Minds We Meet—Amanda Lipinski

Amanda Lipinski is a councillor of Athabasca University Students’ Union.  She lives in Prince George, British Columbia and is studying in the Bachelor of Management Program while completing her Management Studies Certificate and management Diploma.  Amanda is married and has two children.

You live in Prince George, British Columbia.  How did you originally find yourself in the Bachelor of Management program?

My mom runs a local small business which I started working at while I was in high school and naturally wanted to study business after high school.  I completed a Management Studies Certificate and Management Diploma with my local college and always knew that I wanted to move towards completion of an undergraduate degree.

And what brought you to AU to do that?

While I was on maternity leave with my youngest daughter I was motivated to do something productive during nap time as my oldest daughter had just started Kindergarten.  I began researching the best option for our family and decided that Athabasca University would fit our busy lifestyle due to the flexibility in enrollment, availability of courses and ease of the online learning system.

What is the last book you read?

The last book I’ve read was Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick.  She is hilarious and so down to earth.

What show do you think everyone should binge watch?

Dynasty.  Although she has some terrible character traits I love Fallon’s quick thinking and stubborn personality when she has a goal she is determined to reach.

Why did you choose to run for AUSU council?

I chose to run for AUSU Council as it’s an amazing opportunity to get involved with the AU community.  After following updates from the previous council, I began to admire their leadership skills and knew that I wanted to help out with AUSU wherever I could.

What are your academic goals for 2018?

My academic goals for 2018 are to complete my main degree goal and then continue on taking courses in areas that interest me and where I would like to develop stronger skills such as accounting and economics.  I don’t plan to finish my education anytime soon.

If you could have a meal with someone from history, who would it be?

Anne Frank.  The experience was so terrible, but she remained so brave and positive during her life.

What is one thing you would like to complete personally in 2018?

In my personal life, my biggest goal for 2018 is to work towards a more balanced work/home/educational life so my children are able to enjoy maximum quality family time while I am still meeting all of my goals and responsibilities.

Since being elected as a councillor (congratulations!), what are your hopes for the 2018-2020 term?

Thank you, I am so excited to have been re-elected.  My hopes for the 2018-2020 term are to continue on the path that the previous Council and Staff have set and to ensure we value their hard work while also creating positive ongoing rapport with students and a community where students continue to feel empowered and welcome to contribute their thoughts and/or concerns as they arise.