The Hub Convocation 2021: Patricia Household

Canadian expat Patricia Household began her studies at AU while living in Switzerland. As a wife and mother of two sons, she decided to pursue her degree at 50 years old, after her sons went to university. An avid quilter and a people person who’s always enjoyed getting to know individuals, Patricia was deeply interested in learning what made people tick and entered the program with the goal of expanding on her pre-existing counselling education and experience. After ten years of hard work, Patricia has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree and is currently living in Ontario, where she plans to get involved in Victim Services and the Migrant Worker Program in Niagara.

We chatted with Patricia to learn more about her time at AU, her travels abroad and what she hopes to do with her education in the future!

Learn more about Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

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What drew you to study psychology?

I have always been a people person and enjoyed getting to know individuals, the quirkier the better. It left me deeply interested in what makes people tick, and as I entered the program my goal was to learn and formalize the “counseling” I did, where I seemed to attract conversations with those who were struggling in life. In everything I learned, my compassion grew for those who do not easily fit into the box that society expects and rewards.

Patricia Household

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For one of your courses, digital storytelling, you created a stop motion quilting video. Can you tell us more about the project and the inspiration behind it?

I have been sewing since I was about 8 years old, and while in Switzerland I began making art quilts, as wall hangings. When I needed a story for Digital Storytelling, I remembered the time my young twins had a new bus driver and were lost for several hours in 2001 (this was before we all had cell phones). I created ten 24×34″ scenes, as small quilts. Each one had a road going through, with movable school buses and people made of felt. I had a blast doing stop motion through the journey, including city, farm, forest, and mountains, as well as cows, deer, a bear, and a wolf howling at the moon, all with suitable music and sounds in the background. I did not add dialogue, as the pictures told the story. I learned so much about the technology, and it was by far the most fun assignment, as well as a great way to finish ten years of studying!

Patricia Household

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How has purusing your degree at AU transformed your life?

The day after I finished my last course I signed up as a volunteer for Victim Services. The Psychology courses, as well as many in Women’s Studies, have sharpened my interest in helping people in crisis, as well as giving me confidence that I can be of service to them.

Patricia Household

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What will you miss most about your time with AU?

I miss the directed learning. Every new course got me excited about what was coming. Every time I picked up a book or read an article, I learned something new. The feeling of accomplishment when I researched and wrote papers was wonderful.

Patricia Household

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You primarily studied in Switzerland – where was the best place to open your books and study?

We lived in a small town on Lake Geneva, and our covered patio looked out across the lake towards the French Alps. I spent many hours out on that patio, enjoying the beautiful weather and lack of bugs!

Patricia Household

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Do you have any words of wisdom for future learners at AU?

I would say that it is absolutely worth it to continue your education, no matter your age or motivation. Learning is its own reward, in my opinion, and persistence builds character.

Patricia Household

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Is there anything else you would like to share?

I am so grateful for what I discovered about myself in completing my degree in my 50s, and the confidence it has given me. I am curious, persistent, and creative, and I thoroughly enjoy the process of learning.

 

Patricia Household

Published:
  • June 10, 2021