The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Elijah English (he/they), a Bachelor of Arts in English student living in Camrose, Alberta. Post-graduation, Elijah hopes to pursue “a concurrent BEd and BMus … to become a teacher.” He noted, “I would like to acknowledge the lands I live and work on, both treaty 6 and 7 territories, the indigenous peoples who make and have made their homes on it, look after the lands and its creatures, and their resilient spirits as they reclaim and revitalize their cultural practices.”
On a personal note, he let us know, “My name is Eli. I grew up in southwest Calgary, about fifteen minutes away from the Tsuu T’ina Nation. I began my post-secondary education at the University of Alberta Augustana campus in Camrose. I studied music for about two … and a half years before transferring to Athabasca University due to my desire to pursue a degree not offered there and difficulties with my health. I still live in Camrose because I have reluctantly grown fond of this bizarre, fae-like town and its people.”
Elijah continued, “Answering the question, ‘Who are you?’ is always difficult. A survivor, a partner, a ‘cat-dad,’ a friend … [a] creative, a homemaker, an advocate? There are many lenses that shape the way I see life. The most significant ones would be: queer, disabled, pagan, survivor. These shape every aspect of my life–they influence the media I consume, how I engage with the world around me, and the friendships I forge.”
He had some great study advice for fellow students. “One thing that helps me is making a list of the scariest, most challenging tasks and the easiest, most accessible tasks and starting with the easy tasks to get my momentum going. If that doesn’t work, I set the kettle to boil and do what I can before the kettle finishes boiling.”
When he is not busy studying, Elijah “like[s] ‘musicking.’” He explained, “At the UofA, I took a course about this concept. It essentially means engaging with music in whatever capacity you are capable of. Specifically, I listen to music to analyze the composition and performance technique as well as any lyrical and stylistic significances. I sing and play piano. When I’m performing, the weight of mundane life disappears as I take on the persona required for my piece.”
He credits himself as having had the greatest influence on his desire to learn, answering the question of who had the greatest influence simply with, “Me. I am studying for myself and no one else.”
As for his experience with online learning so far? “I adore online learning. Having limited mobility and chronic pain limits my ability to leave my home for long periods of time, some days at all. Although remaining accountable to my education can be difficult, being able to do my coursework at any time or place has reduced the biggest barrier to my education.” Best of luck, Elijah!
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!
