Higher Learning

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an artist. More specifically, I wanted to be a video game designer. I also wanted to be a veteranarian, a musician, and an astronaut. That's right: and. 

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Despite being a first-generation learner, I have always been held to and held myself to high academic standards. I still took advanced science and math classes past grade 11 when they became optional, even though I had absolutely no use for pre-calc. Having grown up in a financially insecure household, I needed to keep my options open.

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I had the grades to go places, places that would grant me a degree in a profitable field. None of the 'steady' career options really jumped out at me, and two paths were emerging. It was either music or writing.

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I applied to writing programs at three different universities. Originally, I was dead set on UVIC. I even bought a purple hoodie from the campus store when I went for my tour. I also applied at UBC just to see if I could get in. I did, but I didn't really want to move all the way to Kelowna. Plus, they wouldn't give me any money. UVIC wanted to give me a scholarship of a few grand, and I would've happily accepted their offer had I not been selected for a full-ride scholarship at VIU.

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It is with guilt that I admit I applied at VIU 'just in case.' Vancouver Island University wasn't my first choice, but I'm so glad it was my final decision.

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Although it's unfortunate that finances had to factor into my decision, there were many benefits of attending VIU that I hadn't fully accounted for until I actually started my schooling. I can't believe I ever imagined myself living in a tiny shared dorm on a huge campus. VIU let me keep the freedoms I had worked so hard to attain.

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