Academic Upgrading alumni Lynn Goodwin shares her experience and how it helped her succeed

Why did you take the Academic Upgrading program at CNC?

When I first decided to go back to school there were some hurdles. It had been around five years after my high school graduation and clearly I had forgotten some things. When so much time has passed, CNC asks you to write a placement test. My results were less than stellar. While I excelled in writing and comprehension, I fell short in maths.

So, the easy answer is: I had to. In order to become who I wanted to be, or start that journey, I had to start the AU program. It was one of the best decisions of my life.

What were some of your concerns coming into the program?

My main concerns were ones founded by anxiety. What if I couldn’t do it? What if I didn’t make any friends? Or my teachers didn’t like me? What if I was too stupid to do this? How much was this going to cost me and oh god what if I get lost in the hallways and everyone laughs at me?!

It turned out my concerns were unfounded. Friends were made, maps of the building were everywhere, there was an Adult Upgrading Grant to help me pay for the courses, and the teachers were exceptional.

How has the program helped you since taking it?

The foundation I was given was strong and helped me to understand the harder concepts in subsequent University Transfer courses.

How were the instructors?

The teachers were helpful, funny, and knowledgeable. They all had a wealth of experience in imparting the lessons in various ways so that everyone could understand. They knew that what worked for one student may not work for another and were able to tailor their lessons accordingly. They were some of the hardest working teachers I have every had the pleasure of working with.

I am still in contact with most of my profs from my AU days and have the pleasure of seeing them around the college to this day.

How did you balance responsibilities like family, work or other needs?

Precariously. Any student will tell you that work/life/school balance is one of the most difficult things to achieve.

I had a very strong support network before going into the program. My family, friends and significant other were all rooting for me and helping me out when and where they could. The friends I made along the way added to that support. The profs were always willing to meet during office hours to discuss any confusions or to simply chat about life.

What advice do you have for others thinking to take the program?

This may sound trite but this is how I decided to go back to school even knowing I was going to have to upgrade: in 20 years you will still be 20 years older, no matter what you do that is how it works, so why not be 20 years older and with a degree, certificate or diploma?

If finances are an issue, I suggest bursaries and scholarships. A bit of paperwork and you get free money towards your education. Sounds worth it to me.

Finally, I’d say that it’s going to be ok. You don’t need to be a straight A student to get where you want to go in life. Do your best; that’s all you can ask of yourself. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add that we haven’t asked?

The AU program opened so many doors for me. It helped me to pick my career, introduced me to people who have stayed my friends, and gave me the foundation and boost up I needed. Because of the AU program, I had the foundation to get my Associates of Science Degree, continue my education at UNBC, and now work at CNC as a Biology Lab Technician.