Convocation 2019 – Jocelyn Urkow

I chose the program because I was interested in the flexibility of doing online courses and having the option of both group and individual study. Additionally, I was drawn to the idea of having a masters in interdisciplinary studies so I could widen my range of knowledge.

Life is always busy, but I find that being present in the moment is very helpful. When I was studying, I avoided distractions and focused. When I was relaxing, I fully enjoyed those moments. There were a couple of times when my courses overlapped, and I was travelling with deadlines to meet, which just meant that I had to be more rigid about structuring my time. I also tried to take at least two months a year off of school and work to recharge. Completing my thesis at the beginning of my pregnancy was rough as I was so exhausted and found it hard to focus. Fortunately, my supervisor was so supportive and helped me stay on target.

My little window spot which was overlooking the palm trees blowing from the warm Carribean breeze

I started my masters in Khartoum, Sudan and travelled to over 20 countries while studying. From completing readings in the cloud forest in Ecuador to working on coursework in the tea fields in Sri Lanka, I was blessed to have the flexibility of wifi and a laptop to complete all my work.

The hardest part of my degree was the end. The final push to complete my thesis challenged me, and I had to dig deep into my reserves to find the energy. I think being so close to the end was psychologically tiring and the ethics review ended up being much more in depth than I anticipated, so my timeline was pushed back.

Exactly where I am: Canada! After all the travelling the past five years, I am happy to be permanently back home and on Canadian soil. Something about home is ineffable and feels right. That being said, my wanderlust days are not over, and I hope to continue to travel with Canada as a home base.

I have to say that submitting my proposal for final approval was somewhat anti-climactic. Other than a pre-planned trip to Cuba, there was not a lot of fanfare, and I kept having to remind myself that I really was done. In some ways, I felt relief but also sadness: I love learning and am going to miss the course work. I’m already planning for my next educational adventure!

I am now a mother which is exciting, and I’m looking forward to watching my daughter Athena grow up. Additionally, I have accepted a posting teaching English and Geography at UNISUS school in Summerland, a new private international baccalaureate school. The coming year will be one of personal and academic growth as I familiarize myself with the IB program and work alongside some incredible educators to create an innovative program.

The best advice I have is to enjoy your time at Athabasca University and to make the most of the relationships you can make with colleagues and professors. I was fortunate to have some great mentors who helped guide me. Another piece of advice is to get organized! At the beginning of every course, I mapped out all the assignments, readings, and then made sure my deadlines were one week in advance of the AU deadlines. This allowed me to complete assignments without stress and to feel confident in revising and editing my work.

AU helped me to develop and hone my writing style, and also helped with my pedagogical practice. As a teacher, I think
learning for yourself is a fundamentally necessary act to inspire your students. Doing my masters while working full
time allowed me to translate the passion I had for learning into the lives of the students in my classroom.