UNBC - Invest in Yourself

Helen Domshy, 61 Master of Arts, 2001 “I needed a new mental challenge,” says Helen, who returned to university in 1996 at the age of 51 to pursue a master’s degree in Gender Studies. “At the time, I had two teenagers at home, an acreage with animals, and a full-time job. I had no computer and my husband complained that there were always books and materials everywhere.” When asked how she felt studying among younger students, Helen says “I was never treated like I didn’t belong nor had an outdated point of view. My classmates were so welcoming and intelligent.” Helen worked in Medical Imaging as a Clinical Instructor, specializing in Mammography. After graduating, she moved into several different areas that she says increased her awareness of her capabilities and brought personal satisfaction. Currently retired, Helen stays involved with UNBC through the Alumni Association and is a member of the Senate. “But when I go back to work, my UNBC experience will give me the confidence to try something new.”		"I was never treated like I didn’t belong nor had an outdated point of view"

Dallas Eng, 31 Bachelor of Commerce, 2006 “It was a tough decision to go to university,” says Dallas, who left Whitehorse to go to UNBC at age 22. “People my age were already graduating and I was just starting. I hadn’t even planned on completing a degree, but within one semester, I knew that I had to keep going.” Despite his already well-paying career as a surveyor, Dallas had realized his true passion was in finance. His education did not come without its challenges. After his second year, Dallas came down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, causing him to postpone his studies for three years. “It was very difficult to go back as I never fully recovered, but I really wanted to move on.” He persevered and graduated with a Commerce degree in Finance in 2006. Now a banker for CIBC in the Okanagan, Dallas is enjoying his new life. “I am very happy to have earned my degree. My education is the most valuable thing I have; it gives me unlimited options for advancement the future.” Dallas is looking forward to his climb up the corporate ladder in the world of finance.		"My education is the most valuable thing I have; it gives me unlimited options for advancement in the future.”

Angela Genaille, 26 Bachelor of Social Work, 2006 “I became pregnant at a young age. I wanted to provide a good life for my child, so I went back to high school,” says Angela, who then attended a high school for teen parents. She had her second child while still in grade twelve. After attending Northwest Community College, Angela transferred to UNBC’s Social Work program in Terrace and studied full-time while working part-time and caring for her children. She relied on the support from her family, friends, fellow students, and teachers to help her through her education. “My experience at UNBC was great. There were twelve students in my cohort. This made it easy to build relationships. The other students came from various cultures and had unique life experiences to share.” Angela graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2006 and now works with children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Terrace.		“I became pregnant at age 16. I wanted to provide a good life for my child"

Leonard Legault, 45 Continuing Studies Courses Leonard Legault has two businesses, a wife (who is also his business partner), three kids, and a desire to keep learning. He took his first course through UNBC’s Continuing Studies three years ago and continues to go back for more. “Continuing Studies offers a good mix of classes for career and personal development,” says Leonard, who has taken courses relating to project management, finance, and health. “Having recently acquired a new company, I’m signed up for a course at UNBC that will help me build upon my media and presentation skills.” Leonard, who runs All-Wood Fibre Ltd. and Alterna Energy Inc. in Prince George, is also interested in UNBC’s MBA program. “But that’s for another day,” he says. “In the meantime, I can keep developing my business skills through Continuing Studies.”		“Continuing Studies offers a good mix of classes for career and personal development”

Leanne Ouellet, 41 Course for Certification Leanne Ouellet is working toward her CA designation. “UNBC has the one course I need in order to complete my requirements,” says Leanne. “It’s the only institution in the area offering this course.” The mother of two grown children, who works full-time as a staff accountant at KPMG in Prince George, started her course at UNBC in September. The Interest Only admission option allowed her to become a student quickly and easily, and the course she’s taking still counts as university credit. Leanne has a diploma in Business Administration from the College of New Caledonia, but wanted to further her education to increase her earning potential in accounting, a field that she enjoys. She had previously worked as an operator at Telus, but accepted a buy-out when the corporation was downsizing. Leanne will finish her course at UNBC in December and hopes to complete the CA program in 2009.		“UNBC has the one course I need in order to complete my requirements”