Transforming Lives: Moving Beyond
Tenille Bryanton: Leveraging the best from within
AU is incredibly proud of the commitment and perseverance our incredible learners show us. We see it every day, and we’re blown away by your profound ability to juggle so many important tasks.
Has AU helped to transform your life? From a mother’s perspective, this is Tenille Bryanton’s story.
Leading by example
I’m not sure what is ingrained in me, but I have never been one to take the most obvious path in life and my approach to education was no different.
My parents led by example and always went for their dreams, while instilling a strong work ethic in me.
My dad is a Saskatchewan-based farmer, and I’m not sure how much more dedicated it gets than that. Year after year, he shows up with passion deep within for working the land, seeding a crop, and watching his efforts grow. He inspires me to try my hardest to make something of myself every day.
My mom has grown into an inspirational leader for young women everywhere. Also hailing from small town Saskatchewan, she never settled for anything less than the best for herself, my sister, and me. Even though her kids are grown now, it is awe-inspiring to watch her continue to chase her dreams in her work and personal life.
When it came time to choose a path for post-secondary education, I wanted to get out into the workforce as soon as possible, so that is why I chose to earn a diploma in marketing from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In two years, I was ready for the industry. Obtaining a degree was always on my radar, but I always had an excuse why the timing wasn’t right.
It wasn’t long after I found out my husband and I were expecting our first child that I decided that I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps and make something more of myself. I had a great job but didn’t want to settle for anything less than the best for me and my family.
That’s where Athabasca University (AU) came in. I registered for classes shortly before my daughter was born, and after her birth, I felt such a determination to show her that I could be a great mom while continuing on my path of self-improvement and following my dreams.
“...I felt such a determination to show her that I could be a great mom while continuing on my path of self-improvement and following my dreams.”
– Tenille Bryanton
During my first maternity leave, I completed 12 credits towards my Bachelor of Management. A job change, house move, and the birth second feisty little girl later, I am still working my way towards my dreams. With the flexibility and support that AU offers its students, I have been able to complete most of my studies while being on maternity leave.
There have been times where it was all too much, where I felt like giving up but I have always been able to dig into that deep part of me to continue on. I have 12 credits left before I complete my degree, and I hope my family can look back on this period as an example of how to leverage the best within yourself to achieve your dreams.
