When I decided to apply for the Adult Learning Program, I remember saying to the counselor, “I think I might be too old to go back to school.” She looked at me supportively and said, “Anne, you’re never too old to go back to school for education.” I will never forget what she said. So, now I’m back to the future in our classroom at the Waterfront Campus – room 4020 – enjoying the ALP. I chose this program because it was recommended to me as one of the best programs available.
I never finished high school and I felt I was missing something (that piece of paper). I wanted a career change as well. I worked for B.C. Ferries for nine years. It was a great government paying job. I just didn’t want to do it all my life.
I have two wonderful children who are both in high school. I’m a single parent, so having older children in high school makes it easier for me to attend school on a full time basis so I can reach my goal of getting my high school diploma. As well, I would like to develop more skills and acquire knowledge in the program so I will have the ability and qualifications to explore more career choices. I would like to have a career in something I love to do. I don’t want to settle for something I have to do.
Believe me. Returning to school has not been a ‘bouquet of roses’. There have been many obstacles for me to cross and I’m sure there will be more. I discovered I had a learning disability and had to find resources to help me through the program. I also had a knee injury but determined, I attended class in a wheelchair while I recovered. I have a chronic back injury, financial stress and more, but I will not give up.
There have been times when I didn’t want to come back, but with the help of faculty and my own determination to graduate, I’m still here. There is a lot of opportunity in the world but to succeed, you must have the courage, selfconfidence and belief in your abilities to reach new goals.
After graduating from ALP, I plan to enter the dental field as a hygienist. I am very excited to complete ALP and enter this new field next fall.
I have come back to school to better my future. I am here to finally get my high school diploma and gain the knowledge I need to prepare me for my chosen career. Because I made the choice to come back to school, I hold the future in my hands.