Aythan McLeod
From: Cross Lake, MB
Graduating Program: Mature High School Diploma, Adult Learning Centre (ALC)
Campus: Thompson, MB
Why did you choose to take the ALC Program at the University College of the North (UCN)?
Before UCN, I graduated from the Youth Build Program, and it was recommended that I get my grade 12 at UCN. My sisters, who were taking it at the time, heard there was a mature student program. They encouraged me to join the program, and now I am graduating!
You mentioned that both of your sisters were in the program. How has it been doing this with them?
It’s been awesome. We had a good chat a while back when we all started in this program, that we would all be walking the stage at the same time. It’s going to be so awesome graduating together. It’s definitely something we have been looking forward to this year!
How have your professors and instructors impacted your time at UCN?
My instructors positively impacted my time at UCN. They encouraged me to come back to class on days I would miss, and gave me lots of encouragement, which I appreciated a lot.
ALC Instructors, Darcy and Peter, were a really good team, and they gave lots of good feedback and inspirational words!
What was your most memorable experience during your time at UCN?
Linkages conference on the Thompson Campus, where several businesses were represented. I saw my old boss, who had some of my work displayed at his table. I made a couple of signs and 3D-printed some key chains, and I was able to chat with him and other businesses.
What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at UCN?
The most important lessons I learned were determination, perseverance, and dedication. By persevering through any sort of problem, which could have been homework or an assignment that was overdue, I would keep going, keep on striving, and eventually, it was done!
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time at UCN?
Meeting all the requirements of getting the Mature High School Diploma and knowing I am going to graduate!
What’s next for you? Tell us your hopes and plans for the future!
My hope and plan are to discover what kind of career I want. I don’t know exactly what path to take when it comes to a career, but I do know that I am very interested in the trades. My dad is a carpenter, and I grew up watching him build stuff. But I wasn’t really interested in it at the time. But now I am accepted into UCN’s Introduction to Construction Trades program. I am excited because this program offers a variety of trades that I can study for a couple of months, and can hopefully find which trade I am interested in.
What advice would you give someone just starting at UCN?
If you are feeling nervous, don’t be nervous! All the instructors and students are very welcome. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone. There is always somebody there to help, whatever you need. Don’t give up!
Message for family, friends and instructors.
Thank you all kindly for the guidance and inspiration! I appreciate it all very much!