. I am a firm believer that school comes first in my life. The minute a semester starts, I plan out my semester day by day and make requirements and deadlines for myself daily to be able to finish all the required coursework. Google Calendar has been my best friend! Once I finish my daily requirements, then I am able to do my part-time job, hang out with friends and family, and engage in my extracurriculars.
Who is your biggest cheerleader that helps you stay focused on your goals?
Honestly my family and friends, but especially my boyfriend. Even when I get down on myself, he is the one to pick me back up by telling me the truth and getting me back on track.
What's your favourite course?
That would have to be CRJS 495, which is a Criminal Justice course in sex crimes. I took the one from a psychological lens, and wanted to learn even more. I was blown away by all the different psychopathologies present in psychology relating to criminality!
What are you plans for the future, after completing your AU program?
Once I finish my bachelor’s this winter, the plan is to take a year off. I feel like I deserve a nice break after all the hard work. Then, my goal is to get a master’s degree in psychology and start the process to become a psychologist. I don’t know what area I’ll focus on, but I’m keeping my mind open to anything!
How is your AU education different than what you've experienced previously? (a.k.a. How is AU like no other?)
AU is very flexible. You have courses that you do on your own time, and you can structure it any way you want! I love the flexibility of AU.
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Click on our entry form to answer questions about your education journey and to share photos to accompany your submission. Writers of published submissions win an AU swag pack!