By Jenna Johnson
Growing up, I always loved learning and being at school. School was always my happy place. When I graduated from Brooks Secondary School, I was worried; I no longer had my happy place anymore. I decided to take a year off from school to work and (try to) save money. A year turned into two, and I could no longer stand not being in some sort of learning environment.
I decided to call the VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus and made an appointment with the school counsellor. I told him that I had no idea what I wanted to take or what I wanted to do as a career, but that I needed to be in school. He recommended a couple courses that were university level, one of them being Anthropology. Even though I come from a low income family, he helped me get the funding I needed to take it. From that moment on, I was hooked. If I could take every course that VIU offers, I would.
VIU became my new happy place. Since then I have upgraded my Physics 12, and at this moment I am taking English 115 and Psychology 112. I love the calm environment and friendly staff, and being comfortable is important while continuing my education.
After I finish the two courses I am taking, I will be moving to Nanaimo to study at VIU. I cannot imagine going to any other school. I am taking the four year Biology degree program and I could not be more excited. I will be living on campus, so for four years, my happy place will be home.