The Voice Magazine recently had the chance to chat with Tosin Adetayo (she/her) living in Red Deer, Alberta and enrolled in the Post-Diploma Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management.
Tosin stated, “I started this program in December last year while I was on maternity leave. I used to work with an auto finance company. When my baby clocked three months, I had a reflection on what I wanted to do with my life.” She wondered if she should “continue with [her] job or advance [her] career and get the job of [her] dream.” In the end, Tosin made a choice. “I decided to go back to school when my baby was five months old. I realized I wanted more to my career than what I was previously doing. I needed a change, and I began the study. I knew it may not be easy, but I had a conviction that I could do it, and I believe I can achieve it. My plan is to get certified by CPHR and get a great job so I could help employees succeed in their job and employer[s] attain the set goals for their organization.”
On a more personal note, Tosin is “a mother of three beautiful children and a wife to an awesome husband.” She continued, “I am born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria. I relocated to Saskatchewan, Canada, in 2016, then moved to Alberta few years ago.” It was in Alberta that she had her most memorable vacation, a “trip to Jasper” with her family and friends. “It was amazing” she stated.
The Voice Magazine asked Tosin if she had any study tips. She stated, “I set a time for myself,” explaining that when her 6 and 8 year olds go to school, she feeds and bathes her baby, before studying from 9 to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. During exam periods, she studies from 4 to 7 pm. She continued, “I mean, there are times I do not meet my goal because of my baby but I try so hard to cover up. It is not easy, but I know I can do it because I can do all things through Christ, who gives me my strength.”
Tosin also had some advice for new students, stating, “My advice is to keep pushing, set a goal that works based on your schedule and do not limit your ability. You are the only person that can stop you. You can achieve much more than you think you can.”
As for her advice to prospective students? “My advice to prospective students is to go ahead and pursue your dreams; there are people in your life that may give you one million reasons why you should not go for that program. There was someone that told me not to go to school with so many reasons why I shouldn’t, but you know what? I know what I want, and I am going for it.” She stated that students should do what makes them happy, as opposed to requiring others’ approval.
When she is not studying, Tosin “love[s] to play with [her] family, cook, bake, and sing.” She continued, “If I am not studying, you will find me doing any of these four, most especially in the kitchen.”
When asked who in her life had the greatest influence on her desire to learn she chose her husband, stating, “My husband is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me. He influenced my desire to learn and rendered every necessary assistance. He has been my support engine. He tells me ‘There is greatness in you, you can do it.’”
Tosin’s experience with online learning has been mainly positive. She explained, “I like the fact that is self-paced. I dislike that there is no strong course community, like having a group where everyone can meet online to talk about their studies and motivate each other.” She believes that once you are registered in a course, there should be a group where students can ask questions and receive guidance, as well as attend online meetings. She continued, “The AU app is not doing justice to that. (You ask a question and do not get a response).”
Her most memorable course has been HRMT 386: Introduction to Human Resource Management. “This course is an eye-opener and has given me an idea of what to expect and how to handle situations. It is packed with lots of wonderful information. It is organized and well laid out, easy to understand, and the tutor is equally great,” she explained.
As for communications with her course tutors? “I would say 70% splendid. You know tutors communicate differently; some respond quicker than others. Some are friendly and encouraging.”
If she were the new president of AU, Tosin’s first project would be to “[f]ind a way to motivate students by ensuring everyone knows their course mate[s]” by putting them in a group. She would also “ensure all courses are on the Bookshelf,” explaining that the “app is amazing, [and] it makes studying easy.”
As for her most valuable lesson learned in life? “Never give up on yourself. Life is full of so many ups and downs, enjoy it while it lasts.”
And her proudest moment? “The proudest moment was when I released a song titled: FOREVER/titi lailai. This happened last year while I was pregnant. It has been my dream to release a song and it finally happened; this song talks about what I have been through. I was so proud of myself and thankful to God Almighty.” Best of luck Tosin!
It can feel like you are all alone in your studies, but across the nation, around the globe, students like you are also pursuing their AU education, and The Voice Magazine wants to bring their stories to you. If you would like to be featured next, do not hesitate to get in touch!
