The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Annette Karien (she/her), Bachelor of Science—with a major in Biological Sciences—student living in Calgary, Alberta. Annette stated, “I respectfully acknowledge that I reside on Treaty 7 territory—a traditional gathering place for diverse Indigenous Peoples including the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, Stoney Nakoda Nations, and Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).”
There, Annette, an AUSU Council member, lives with her two boys and a cat. Post-graduation, she plans “to go into research and medicine . . . [and is] interested in human behaviour and artificial human organ innovation and development.”
She had some great study tips for fellow AU students. “I am nocturnal by nature, so I literally burn the midnight oil. Honestly, deadlines and topics that require research instead of cramming keep me motivated, but mostly deadlines. This is because I love to learn about things and get distracted most times and mostly get bored with topics that require GIGO.”
She also had some advice for new students and/or prospective students. “Research a course before choosing it (especially when it is optional), ask your fellows for help, and set deadlines that require you to finish a course at least two weeks to one month earlier than the deadline: in case your health or life gets in the way. Lastly, read your written assignment days after your final draft, you will get a fresher insight and your mistakes will be clearer.”
When she is not studying, this busy student “sleeps, browses on Pinterest, and binge watches concluded series.” She continued, “I also volunteer at the hospital weekly, so, hangout with ill seniors; seniors are my favorite population. I also like bothering my cat Liebchen, she likes to pretend that she enjoys my conversations.”
She also enjoys reading, mentioning The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green, which she credits are having had made an impact on her life.” She explained that “it opened [her] eyes to how malleable almost everything can be.” She continued, “My curiosity and passion for behavioural research started after I read that book.”
As for someone in her life that has had the greatest influence on her desire to learn? “I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who do not let their circumstances limit their level of achievement; life has taught me that if you don’t keep learning, you will become irrelevant to society. I hate to not be able to help the people around me, so I keep up to avoid becoming obsolete–does not mean that I know everything, but learning something new makes me happy.”
While Annette has had mostly positive experiences with online learning, she mentioned a few points often mentioned by fellow AU learners. “I love the flexibility of online learning, but sometimes I wish I could ask questions in real time on concepts that are harder to understand. Moreover, the option of being able to write exams at night when it is quiet, cannot be overemphasized enough for me,” she explained.
She considers PSYC 375: History of Psychology as her memorable AU course so far. “Although I did not fail the course, it reminded me that some failures are just inevitable regardless of how much work you put into succeeding.”
As for communication with her course tutors? “Communications so far have been great but could be better on some other aspects, such as response time and clarity.”
The Voice Magazine asked Annette what her first project would be if she were the new president of AU. “Advocate for the removal of some courses, add more graduate programs, encourage more research and innovation programs and seek more financial grants for the university and students; all of these have equal priority,” she stated.
We also asked which famous person, past or present, she would like to have lunch with, and why, and she chose theoretical physicist Albert Einstein “because who wouldn’t want to have lunch with the great Einstein.” She continued, “The lunch will be a raindrop cake, because I would like to hear him turn the idea of the recipe to some great idea and innovation.”
As for her most valuable lesson learned in life? “My most valuable lesson in life is to evolve or become extinct, and live life to the fullest every day.” And her proudest moment? “My proudest moments are being able to predict what happens next in a movie; I get a kick out of it every time. I also taught my cat to hi-five; or maybe she just let me think that way.” Best of luck, Annette!
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!