Kristin Jimmy is an AU student from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Originally from Nova Scotia, Kristin has just completed the final course for her Bachelor of General Studies degree from AU. Congrats, Kristin!
The Voice Magazine recently interviewed Kristin about school, horseback riding, and northern living.
Whereabouts do you live?
I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I’m originally from Nova Scotia, and I’ve also lived in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and in Kuujjuaq, in Northern Quebec, as well as in Manitoba and Alberta.
You’re on the verge of graduating. How do you feel?
So excited! It’s been 11 years in the making. I’m looking forward to having time for hobbies; I like to do quilting and I also make moccasins.
Describe the path that led you to AU.
I started taking an Administrative Assistant program at college, but I found I wasn’t able to afford the tuition and the time to study full-time at that time. Later on, I enrolled at Dalhousie University. When I moved to Iqaluit three years ago, I transferred to AU. I was able to transfer about two-thirds of my credits, which was great. Initially, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Management program at AU, but I transferred to BGS to maximize my transfer credits.
What happens after you finish your education?
I work in the insurance industry. I received my CAIB (Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker) designation this year and will be working toward my next designation, CIP.
Who in your life had the greatest influence on your desire to learn?
Probably my brother. He worked full-time while studying at university. He got his masters while he was working and raising a family.
What famous person, past or present, would you like to have lunch with, and why?
Beethoven. I really enjoy his music. I’d like to find out from him how he could produce so many creative works.
Describe your experience with online learning so far.
What I like is that I can go at my own pace. If I want to do school work at 2am I’m more than welcome. And I like that I can study anywhere?even in the Arctic. On the other hand, it is nice to be taught in a classroom setting and to have interaction with other students and direct contact with your instructors?something you don’t get online.
Have you had a time when you wavered about your education?
Many times! Especially toward the end. I was getting a little burned out and it seemed to be dragging on. But I’m glad I stuck with it.
What’s your most memorable AU course so far, and why?
My favourite course was Introduction to Labour Studies, LBST 200. That course really opened my eyes to a part of Canadian History that I had never encountered.
Describe the proudest moment (or greatest accomplishment) in your life.
It was when I arranged to go to the Arctic for work. I felt proud that I’d made a big decision to go on a big adventure. There were some scary moments, but it was a great experience.
Have you given up anything to go to AU? Was it worth it?
Horseback riding! It’s an expensive hobby and I just couldn’t afford that while I was doing my schooling. It’s my favourite thing to do and I plan to get back into it now, once I calm down from graduating.
If you could wake up tomorrow with a “superpower”, which one would it be?
I would want the power to end cruelty to animals.
If you were trapped on a tropical island, what 3 things would you bring?
Husband, dog, and chocolate.
Describe one thing that distinguishes you from most other people.
My desire to explore Canada. Many people want to go overseas and That’s fine, but I’d like to conquer my own country first. I want to see everything, examine every hill and rock, and explore every corner of this country.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in life?
You really only live once, so you need to appreciate every moment. Just enjoy it. There’s very little That’s worth getting worked up about.
What do you think about e-texts?
Well, I like that I can take them anywhere, but I prefer regular texts. I just wish we had a the option to choose the format that suits us. When I was working in the Arctic, I might have chosen an e-text because everything has to be flown in and flown out. Any other time I would prefer a regular textbook.
How do you find communications with your course tutors?
They’ve been very pleasant and helpful. Very good at explaining things.
Where has life taken you so far?
I’ve been in every province of Canada from coast to coast, and one of the territories. Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, is my favourite place. Outside of Canada, I lived in Germany for six months when I was a student, and I vacationed in Austria, the Netherlands, England, and Cuba.
What (non-AU) book are you reading now?
I just finished the Call the Midwife series, by Jennifer Worth.
You’ve got a bit of summer left. Any plans?
I’d like to go to the local powwow, visit some farms, and go camping. We often go camping with our dog.
