Vancouver, BC - March 6, 2007. The challenge of embarking on a new career can be stressful. When Astrid Hugill enrolled in the Accounting and Payroll Administrator program at Vancouver Career College, she faced larger obstacles than most mature students. Not only had she and her family recently emigrated from South Africa to Canada, she hadn't worked for 21 years. On top of that, Astrid is deaf.
At first, Astrid had some trepidation about going back to school. She knew it would be an intense program and worried if she could handle the workload and juggle the family's day-to-day routine. The campus Program Advisor offered encouragement.
"She thought I could do it," Astrid remembers. "Most people never believe in me when I say I want to do something, but she said 'You'll be fine.' And I'm thinking 'She's crazy!'"
Once the course started, Astrid's determination allowed her to overcome any communication barriers. There were, of course, moments of frustration.
"Sometimes the instructors would explain things to the class," she remembers. "They'd say something and I would just think 'Oh, too bad I missed that!' I would really want to follow [what was said], but I couldn't."
When some of her instructors and fellow students suggested that she hire an interpreter, Astrid explained about the funding difficulties of such an arrangement. Even though the campus director searched for various support resources, Astrid felt a sense of urgency to get on with her studies and out into the field. This meant that she had to reassure her instructors that she'd be okay.
"I told them not to worry," she says with a laugh. "'If there's something I don't understand, I will talk to you and ask questions.'"
For Astrid, this approach meant long days at the campus. She'd arrive at school about three hours before class started, find a quiet corner where she could sit and drink her coffee while reviewing material for the afternoon's lecture.
The hard work paid off and within a month of finishing her program, Astrid found a job at a CGA office in North Vancouver. She says she enjoys her new position. She also looks forward to continuing her education in the future. She looks back on her time at the campus with fondness.
"I'm really glad that, even through the frustrations, I stuck it out and the school believed in me as well," she says.
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