The Hub Convocation 2021: Rupali Krishna

To celebrate the #AthaU21 Convocation, we are profiling some of our amazing graduates. Athabasca University (AU) is so proud of everything they have accomplished and we are excited to celebrate each and every one of them at this year’s virtual convocation!

Master of Nursing (MN) graduate Rupali Krishna is an internationally educated nurse and was commissioned as a nursing officer in the Indian Armed Forces. She served 14 years of military service before migrating to Canada and has worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) since 2012.

We chatted with soon-to-be grad Krishna, to learn more about her journey to earning her MN degree with a teaching focus at AU and hear about her plans for the future.

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Why did you choose AU?

AU has an amazing curriculum, excellent faculty, professional support staff, and an extremely student-friendly environment. Above all, a completely online program helped me continue my dream of attaining a master’s degree, while balancing my personal commitment as a mother of two boys, wife, and professional commitment as an RN working with elders in long-term care.

Rupali Krishna

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Who has supported you throughout your journey at AU?

Well, the list is too long. The dean of nursing, librarians, individual instructors, and office assistants. Last but not least, my mother-in-law Mrs. Neepa Mukhopadhyay, my husband, my brother-in-law and his family, my kids, my siblings and their families, our extended family in Canada, and Mr. and Mrs. Mahal.

Rupali Krishna

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How will completing your degree at AU transform your life?

Completing the degree at AU will help me become a professional with enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence. With a master’s degree in my possession, I can focus on becoming a proficient public health nurse, nursing instructor, and above all, a better-educated mother and role model to my children.

Rupali Krishna

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Tell us about a time that the flexibility of AU helped you overcome a challenge.

I was in my third course and unfortunately, due to my heavy professional commitment at my day job, I couldn’t do well in the final assignment. Instead of failing, the concerned instructors reached out to me. She gave me valuable guidance and offered me an option to re-do the assignment with extended timelines.

Rupali Krishna

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Complete this statement: My personal journey landed me here, at AU, but it certainly doesn’t stop now. My future is…

I want to quote the lyrics from the famous song, “A Thousand Years,” sung by singer Christina Perri: “Heartbeats fast, colours and promises, how to be brave? How can I love and I am afraid to fall.” Now I am not afraid to fall anymore, and I want to go ahead boldly with my next dream of obtaining a doctorate in nursing practice.

Rupali Krishna

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Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just a big thank you to all my instructors and support staff at AU. You have been the greatest cheerleaders in this journey. Whenever I faltered, got scared off, or felt a roadblock, the encouragement, patience, and guidance helped me come up. Online education is tough, especially for adult learners like us who did not grow up in a technology-enhanced world. The family and professional responsibilities add extra stress. Without the continuous support of the AU Faculty of Health Disciplines and the office staff, this journey could not have reached its destination.

Rupali Krishna