What province and city/town do you live in?
London, Ontario, Canada
Do you have a family/ kids/ pets?
My husband and I have a large dog, “Rusty” and a small cat “Boots”. I am the grandmother of four year old twins, Madison and Zachary. They are the love of my life.
What are your hobbies / interests/ activities/ etc.?
My husband and I enjoy camping in our pop up camper. Although every time we go camping it rains. It is so bad that people I work with ask me what weeks I am taking for holidays, so they can schedule their holidays at opposite times.
As well, my husband and I enjoy going on hikes with Rusty.
Can you tell us about the AU Courses you are taking at the moment, or a favourite course?
I am just about to begin my fourth course at Athabasca, “Alternative Health.” I have thoroughly enjoyed all my courses, as I believe I am a lifelong learner.
How long have you been a student (and where)?
I began working on my B.A in 1994 at the University of Waterloo. However due to time constraints, I was finding it difficult to complete a course in the allotted time. Consequently I was thrilled when I discovered Athabasca, with their six month time period to complete a course. I transferred my credits and even gained a few for a college diploma I received in 1983 from Fanshawe College. I am hoping to finish in three years and go on to my Master’s in English.
What do you think of your courses/ the AU experience/ distance education?
I am having a great time with distance education and I love the courses Athabasca offers. As well I appreciate the fact they are geared towards a more mature student. I never was good at bibliographies, as far as having all my i’s dotted and punctuation exactly as required.
Do you work? What do you do?
I work for the Catholic Marriage Tribunal transcribing tapes. I work 18 hours at a week at home and 12 hours a week at work. I also baby-sit my grandchildren two days a week.
What are your future goals?
My hope is to open my own editing business, and also do some freelance writing. As well I have a rough draft of my autobiography to work on in my spare time.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for other students?
Stick with it, “knowledge really is power.”
Anything else we should know? Funny stories about the dog eating your laptop/ praise for AU, a friend or a tutor?
While working at my computer, my dog Rusty sits at my feet. However a few times she has had to move rather quickly when I pushed back my chair, (which is on rollers), and I forgot she was there. OUCH!
Thanks Barbara! Best of luck with your degree, and your future masters program.
Have you been profiled in the Voice? If not, contact voice@ausu.org and share your story with AU students!
