‘Pivot’ has been the word of the pandemic, and Amanda Sutcliffe is no stranger to it.
When the world locked down in March 2020 to fight COVID-19, Sutcliffe rejigged her own education plans and it’s helped her in ways she never imagined.
We catch up with find out her story.
Name: Amanda Sutcliffe
Hometown: Fenwick. Currently Fort Erie.
Age: 38
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award winner, School of Academic Studies, General Arts and Science program (95% GPA).
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I was very surprised to hear that I would be receiving this award. It is wonderful to have my hard work recognized in such a substantial way, and for that I am truly honoured.
What led you to study at NC and to your program specifically?
In 2017 when my youngest child started kindergarten, I enrolled in the Educational Assistant-Special Needs Support program at Niagara College. In the spring of 2019, I obtained my diploma and began working with children and adults who had both physical and developmental disabilities. This led me to return to the college in September 2019, enrolling in the Personal Support Worker program with the goal of expanding my hands-on skillset.
Prior to obtaining my PSW Certificate, COVID-19 emerged and our placements were temporarily put on hold. At the same time, school was cancelled for my children, so once again I went back to being a stay-at-home mom. When the next school year began and parents were given different educational choices for their children, I opted to enrol mine in virtual schooling, which I thought would mean pausing my own education.
After speaking to numerous college advisers and professors, I enrolled in the General Arts and Sciences program, which was being delivered virtually as well. This allowed me to stay at home with my children while continuing to pursue my own goals. The courses I went on to take only added to the wealth of relevant knowledge I had already acquired, effectively making the program a perfect piece of my educational puzzle.
Did you face any challenges over the course of your study?
My program experience, although different than anything I had done in the past, really was a positive one overall. It was challenging to not have professors and peers in the same place as myself to collaborate with; however, through texts and emails I was able to get valuable feedback from both teachers and students alike.
Balancing my studies and home life was fairly easy, as I was able to switch from being a student, to a mom, and back again with little trouble. That said, it was not without some struggles, and I could not have made it through without the support of my husband and children. They have taken on a lot since I began my educational journey at Niagara College, and I would not be where I am today without them.
What have you been doing since competing your studies?
Since completing my studies, I have remained at home with my children while they finish their school year virtually. Additionally, I have taken on watching my best friend’s young twins a few days a week, so there is no lack of excitement around my house these days. Although I do not have any set timelines for the future due to COVID-19, I one day intend to return to Niagara College to complete the Personal Support Worker program so I can go back to working with clients and their families.
Are you planning to attend your virtual convocation ceremony?
I am excited but nervous to be attending my virtual convocation ceremony. Although different from my past in-person experience, the thought of being on camera makes me anxious, just as being in front of a large crowd did. My family and friends may not be able to watch the ceremony live, but thankfully with today’s technology, they will be able to experience it at a time that works for them.
What is it like to graduate at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It has been truly unique to attend college and graduate during a pandemic. I am very thankful for the experience because I feel that my children watching me persevere and graduate during these times has greatly helped them through the challenges that virtual schooling has thrown their way. It has shown them that with hard work and determination they will be able to succeed if they put their minds to it, regardless of the external situation they may find themselves in. Additionally, it has allowed me to better understand how they are feeling because I have gone through a similar experience. And it has allowed us as a family to weather virtual schooling and the COVID storm itself better than I could have imagined.
