Point of VIU
Local campus suits out-of-town students
By Dawn McLean
For Jolene Pirart, of Texada Island, and Aaron Horon-Schultz, of Vegreville, Alberta, the Powell River campus of Vancouver Island University is an ideal place for them to complete the pre-requisite Bachelor of Arts courses they need to pursue training in traditional Chinese medicine in Victoria.
For Nazzy Hill, of Vancouver, the Adult Basic Education program has allowed her to improve her grades as she pursues secretarial work in the health care field.
Kayla Chapman, of Maple Ridge, enrolled in the Adult Basic Education program with a plan to pursue training in hairdressing and aesthetics. She found that being back in school encouraged her to consider other possibilities.
These out-of-town students found the small size of the Powell River campus and its location on the Sunshine Coast suited their personal circumstances and their educational goals.
For Horon-Schultz, Powell River offered a gentle introduction to classroom education.
"I was home-schooled all my life. I had my first day at school at age 26. Jolene and I chose to go to this campus because of the size of classes. We've already established a rapport and relationships with the faculty here. They know what we need and how we work. It's easier."
The couple will stay in Powell River to pursue second-year level courses through distance learning. "We'd rather do that than move to a big city and a really big school. It's nice that this campus is so small," said Pirart.
Hill finds Powell River is well suited to her goal of improving her grades. "The teachers here are amazing. I'm more focused on my work here—not so much distraction, less drama, for sure," said Hill who recalled a lot of "craziness" in her Vancouver high school days.
Chapman came to Powell River a year ago to attend the graduation ceremony for her boyfriend's brother, who had completed the Automotive Service Technician program. After spending some time in the area, Chapman decided to enrol in Adult Basic Education.
She had always loved learning but left high school for health reasons. It didn't take her long to begin looking at broader horizons once she returned to school.
"I came here with an idea. I've been here for about seven months and now I have no idea any more," she joked.
Her original plan was to train in hairdressing or aesthetics and possibly open her own salon but after a short time on campus she began to look at other options.
"I'm just thinking about all the possibilities. I'll be starting university courses in September. I like school. I still enjoy coming to school every day. It's great here because the people are so supportive. You're on a first-name basis with the teachers and you have a whole variety of people of all ages in your classes.
There are 23 students who relocated to Powell River to attend various programs.
"We do everything we can to support students in reaching their educational goals," said Arlette Raaen, principal of VIU's Powell River campus.
"Students, whether they are from the local area or elsewhere can contact our advisors and counselors for assistance in choosing programs and developing strategies for success."
