Barbara Lehtiniemi is a writer and photographer from Ontario. She’s a graduate of Athabasca University, having completed her Bachelor of General Studies degree in 2018.
A regular contributor to The Voice Magazine for over ten years, Barbara has also contributed to other publications including Chicken Soup for the Soul and Maclean’s. Barbara writes in several genres, including non-fiction, fiction, and poetry. She’s eternally grateful to The Voice Magazine for providing the opportunity to explore an array of topics and writing styles.
Barbara has a fondness for travel, used bookstores, everyday absurdities, and oversized wine glasses. Originally from urban Southwestern Ontario, she now lives on a windswept rural road in Eastern Ontario.
Travel comes with risks at the best of times. Travelling during a pandemic adds an unsettling new dimension. It was with some trepidation that we booked flights to Canada’s west coast. We researched the airlines to learn what measures they were taking to keep passengers safe. In addition to disinfecting protocols, mandatory mask wearing, and… Read more »
Canadian students aged 30 or under can now register for the Canada Student Service Grant. The details of the grant program were announced June 25, and registration is open until August 21, 2020. The grant program is one of several relief measures for students first announced in April. Since many traditional summer job opportunities for… Read more »
Each time I glance at my AU parchment, hanging near my desk, I think back to the effort that went into earning my degree. And, inevitably, I think back to the money that went into it, too. When I began pursuing my degree, I assumed that I’d qualify for the same financial assistance that younger… Read more »
The holiday season brings comfort in tradition and ritual. At the heart of many celebrations, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and others, are patterns that have comforted us throughout our lives. The rituals, the food, the family gatherings. When someone has lost somebody special in their lives, whether a spouse, family member, or friend—even a pet—everyone… Read more »
Last week, we highlighted some logistical considerations to get you to Athabasca. This week, we share a few tips to get you through your big day. AU Convocation info. Make sure you know where you need to be and when. The more you know, the less you’ll stress! Read every page on AU’s Convocation site. … Read more »
Next month, hundreds of students—I mean graduands—will make the trek to Athabasca for convocation. For many, it will be the first time they’ve visited AU’s campus. For some, it may be the first time they’ve visited Alberta. I went to convocation in June 2018. It wasn’t my first trip to Alberta, but it was definitely… Read more »
Each time I glance at my AU parchment, hanging near my desk, I think back to the effort that went into earning my degree. And, inevitably, I think back to the money that went into it, too. When I began pursuing my degree, I assumed that I’d qualify for the same financial assistance that younger… Read more »
Are you ready for the elation, the emotion, the high fives, and the cheering crowds? Students who finish their AU degree requirements by April 30 are eligible to attend AU’s convocation ceremonies this June in Athabasca, Alberta. Will you be among the hundreds of excited graduands visiting the campus of Athabasca University for the first… Read more »
Current AU students, entrenched in the seemingly endless struggle toward their degrees, may think I’m crazy. But after finishing my degree at AU last year, I returned to take one more course. I’m not a sucker for punishment. I’m not turning into a career student. I just decided to take one course simply for the… Read more »
Wouldn’t it be nice to do something different this year? Every year you swear it will be different, but by the end of December, you realize it’s been the same old, same old. How about exploring your creative side? How about being published? How about earning some extra money? How about doing all three things… Read more »