The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Alixis Rath (she/her), a 19-year old student enrolled in the University Certificate of Accounting program, who has plans to “continue into a Bachelor of Commerce,” followed by “a long-term goal of creating [her] own Bookkeeping business.” She currently resides, and—along with her 4 siblings—was born and raised in St. Paul, “home to the first UFO Landing Pad.”
Alixis had some great study tips for students. “I find that listening to the lesson, then reading it and taking notes afterwards helps a lot. It helps me get more out of it in the long run. Thinking of what I can accomplish in the future motivates me as well. I realize that to get what I want, I must push through.”
As for her advice to new students? “I would recommend planning out all your classes and give yourself deadlines. And most importantly, following your plan. You don’t want to be stressed out in your classes, take things nice and smooth.”
The Voice Magazine also asked Alixis what she enjoys doing when she is not studying. She stated, “’When I am not studying I am either hanging out with my boyfriend, playing the piano, cuddling my cats or catching up on some movies.”
She has also “read too many books to have a favourite” and “favor[s] anything with a happy ending, [since it] keeps [her] positivity and hope up.”
She credits her boyfriend with having the biggest influence on her desire to learn. “I want to be successful for him and our future together. I want him to overall be proud of what I accomplished.”
Her experience with online learning so far has been positive. “I love online learning; I really like having the time to work full time while studying and having the ability to do the classes at my own pace. Although it takes a little bit to get used to as I had to continuously motivate myself to do the task at hand.”
Alixis chose ACCT 251 Introduction to Financial Accounting I as her most memorable course at AU, since it was her first accounting class, and she “was blown away.” She explained, “It was very interactive, and I love numbers which definitely helped, haha. Overall, it was a great leaping stone into the rest of the course.”
As for communication with her course tutors? “I haven’t communicated with my course tutors a whole bunch. However, when I did, they were quick to respond and were very helpful,” she stated.
The Voice Magazine also asked Alixis what her first project would be if she were the new president of AU. She stated, “I would create a fun interaction with the students, even something as simple as doing draws every now and then. The main goal would be getting students to be involved with AU and promote it as well.”
When asked which famous person, past or present, she would like to have lunch with and why, Alixis stated, “Hmmm I have always been fascinated with Marie Antoinette. I think it’s just such a dark time in history. I would like to sit down with her and ask her how she coped.”
As for her most memorable vacation? “My most memorable vacation would be the Philippines. My whole family and I went for my dad’s wedding in the Philippines. It was beautiful and every single person you met was so hospitable and helpful. Then I got to see my dad marry the love of his life. Best vacation anyone could ask for.”
On a personal note, her most valuable lesson in life was learned from her father. “He always found a positive in situations. He always found a way to make others smile and have a good time in difficult situations. Overall, we need to focus on what is good in life and what we have, and we can build from that.” And her proudest moment? “One of my proudest moments was making the people I love laugh. I remember making my sister laugh with tears, best moment of my life lol. Another one was enrolling into AU, I knew that I could change my life for the better and I was super proud of myself for taking the step.” Best of luck Alixis!
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!
