The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Shad Hofer, a Human Resources Management Labor Relations student from Calgary, Alberta with plans to work in an Employee Relations field within union companies. Shad stated, “I acknowledge that I live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the lyaxe Nakoda Nations, the Metis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region Southern Alberta.”
Shad was “born and raised by a single mother in Calgary, Alberta,” and held various jobs after high school, including many years working with those experiencing homelessness. The student continued, “Outside of work, I am a happily married to my wife for 23 years and have three children.”
This dedicated learner had some great tips for fellow AU classmates. “My study routine is … during the week after my day job … mostly from 6pm to 10pm,” while Saturdays are for studying at Starbucks. And Sundays? Those are “time for family and … to relax.”
Shad continued, “What motivates me is that I have found a field … [where I] already understand my Canadian rights, Alberta rights, and some labor rights … I was able to help educate my co-workers from my pervious and current employment of their rights as management was trying to violate workers’ rights.”
Shad also had some advice for new students or prospective students. “You are NOT alone while you are studying at Athabasca. There are many study groups in Discord, Facebook, and within the AU Students app that you can connect with other students that are studying in the same program. Plus, don’t be afraid to reach out to your tutor or instructor with questions as many will reply no matter how small or dumb the question is. Most of all, stay focused on your studies, take 10-15 min breaks during studying, and have a course plan with a calendar.”
When not studying, this busy student records and edits two podcasts, “Let’s Discuss That Topic” and “Let’s Discuss That Rewatch.”
And for Shad’s experience with online learning so far? “Well, my dislike … [with] on-line learning is that I don’t get the full experience with campus life and there aren’t on-line classes or group projects.” As for some likes? “What I like about on-line learning is that after studying at night it only takes 20 steps and I am in bed. I don’t have worry about traveling and, plus, listening to music or watching shows while studying.”
Shad’s most memorable course has been ADMN 232: Introduction of Management since it was “interactive … which made learning fun but also challenging.”
As for communications with course tutors? “My communications with course tutors have been difficult at times. This all depends on who the tutor is, as some care for the AU students and will answer with support.”
The Voice Magazine also asked which famous person, past or present, Shad would like to have lunch with, and why. “Queen Elizabeth, as I would love to hear how she was able to deal with difficult issues that she had to deal with while keeping a great positive attitude and humor. Of course, must ask about the secret McDonald’s restaurant inside the palace.”
And Shad’s most valuable lesson learned in life? “Life is short as there isn’t a promise for a tomorrow. Take every moment to leave a positive impact in someone life with kindness and love from a family member to a stranger on the street with a friendly smile and a hello.”
As for the proudest moment? “Getting married and the birth of my children are the proudest moment of my life,” as well as “studying at Athabasca University.”
As a final thought, Shad stated, “I have set up couple of Facebook groups and one that I am happy to have started is the Athabasca HR Labor Relations group,” used “to support each other during our studies and after as we start working in our new career field.” Best of luck, Shad!
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!