The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Aaron (he/him), a Bachelor of Commerce student in Business Technology Management currently based in Mississauga, Ontario (although he grew “up in and around Toronto”). Post-graduation, Aaron is “looking to move into a Senior management or Director of IT role.”
On a personal note, Aaron describes himself as a “Father, Gamer, Travel Enthusiast.” He graduated in 2002 as a computer programmer and has “spent the last 22 years working in Information Technology for various companies.”
He had some great study tips for fellow AU learners. He, himself, best studies “with mild, instrumental music playing. Not typical classical or jazz but can include it. More along the lines of Lindsay Stirling, Ludivico Elunaldi, The Chelo Guys, and others.” He also mentioned the importance of taking frequent breaks since “fixation and overthinking on a subject or even just a question is just wasting one’s time.” Instead, he advises changing locations, going for a walk, or watching videos as a break. Then students can return with “a clear head.”
He also had some solid advice for new or prospective students. “Don’t limit yourself to only one track, even after enrolling and starting. Start slow (the bare minimum you can). I am part time working towards two courses per semester, but I am starting at only one for now,” he stated.
When he is not studying, he works “full-time in IT.” He continued, “Beyond that, spending time with my family (kids and wife),” as well as gaming and watching movies on Netflix.
He also enjoys reading, mentioning a specific book that has made an impact on his life, namely George Orwell’s Animal Farm. He explained that the book is “a cautionary tale of how history can repeat itself. Learn from the past so you do not repeat the mistakes of it.”
The Voice Magazine also asked Aaron who in his life has had the greatest influence on his desire to learn. He replied, “There is no single person, but many that set this precedent. Both my parents were college graduates, and my grandfather worked for the University of Toronto. What I saw from them and others around me was a strong foundation was king, thus my own college education. From my own experience in IT, the private sector is regularly changing and as much as that college education was a foundation, you needed to build on it. After many certifications and building many ways on that education, I am now opting to expand that foundation with a degree.”
As for his experience with online learning so far? “The self-study process is king for me, seeing as I am working full time and have a family of six. This enables me to get to my studies when I have time and can retain and engage accordingly with the material. I dislike it because I am so used to having an educator of some form to reach out to for clarity so getting used to reaching out to a general student and faculty support mailbox has been a change I am still working on.”
We also asked what his first project would be if he were the new president of AU. Aaron mentioned, “advertising/marketing the online services to businesses and private citizens across the country.”
As for his most valuable lesson learned in life? “There’s always going to be more work coming from your employer. Take time for yourself. You’re no good to anyone if you burn out.”
And his proudest moment? “Being able to balance having four kids, a full-time job, and being able to attend university.” Best of luck, Aaron!
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!