Stephanie Peters realized something was missing from her everyday life when she decided to leave the security of a salaried job and return to school. She has it now, thanks to her time at NC.
We catch up with the Office Administration – Executive (Co-op) graduate to find out what that was and who motivated her to make such a profound change.
Stephanie Peters
Hometown: St. Catharines
Age: 40
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award, School of Business and Management, Office Administration – Executive (Co-op program) (97%)
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I was very surprised. I knew that I had worked really hard and was very happy with my marks, but never thought I was top of my program.
To what factors do you attribute your academic success? What motivates you to succeed?
One hundred per cent of my motivation comes from my daughter. As a single mom, I wanted to work hard and demonstrate that, no matter your age, if you are determined and hardworking, you are able to accomplish great things.
What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically?
Prior to starting at NC, I was working in retail management. As a single parent, I wanted to be around for my daughter more as she grows and knew that I needed a new path to facilitate that. It took a while for me to conquer the fear of leaving my full-time salaried position but with the encouragement of my family and friends, I finally took the leap. I picked NC because it was close to home, had a great reputation, and offered a few of programs that I was interested in. Ultimately, I selected the Office Administration-Executive program because it offered the co-op option. I really liked that I would be able to learn and practice my skills before heading into the career world.
List any other postsecondary credentials (diplomas, degrees) you have achieved as well?
Bachelor of Arts, Honours
Bachelor of Education
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
I’m really happy with the program direction I chose because it allows me to continue working in a public-facing role, while also being able to use the new skills and knowledge I have gained. I also love that there are so many potential pathways that I can take, and many opportunities to keep learning and growing in this field. And, personally, the best part now is I have a better work-life balance and feel that I am truly joyful in both areas.
Do you have a specific career goal in mind?
What I want is to find a place where I am valued and respected; a place where I can work hard, be part of a team, and help everyone to be successful. And, a place where I can continue to grow and to be challenged by my work.
How did you find your program experience? What stands out to you? What did you find rewarding or particularly beneficial?
My biggest highlight is the friends and peers I have met along the way and the many laughs I have been able to share with them. I am especially fond of the memory of myself, and 3 other “mature” students skipping our excel class — and this is big because us group of gals never missed a class — to play Bingo down in the Armoury. We felt like such rebels and figured that if we truly wanted the whole “college experience” then we needed to be a little bit deviant for a time.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
My biggest struggle was finding a balance between school, work, and parenting. As a single mom, I needed to continue to work part-time, while going to school, and spend quality time with my daughter. It was a juggling act and I really had to make sure that I was super organized. But I have a great support system of family and friends, who were big helps along the way.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Once we had to switch to online learning, there were times where I really struggled with not being in class and, were it not for the amazing friends I made at the beginning, I know my struggles could have been far worse. I wish that I could have been in class for the whole time. I wish that I could have had my complete co-op terms. And I wish that we all didn’t have to be so isolated from each other. But it’s reality and I know I am very fortunate for the things I do have.
What does graduating mean to you personally?
Personally, for a while, I kind of lost my way, my joy. I was stuck in a job that I no longer enjoyed and was simply going because I had bills to pay and a child to take care of. Going back to school, and now graduating, has refreshed my love of learning. It also means that all of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices have been worth it. At the beginning, two years seemed like a long time. But now, the time has flown by and I can’t believe I’m at the point of graduation.
Are you planning to attend your virtual convocation ceremony?
At first, I wasn’t planning on attending my virtual convocation ceremony. My co-op turned into a full-time position, and I was unsure about asking for the afternoon off of work to attend. But I have worked so hard and come so far that I’m glad I’ve decided to attend. Even though she may not see me walk across that stage, my daughter will still get to share in this big moment and hopefully one day think about all the great things she can also accomplish.
Visit the College’s Virtual Convocation site to view the schedule or to access the livestream ceremonies: niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation/.
