Flexibility enabled mother to return to school

Thanks to the accelerated adult degree program at Trinity Western University, busy, working adults have found the flexibility to finish their degrees while keeping their day job or caring for their children.

One student who expressed appreciation for the flexibility is Theresa Li. She said, "The professors teach with heart, acknowledging we are a different group of people who are dedicated to do well the second time around." Theresa Li told TWU: I first attended TWU as a regular post-secondary student pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree. I struggled to keep up with the demands and found it extremely hard to juggle the workload with a part-time job as a parent. I could only pursue the degree part-time and that would turn the four-year program into eight years. That seemed like a long time! After a few semesters, I decided I needed to take a break until I found out that TWU had a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership program that would fit my schedule as a single parent. The courses run every six weeks and are continuous, so you can finish the degree in two years. At any given time if you need time off from the studies, the flexibility of the program allows the students to pick up the course later on. 

The hours I needed to be on campus are minimal and in only the evening, so I was able to spend more time with my family. Part of the course work is submitted online to give students efficient access and to stay connected with the professor and each other. The assignments are designed to help us incorporate our workplace issues and are relevant to our life experiences, which can then be reflected through our class work and discussions.

It is not easy returning to an academic environment after so many years; but once you enter the room full of adult learners just like yourself, it will put your mind at ease as many of us are in this journey together. Overcoming fears and anxiety is part of the process and the leadership program has allowed me to learn more about myself and the world around me. What is more important, it has taught from a biblical perspective which is relevant to helping us become great leaders who will be shaping the world for the future.