The Voice Magazine recently had a chance to chat with Christine Bulk (she/her), a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies student located in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Christine acknowledged, “I would like to begin by acknowledging that in Nova Scotia we are in Mi’kma’ki (MEEG-MA-GEE), the traditional (or ancestral) territory of the Mi’kmaq people. I also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia for over 400 years, and I honor and offer gratitude to those ancestors of African descent who came before us to this land.”
On a personal note, Christine let us know, “I am a mature student but have been through a variety of careers. From avionics technician to massage therapist. I have decided to complete my Bachelor of Arts degree that I started in the 90’s. I was born and raised in BC and now reside in Nova Scotia, where I’ve been for the past 12 years.”
She had some great study tips for fellow AU students. “I study best in the mornings when the air is fresh and I can have either some tea or coffee, because coffee later in the day does not help me sleep. I like a warm, quiet, out of the way place where I don’t have to put books away.”
She also had some sound advice for new and/or prospective students. “I feel like I am still a new student so all I can say is if your resources are not available yet keep looking around myAU and learn what’s available to you, learn what apps and software to get going now before the course starts like Moodle, and text-to-speech.”
When she is not busy studying, Christine likes to “run with friends, hike in the woods, and watch TV and movies with her husband.” She also enjoys reading. “I have read a lot of books from fiction to nonfiction, but autobiography and memoirs are my favorite. I enjoy learning about other people’s lives in other countries. Sometimes a novel can be set so well in a country so different from Canada.”
As for her experience with online learning so far? She enjoys “learning in your own comfortable environment and mostly on your own time.” She continued, “I dislike the lack of people interaction, hearing and seeing in real time.”
The Voice Magazine asked Christine which famous person, past or present, she would like to have lunch with, and why. She chose “Nelson Mandela, to learn how to persevere and keep fitting what is right.” And the lunch? It “would be South African High Tea.”
As for her most valuable lesson learned in life? She mentioned “that there will be high times and low times and without one we wouldn’t know the other.” Best of luck, Christine!
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!
