The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Pamela (she/her), a 4–year Psychology program student (with plans “to pursue graduate studies in Counseling Psychology”), who currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She stated, “I acknowledge the place in which I live is on Treaty 1 territory, the homeland of the Red River Metis, and the Ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, and Dakota Oyate peoples.”
Pamela is originally “from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to Canada in 2013.” She continued, “Currently, I reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba with my husband and five children.”
She had some great study tips for fellow students. “I find that the best way to study is to create a quiet and organized environment. To stay motivated, I set specific goals and reward myself when I achieve them. I also like to take regular breaks and incorporate different study techniques, such as using flashcards or teaching the material to someone else. It helps me to stay motivated and engaged in my studies.”
She also had some advice for new students and/or prospective students. “When starting as a new student, my advice would be to take advantage of all the resources available to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s from professors, advisors, or peers. It’s also important to get involved in campus activities and organizations to make the most of your university experience. Lastly, prioritize self-care and time management to maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal well-being. These are things I wish I had known when I was a new student.”
When she is not studying, this busy student pursues her creative side. “I have a deep passion for literature and creative expression. Recently, I experienced the joy of seeing my debut children’s book in print. It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to share my stories with young readers. Additionally, I am diligently working to bring my other completed books to a wider audience. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of creating something meaningful and seeing it come to fruition. Apart from that, I enjoy gardening and taking my family to places during the summer.” In fact, Pamela considers her children as having had the greatest influence on her desire to learn.
She also enjoys reading in her spare time. She let us know, “The author who has had a significant impact on my life is Michael Brown, particularly through his book The Presence Process. This book has been transformative for me because it has helped me understand the importance of living in the present moment and dealing with suppressed emotional trauma. Michael Brown’s insightful approach to emotional healing and self-discovery has deeply resonated with me and has influenced the way I approach my personal growth and well-being.”
She considers her experience with online learning so far as “mostly positive.” She explained, “I enjoy the flexibility of studying and completing assignments at my own pace. Accessing course materials and lectures from anywhere with an internet connection is convenient. However, I do miss the face-to-face interaction with professors and classmates. Sometimes, staying motivated and focused is challenging without the structure of a traditional classroom setting. Overall, I appreciate the opportunities that online learning provides, it enables me to work and provide for my family while studying full-time.”
She considers PSYC 347: Introduction to Feminist Counselling as her most memorable course. “I like this course because it’s important to understand and address the unique challenges and needs of women and other marginalized groups in counseling and therapy. This course provided me with valuable insights into how gender and power dynamics influence mental health and the therapeutic process, which I believe is crucial knowledge for anyone working in the field of counseling.”
As for communication with her course tutors? “I find communication with my course tutors to be very effective. They are always available to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Overall, I have had a positive experience communicating with my course tutors.”
The Voice Magazine also asked Pamela what her first project would be if she were the new president of AU. She stated that she would “conduct a comprehensive review of the existing online learning platform. This review would focus on identifying areas for improvement, such as enhancing user experience, expanding course offerings, and improving support services for students and faculty. Additionally, I would prioritize the development of new, innovative online learning tools and technologies to ensure that AU remains at the forefront of digital education.”
We also asked which famous person, past or present, she would like to have lunch with, and why. Pamela chose Albert Einstein. She explained, “I am fascinated by his contributions to physics and his unique way of thinking. I would love to discuss his theories, and the mysteries of the universe, and perhaps enjoy a simple yet intellectually stimulating lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit.”
As for her most valuable lesson learned in life? “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in life is to always be true to myself, to never compromise my values, and to always keep pushing forward no matter what challenges arise.” And her proudest moment? “My proudest moment was when I achieved a personal goal that I had been working toward for a long time. It was a moment of pure satisfaction and pride in my abilities and perseverance.”
As a final note, Pamela added, “In the context of online learning, I believe it’s important to highlight the significance of self-motivation and time management. As a student engaging in online courses, it’s crucial to stay organized, set goals, and maintain discipline to ensure a successful learning experience. Additionally, effective communication with tutors and peers, as well as leveraging available resources, can greatly enhance the online learning journey.” Best of luck, Pamela!
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!
