The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Alaa (she/they), a student living in British Columbia who is currently enrolled in PSYC 289: Psychology as a Natural Science. (She recently completed PSYC 402: Biological Psychology).
Alaa mentioned, “I am so grateful to be studying, working, and living on the traditional unceded lands of the Tla’amin Nation, Homalco and Klahoose Peoples. So grateful for the Indigenous teaching to decolonize our thinking and start a kinship relationship with the land which will help all of us heal together. Grateful for the Indigenous inspiration to keep learning and build the village.”
She came to Canada from Syria with her husband in 2019 and is a “mother to a 4-year beautiful child.” As a side note, she credits her child with having had the greatest influence on her desire to learn.
Alaa had some great study advice for fellow students. “It’s a tricky question as it is dependent on my mood.” She explained that while, at times, she likes to go “to the library, socialize, and have a study buddy,” she also likes staying home and doing the work in “hermit mode.” She continued, “Setting a goal and being passionate about it is what makes me feel motivated. Study tips? I need to learn more about this. I would say being myself and listening to my needs is the most important thing to effectively study, and always seeking knowledge with curiosity and eagerness, reach out to folks and listen thoroughly.”
She also had some advice for new students and/or prospective students. “Make sure that you have deep passion about what you are about to do.” Such as when she is not studing, she enjoys “arts, calligraphy, and soccer.”
Like many students, she mentioned that while online learning is beneficial to her life, it also has its challenges. “To me, the online method is so helpful as I am a mother, full time employee, and in a small city. Online learning has challenges like feeling really isolated and not connected.”
As for communication with her course tutors? She considers them “responsive, supportive, and knowledgeable.”
The Voice Magazine asked Alaa what her first project would be if she were the new president of AU. She stated, “I would update the structure of courses,” by including optional (and flexible) quiz and assignment deadlines, which would also be free of fees.
On a final note, we asked, which famous person, past or present, she would like to have lunch with, and why, and she chose professor and author Brené Brown. She explained, “I love how her brain works.” She feels inspired by “her words and perspective.” Alaa also mentioned Iren Lyon, an “amazing somatic mentor.” She continued, “Watching Iren’s YouTube video and doing her 21 Days Nervous System Tune Up had a positive significant impact on my life.” Best of luck, Alaa!
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!
