Powell River campus suits out-of-town students

For Jolene Pirart of Texada Island, and Aaron Horon-Schultz of Vegreville, Alberta, the Powell River campus of Vancouver Island University is an ideal place to complete the pre-requisite Bachelor of Arts courses they need to pursue training in traditional Chinese medicine.

For Nazzy Hill of Vancouver, the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program offered at VIU’s Powell River campus has allowed her to improve her grades as she pursues secretarial work in the health care field.

Kayla Chapman of Maple Ridge says the ABE program will help her pursue training in hairdressing and esthetics. She’s discovered that being back in school encouraged her to consider other possibilities.

All of these students have one thing in common. They moved to Powell River to attend school. They all agree that the small, intimate atmosphere of the Powell River campus and its location on the Sunshine Coast best suits their personal circumstances and their educational goals.

For Horon-Schultz, Powell River offers a gentle introduction to classroom education.

“I was home-schooled all my life,” he said. “I attended my first day of (public) school at age 26. Jolene and I chose to attend the Powell River campus because of the small classes. We’ve already established a rapport and relationships with the faculty here. They know what we need and how we work.”

Pirart said the couple will remain in Powell River to pursue second-year level courses through distance learning. “We’d rather do that than move to a big city and a big school. It’s nice that this campus is so small.”

Hill finds Powell River is well-suited to her goal of improving her grades. “The teachers here are amazing. They’re very helpful and understanding,” she said. “I’m more focused on my work here – not so much distraction, less drama, for sure,” said Hill who recalled a lot of “craziness” in her Vancouver high school days.

Chapman came to Powell River a year ago to attend the graduation ceremony for her boyfriend’s brother, who had completed the Automotive Service Technician program. After spending some time in the area, Chapman decided to enroll in ABE.

She had always loved learning but left high school for health reasons. It didn’t take her long to begin looking at broader horizons once she returned to school.

“I came here with an idea. I’ve been here for several months and now I have no idea anymore,” she joked. Her original plan was to train in hairdressing or esthetics and possibly open her own salon but after a short time on campus, she began to look at options ranging from accounting to becoming an X-ray technician. She is now considering graphic design.

At times, Chapman feels pressure to pick a career but she realizes there are plenty of people who


pick one career path and return to school later to change direction. It’s all about life-long learning.

“I enjoy coming to school every day,” she said. “It’s great here in Powell River because the people are so supportive. You’re on a first-name basis with the teachers and you have a whole variety of people of all ages in your classes.”

A total of 23 students relocated to Powell River this past year to attend various programs.

“We do everything we can to support students in reaching their educational goals,” said campus principal Arlette Raaen.

“Students, whether they are from the local area or elsewhere, can contact our advisors and counselors for assistance in choosing programs and developing strategies for success.”

VIU staff also assist applicants in finding accommodation in the region, financial assistance, transfer of credits and access to distance learning.

For more information about course offerings at VIU’s Powell River campus, visit http://www.pr.viu.ca/