Adult Basic Education helps former aerobics instructor change careers

Shona Pickup knows the value of making positive change. This 36-year-old mother of two and former aerobics instructor had the courage to return to school after 13 years to upgrade her high school education and launch a major career change.

Pickup recently completed Biology 12 with top marks through Malaspina University-College’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, and is now pursuing further education to become a Licenced Practical Nurse.

Pickup admits she was nervous when she first walked into the classroom at Malaspina’s Parksville-Qualicum Centre last January, but thanks to support and encouragement from ABE science instructor Allen Lewis, it didn’t take long to feel at home and excel in her studies.

“I was worried I’d feel out of place in the classroom, but didn’t,” said Pickup. “There was a good mixture of people of all ages and backgrounds. Allen is an incredible instructor. Taking his class was like eating candy. Everything came naturally. I loved it.”

“It was scary to launch a major career change mid-life, but I had no choice,” Pickup added. She worked for years as an aerobics instructor but was sidelined by a knee injury and subsequent surgery. “I had to find a new career.”

Testing at the Parksville Career Centre pointed Pickup towards the health care field.  “It makes perfect sense because I’ve always enjoyed helping people,” Pickup said. “This is the journey I’m supposed to be taking.”

Lewis said Shona stood out in the classroom because of her dedication and commitment to learning. “She did a class presentation on second hand smoke and coronary artery disease, and demonstrated wonderful leadership qualities. Shona is an amazing person who juggles a multitude of responsibilities and is conquering many challenges. She’s thoroughly excited about Malaspina and the Licenced Practical Nursing program, and is exactly the kind of adult learner who benefits in a big way from programs like ABE.”

Pickup is now volunteering at Arrowsmith Lodge in Parksville to gain hands-on experience in the health care field. Eventually, after further training at Malaspina, she hopes to work at senior’s care home.

Positive encouragement from Malaspina’s ABE team, plus strong family support, have been key to Pickup’s success. “My husband, 17-year-old son, and nine-year-old daughter have been awesome,” she said.  “They pulled together to help out around the house. All of them are really proud of me for going back to school and pursuing my dream.”

ABE is offered at Malaspina’s four campuses in Nanaimo, Duncan, Powell River, and Parksville-Qualicum.

“We help adult learners return to school and be successful,” said Tony Bellavia, Malaspina’s Director of Career and Academic Preparation. Since 1997, over 3,500 adult learners in Parksville/Qualicum and another 10,000 in Nanaimo have successfully completed the ABE program. Students can obtain their high school diploma and pursue a new career or job, or complete prerequisites for trade, career or university programs.

A wide range of classes are offered in English and math, computers, and science. ABE courses are $50 (not including books and supplies). Grants and bursaries are available to students who qualify. The Fall semester begins September 10, and registrations are now being accepted. For information, call (250) 248-2096 in Parksville or (250) 740-6425 in Nanaimo.