The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Ty-Lily Bussi, a 19-year old Labour Studies student residing in a small town near Niagara Falls, Ontario, who hopes to become a lawyer.
On a personal note, Ty let The Voice Magazine know, “I come from an Italian immigrant family and we live about 15 [minutes] away from Niagara Falls. I work with my Mom at our store, we sell holistic and wellness products, such as crystals & stones, vitamins, herbs, natural cosmetics, etc.”
The Voice Magazine also asked Ty for some study tips. The student stated, “I love listing to motivational speakers when I’m getting work done it helps to keep me focused on my goals and give me the encouragement I need.” Ty also had some tips for new students, namely “Be positive, don’t be mean to yourself, and if you don’t complete something that you hoped to do, there’s always tomorrow.”
When not studying, the AU learner loves “cooking, baking, and painting” as well as enjoying vacations, stating, “In 2017 I went to BC, I had the time of my life, it was one of those life changing experiences that you’ll never forget.”
Ty’s mother has had the greatest influence on her desire to learn, stating, “My Mom, she always taught me that knowledge is power, she’s my biggest cheerleader and motivator, she gives me the reassurance that I need, whenever I’m doubting myself. I’ve witnessed her do impossible things in my life, so why can’t I?”
As for the online learning experience so far? “I love the ability to be so focused on your work, as well as allowing you to complete your work on your own time is so helpful, it’s very freeing.” And although Ty has not had much communication with her tutors to date, the learner mentioned one of the things that was a help was “the writer program which greatly helped … for an essay.”
When asked about a first project as the new president of AU, Ty mentioned, “I would set up a program that’s basically a networking system where students can talk all things spiritually, it is a huge part of my life that helps me to be a stronger person, so I would help to create a program for more like-minded individuals to come together to share how there spiritually helps them, throughout their daily lives and studies.”
When asked which famous person, past or present, she would like to have lunch with, and why, Ty chose “wood fire pizza” with author Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame. “The movie, as well as book has really changed my life, Elizabeth’s journey of self-love and peace has truly inspired me for my own life, so I would just want to get to know more of her journey, because it’s so fascinating.”
Ty also mentioned another book, which had a great impact. The student stated, “Alice in Wonderland is a book that has had a great impact on my life, it’s Alice’s journey through self-discovery, it’s not an easy road, you go down there’s some holes along the way, but in the end you always become a better and new version of yourself.”
As for Ty’s most valuable lesson learned in life? “Love yourself, use your heart not your head. It’s a pretty crazy concept … but our heart is full of love, passion, creativity, and truth, if I didn’t listen to my heart, I probably wouldn’t have been pursuing a career in Law.”
And the proudest moment? “Realizing that you are more than enough, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s the proudest moment in my life, but it’s something that has changed my life and has had the most impact.” Best of luck Ty!
At times, in an online learning environment, it can feel like you are all alone, but across the nation and around the globe, students just like you are also pursuing their Athabasca University (AU) studies! Each week, The Voice Magazine will be bringing you some of these stories. If you would like to be featured next, do not hesitate to get in touch!