91ÖÆƬ³§

Learners Like No Other is a series where real students and alumni share how online learning at 91ÖÆƬ³§is like no other university experience. 

Jenna MacLaine 
📍Thompson, Man. 
Bachelor of Science (Post-Diploma), General '22
 

Why was online learning at Athabasca University the right fit for you? 
As a shift worker in health care, my schedule isn’t always consistent, and life can be demanding. AU’s flexibility allowed me to study when it worked for my schedule.

How has studying at 91ÖÆƬ³§helped you achieve your goals? 
Completing a degree seemed impossible without quitting my career. AU’s online learning model made it possible.

I was able to earn my Bachelor of Science at my own pace without leaving my career, all from the comfort of my home.

How do you balance your studies with other responsibilities like work or family? 
91ÖÆƬ³§gave me the flexibility to balance my studies with the rest of my life. I wasn’t studying on AU’s schedule; I was studying on mine. When life needed my attention, I could set my studies aside and return to them when I had the capacity.

What is your favourite course?
Human Genetics and Human Sexuality were my favourite courses.

91ÖÆƬ³§gave me the flexibility to balance my studies with the rest of my life. I wasn’t studying on AU’s schedule; I was studying on mine.

Jenna MacLaine (BSc Gen PD '22)

Who is your biggest cheerleader? 
My husband was a huge source of support, especially during the final stretch of my degree.

Balancing work, family responsibilities, and studying was a challenge, and near the end I wasn’t sure I had the energy to finish. He encouraged me every step of the way and took on more responsibilities at home so I could focus on completing my degree.

How is your 91ÖÆƬ³§education different from what you have experienced previously? 
The flexibility was unlike anything I had experienced before. Being able to learn on my own schedule allowed me to earn my degree while continuing my career.