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An injury she sustained in2011meant
she couldn’t come toWindsor to take part.
“Distance education givesme theflexibility
towork onmy studies at the times of day that
are best suited forme. Learning keepsme
positive, active, andproductive.”
She enrolledoriginally to strengthenher
employment prospects, butwas pleased tofind
that the programbroadenedher knowledge in
ways she didn’t expect. “For example, I could
now go to an art exhibition and recognize
the various artists, aswell as their styles,
techniques, and eras. I nowunderstandmacro
andmicroanatomy and the physiologyof
organisms. I cannowdesign awebsite.”
Provencher plans to continue on after
earningher undergraduate degree, but hasn’t
decidedwhich kindof graduateor professional
school she’ll pursue.
AndrewDeane is a third-year Liberal Arts
andProfessional Studies studentwhohas
studiedboth full andpart time. “I enrolled in
this programbecause Iwanted to furthermy
education (I have two college diplomas) but
was not surewhat particularmajor Iwanted
to focus on.
“I have a profound love of learning and
many interests, including evolutionarybiology
andneurology, personal finance andfinancial
investing, and the arts.”
ButDeane says that, before he entered the program, society
had extinguished that “inner flame” of learning inhim. As he
considers himself “intrinsically an artist”, he took advantage of
the opportunity to study abroad in Italy via the School of Creative
Arts. That experience, “rekindled the inner knowledge that, at
my core, I am at peacewithmyself when consumed in artistic,
creative pursuits.”
WhileDeane originally intended to switch into amore
“traditional job-friendlymajor”, he has come to the conclusion
that it is an “outdated concept.”
“If you are going to spend a number of years investing in your
university education, you should startwith yourself and focus
onwhat you enjoy and love, andnot somemirage of a societal
standard that disappears as youmove closer to your objective,”
saysDeane. He is now consideringpursuinghismaster’s degree.
Charlotte Swanson is a full-time student in third year of
theGeneral Liberal Arts andProfessional Studies program,
aswell as a full-time employeewhoworksmidnights,
and amother of two.
“I enrolled in theLiberal Arts andProfessional Studies
programbecause I have a verydiverse thirst for knowledge,”
says Swanson. “I hadproblems choosing subjects at first because
I loved everything. Originally, Iwas anundeclared student.When
I realized that I could travel andfinish a degree inLAPS, Iwas
hooked.”
She loves the fact that the broad range of courses she’s taken
has givenher such confidence. “I am able tohold an intellectual
conversationwith anyone Imeet because I have taken courses
in science, computers, English, accounting, business, andmany,
manymore areas.”
Swanson even started theLiberal Arts andProfessionals
Studies club to “help studentswithdeveloping their resumé,
interview skills, and connecting themwithpossible job
opportunities.”
After earningher general degree, she plans to tackle the
honours program and then apply to the dual lawprogram at the
UniversityofWindsor and theUniversityof DetroitMercy.
Wherever the program eventually leads her, “The thirst of
knowledge that I havewill never stop. I donot think Iwill ever
stop taking courses.We are evolutionary creatures and, if we do
not adapt our knowledge and keep it current, ourmentalitywill
be outdated.”
Liberal Arts andProfessional Studies students are the future of
the global economy, says Swanson. “We study everything!
”
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Distance studentChristineProvencher. (FeraElisaKennedyPhotography)
