The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Lexis Roy (she/her), a student in her final year of the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program, from Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, Alberta, “a place rich of Metis families, culture, and history!” Lexis added, “I acknowledge that I live, work and play on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis peoples.”
Although Lexis currently has “no specific idea of where [she] would want to end up career wise,” her ultimate dream is “any job or direction that is outdoors and science related.”
She had some great study tips for fellow AU students. “One of my favorite study tips and tricks is to use lots of colours for memorization, whiteboards, and drawings to help visualize concepts and ideas, and just pure repetition so I get it into my brain, so I am definitely a visual learner. Pomodoro method works super well too. One of my favorite quotes that helps to keep me motivated is ‘Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.’”
She also had some advice for new students and/or prospective students. “Finding your studying style will help you immensely in navigating and succeeding through your course(s). Also, learn how to manage your time effectively. It can be very easy to fall behind if you don’t manage your time or stick to a schedule, but if you manage wisely, your journey will be that much more enjoyable and less stressful. Your course tutors and program advisors are all there to help see you win! Connecting to peers through social media groups and the AU app will also make learning feel less isolated.”
When Lexis is not studying, she enjoys spending time away from the screen. She stated, “Because online learning is composed of a lot of screen time, I like to take walks outside and get some sun, read a book, or simply just relax for a reset for my mental health.”
As for her experience with online learning so far? “Although I do miss the physicality of meeting friends and working on group projects at school, online has its benefits. Through trial and error, I’ve learned what good time management looks like and learned my best study strategies. It’s also been great in terms of being able to work at a faster or slower pace when it comes to trying to understand a concept, without worrying of being too far or behind of classmates.”
One of her most memorable AU courses so far has been BIOL 325: Introduction to Microbiology. “Studying how microbes move through everyday life is eye-opening, and being part of an in-person lab really enhances that experience,” she explained.
As for communication with her course tutors? “Thus far, I find the communication with my course tutors amazing! If there was ever a question I had, they were always prompt and thorough, making sure I really understood and was comfortable in the concepts I was trying to learn.”
The Voice Magazine also asked Lexis about her most valuable lesson learned in life. “A valuable lesson is that life goes by quick, so to make each day count to the best of your ability, whether it’s a little or a lot of a positive outlook on life and school,” she stated. And her proudest moment? “One of my proudest moments has to be completing one year of university, especially online. School can get rough and tough, but coming out in the end with a successful completion is the most rewarding feeling!”
As a final note, Lexis added, “School can get tough, but you are tougher. The future is bright, and nothing is ever impossible in your learning journey!” Best of luck, Lexis!
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!