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.
Whitney Hodgins
Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies student
📍Brandon, Man.
Why was online learning at Athabasca University the right fit for you?
AU’s flexible programming allows me to pursue my studies while continuing to work in my field and stay close to my research, family, and friends.
How has studying at AU helped you achieve your goals (personal, professional, academic)?
It has helped me academically put together projects that set me apart from other researchers in my field and contribute to the national narratives that help define our country’s past. I have been working on two research projects, both exploring feminist activism from different perspectives. One examines the Canadian Expeditionary Force and the First World War, while the other uses oral histories to document feminist activism among people with disabilities. Both contribute to a broader understanding of feminist activism and its place in our social history. I hope to continue building this work through publication and conference presentations and, potentially, a career in the heritage industry.
I have been working on two research projects, both exploring feminist activism from different perspectives. One examines the Canadian Expeditionary Force and the First World War, while the other uses oral histories to document feminist activism among people with disabilities.
Whitney Hodgins, Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies student
Making time for everyday necessities like sleep, food, breaks, and spending time with family and friends is vitally important. I make sure to schedule that time, so I don’t get too bogged down with work. Alongside my studies, I work as a library clerk and a museum interpreter at my city’s national historic site, and I do a lot of advocacy work for autistic people and their families. That advocacy takes me across Canada for conferences and other activities, so I bring my readings on the plane and fit in studying while I travel. After all, it can get mighty boring being on a plane otherwise! AU’s flexibility helps me pursue my education while staying connected to my work, research, and the people who matter to me.
Who is your biggest cheerleader that helps you stay focused on your goals?
My partner. He was the final person to truly convince me that I should get my master's. He demonstrates his cheerleader status more like a drill sergeant, making sure I do my readings. If I run out of readings, he will casually slip me a book he thinks might help. If I have a question about my readings, he tries his best to answer. And when I am getting things written down or prepared for funding applications or conference talks, he's always open for peer feedback.
What are your plans for the future, after completing your AU program?
My goal is to possibly work in the heritage industry, publish my research, and present at a conference.
How is your AU education different than what you've experienced previously?
It's like no other because it is flexible, it provides me with materials in the mail or online, and it all goes where I go.
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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!