Joy is originally from China, where she had a satisfying job and many friends. However, as she says, she “suddenly became nobody since I stepped onto this new land – Canada.” “I told myself” says Joy, that “I had to start over because I am going to spend the rest of my life in this country…” She determined to put her efforts into eliminating the gap between herself and those who were born here: “That is [she determined] to study.”

But how to accomplish this?

Joy is married, with a 2-year old son and a new baby on the way. In May she and her family found a “cheap basement apartment”, but for 8 months before that they lived in an abandoned farmhouse outside of Edmonton.

Loaned free of charge by an in-law, the house had no running water or heat, but did have cracked floors and mice. These were, says Joy, “the darkest days yet proudest experience in my life.”

Even with a strong will, Joy says she found herself feeling “so helpless” to make her dreams of studying come true. Time and money – the lack of these – appeared to present insurmountable obstacles. Then, one day, another young mother she met in the playground while their children played together told her about Athabasca University.

“The good thing is” says Joy, “my studies went very well.” Tutor Louise Fournet confirms that Joy “is, without a doubt, an excellent student…[in] this demanding course. Her quizzes and assignment results are outstanding and she knows the subject matter inside out.”

As would be expected, Joy states that she puts a lot of time and effort into her academic work. Even so, just 9 days after she enrolled with AU, Joy formed the on-line Student Moms’ Club of the Athabasca University
Students’ Union.

Tamra Ross Low worked with Joy to create the Club website. She says, “The Student Moms’ Club was entirely Joy’s idea… her intention was to provide an online community where young student mothers could gather for support, inspiration, and advice… At this time there are 17 young mothers registered as members of the SMC, but many more women visit the site and its popular discussion forums. The club members have embraced Joy’s vision, and there is much sharing of support and advice on how to succeed as both a student, and a mother…”

As well, Ms. Ross Low writes that Joy has been very innovative in finding other new ways to foster a community spirit as a distance education student. “Joy was the first student to come up with the idea of meeting a Study Buddy… in the [AUSU] chat-room so that they could study online in real time together. Her idea is an excellent one, and it is something that AUSU is now actively promoting.”

Ms. Ross Low goes on:
“While many people in this situation might have given up…Joy instead decided to make the very best of her new life and to help out other young mothers along the way…I’m a very impressed that Joy took such a proactive approach to her problems, and I admire her determination to help others in the process of helping herself. I think that she is an excellent example of how to best overcome adversity through self-motivation, generosity, and empathy for others.”

Bryon Paege graduated in June 1988 with a Bachelor of Administration from AU. Starting in 1990 he was employed by AU as a tutor, and worked in that capacity until his untimely death in 1995. He really lived the ultimate AU student dream, achieving his degree and then joining the AU academic community in giving his knowledge and expertise back to other AU students.

Bryon was a valued member of the AU family. He is vividly remembered by his sisters and brothers in Local 3911, and it is their intention that his achievements, contributions, dreams and passing never be forgotten.

Any AU tutor, AU counsellor, or AU student may make nominations for the Bryon Paege Memorial Award. Self-nominations are also acceptable. Tutor and counsellor nominators must obtain written consent to disclosure of personal information from their nominee. Self-nominations should be accompanied by a written reference from a teaching or counselling member of an academic community.

Nomination and consent forms are available at http://www.cupe3911.net/paege.shtml

CRITERIA:

A nominee must:
“¢ be currently enrolled in an AU course, or have successfully completed one within the six months prior to the nomination deadline;
“¢ have, in the opinion of the nominator, demonstrated courage and/or resourcefulness worthy of commendation in the overcoming of, or current coping with, some particular challenge or adversity in order to pursue distance education studies. Such challenge or adversity may include:
–> financial adversity;
–> being a member of a minority or marginalized group required to make challenging adjustments to mainstream Canadian academic culture;
–> physical disability, or any challenging health problems, generally;
–> personal loss (for example, loss of family member, loss of job);
–> adjustment to a new country and culture;
–> difficult family circumstances, past or present;
–> other challenge that in the opinion of the nominator corresponds with the spirit of these criteria.

NOMINATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 10TH, 2003

If you have any questions about this award, please direct them to donna@athabascau.ca or (780) 424-2915