Mature student experiences 'rebirth' in Italy

"Believe in yourself. If I can do it, anyone can."

With these words of wisdom, single mom Kim Moes hopes to inspire other 'mature' students to return to school.

Moes dropped out of high school 20 years ago, but resumed her studies at Vancouver Island University with gusto. She recently made the Dean's list for outstanding academic achievement, won a scholarship and participated in a one month "life-changing" study abroad program in Florence, Italy.

At age 38, Moes is one of a growing number of mature learners who return to school to seek a career change or upgrade skills. "As the current economic crisis puts more adults out of work and many more in jeopardy,  we're seeing a surge of people coming back to school to upgrade, or explore new careers and increase their marketability," said Toni O'Keefe, executive director of communications at VIU. "We have more displaced workers and employees in transition returning to school than ever before, and we expect this trend to continue."

In Moes case, she landed back in the classroom because of a "hunger for learning."

She drew inspiration from her mother who returned to school after the age of 50, teaching Moes that "anything is possible."

After a marriage breakdown and a nine-year career as an executive account manager at a local bank, Moes was ready for change. "Something was missing in my life," she recalled, "but I couldn't put my finger on it."

In March 2008, Moes contacted VIU's advising department to explore her options. "Ironically, it was the last day to apply for fall classes," she said. "I guess it was meant to be."

Moes completed English 12 in VIU's Adult Basic Education department, and signed up for first year university courses including poetry, English, and philosophy. It was a first year Liberal Studies course that inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.

"The format of the classes really inspired me," explained Moes. "Two discussion seminars per week and a lecture allowed us to delve deeply into our texts.  There are no wrong answers. In Liberal Studies, you gain a better understanding of human nature and learn about yourself."

To Moes' surprise, she won scholarship after her first year, paving the way to participate in the nine-credit Liberal Studies Study Abroad program in Florence, Italy last May.

"Studying art, architecture, literature, music, science and philosophy in Italy was wonderful," said Moes. "There 's something to be said for reading a book, and then walking on the same street, seeing the same stars, and touching the same buildings that the author did 700 years ago."

Moes' name in Italian translates into Kiara. "My heart melted when I heard that name," she said."It made me feel beautiful. I became Kiara. I know it sounds cliché, but going to Italy helped me find myself. Being immersed in the culture and history helped me grow. It was like a rebirth. I'm closer to being 'whole' than I have ever been before."

Since her return to Canada, Moes is becoming "the change you want to see" kind of person. With two co-leaders, she is launching a new Liberal Studies club in September, and pursuing her passion to mentor students.

"One of my favourite words I learned in Liberal Studies is 'eudaimonia', a Greek word meaning something along the lines of 'creating the conditions to allow for human flourishing.

"That's why I'm here," said Moes. "I am not at school to find a better job, or a better income.  I am at school to create a more fulfilling life for myself and my children. VIU offers that opportunity. If you choose stimulating courses that you are passionate about, you'll achieve your dreams. Don't let anything hold you back."