Brittany Daigle is originally from the small town of Riverview, New Brunswick. She now lives with her boyfriend and her beagle in Toronto, Ontario, where she enjoys the shopping districts, the ability to experience a wide variety of cultures, and taking in the incredible display of city lights at night. She has been an AU student since November 2016 and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems.
Why did you choose AU to study at?
I attended Dalhousie University coming out of high school for neuroscience, though the environment and the program was not what I was looking for. AU provides me the opportunity to independently work on courses whenever, wherever, and however I want to.
What course would you recommend to other AU students?
I would recommend AU students to take Computer Science (COMP) 200, as it is a very well-structured course for people with no experience in coding. The marker is also extremely resourceful, marks assignments quickly, and provides very good feedback.
What parts do you like about online learning through AU?
The ability to do school work in the comfort of my own home and not having to deal with my social anxiety. Cuddling with my two-year old dog, Ziggs and wearing pajamas all day while studying is an added bonus!
What do you dislike about online learning through AU?
The only thing I dislike is the inability to sit in a classroom and have a professor teach you material. YouTube works though and have been a major help in understanding math concepts specifically. Math is generally my worst subject so it is nice to have teachers and professors visually teaching me concepts, for free. There’s a YouTube channel by the name of ProfRobBob where a high school AP Math teacher teaches anything from statistics to algebra to trigonometry. I would absolutely recommend his channel to everyone needing help with a math concept or wanting a refresh. He covered everything in MATH 209 and MATH 215 which are the two math courses I have taken so far at AU.
How do you motivate yourself when it comes to studying?
My boyfriend is actually my major motivator. He graduated with a bachelors of computer science and is currently doing very well financially in his current role. Knowing that could be me when I’m finished my degree is very motivating!
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
I would chose to be 22 (my current age) for the rest of my life. I feel like 22 is an age where you know that you don’t know everything, but you’re excited to learn. My whole life is ahead of me which is scary, yet very exciting.
What is something odd that you are carrying in your bag, purse or wallet right now?
I have a small glass bottle that is full of sand in my purse from my last year’s trip to Cuba for our 3-year anniversary. I never bothered to take it out, plus I enjoy having it on me!
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?
Everything will be okay, just hug your beagle!
Laura Nelson is a marketing analyst by day and a bibliophile by night. She is in her final stages of completing her BA with a major in English through AU.