A day in the life: Natasha
Get to know Natasha, Adult Learning Program (ALP) student and valedictorian
Name: Natasha Steward
Program: Adult Learning Program
NSCC Campus: Institute Technology Campus
Class of: 2024
What types of things do students learn?
The Adult Learning Program is flexible and tailored to the individual needs of each student. They offer chemistry, biology, physics, math, communications, a wide variety of electives and more.
How long is the program?
I chose a full, 1-year learning program, whereas others may choose a longer path taking a course or 2 each year until they graduate. There’s lots of flexibility for each individual student.
What’s the difference between the Adult Learning Program and Academic Upgrading?
The Adult Learning Program is for students who do not have a high school diploma. For individuals who have a high school diploma but want to improve their grades to be eligible for a specific college or university program, for example, they have the option to do Academic Upgrading.
I joined the Adult Learning Program specifically to get the math credits and 1 elective that I was missing from my high school diploma. My grade 11 high school credits were low in chemistry and biology and couldn’t be counted as prerequisites to a college science program, so I upgraded those as well.
What types of projects and assignments do ALP students work on?
Students work on a variety of assignments and projects. In communications, history and psychology, for example, students complete research papers and more. In my communications class, I completed a research project on the chemistry of bees. We also studied poetry and prepared book reports. There were class debates and much more.
In biology class, students completed take-home assignments and tests. Our labs involved fun, hands-on learning like making a DNA strand out of K’Nex. In chemistry class, there was lots of fun, interactive learning using chemical substances.
Tell me about your favorite place on campus.
I love being in the lab. We use it a lot for chemistry, physics and biology. Being in there sparked a fire in me. After my first lab, I knew that I wanted to be a scientist and one that helps nature.
What surprised you most about the ALP program?
That I fit in. Going back to school at the age of 34 for my grade 12 was not only terrifying, but also embarrassing. I feared the thought of being surrounded by students who were much younger. I thought it was going to be difficult to make friends and feel confident. But when I walked into class, there were students who were 18 and students who were 50, all with different backgrounds and reasons for being there. From the very first day, I felt included and like I belonged.
What are some of the challenges that you had to overcome in returning to school?
Finding balance was the biggest challenge for me in returning to school. I have a mortgage, bills, pets, as well as a part-time job where I often work late evenings.
The Adult Learning Program offers night, day and morning classes, and some classes are offered online. My teachers worked with me on a personalized plan that helped me maneuver around work and other things.
What has been your favorite part of studying at NSCC?
My instructors. They’ve guided me, taught me how to do so many new things, and helped me gain confidence. I cannot stress how dedicated they have been in helping me succeed.
Our instructors volunteer their time in so many ways. They are just so present, so loving and so caring. I call my communications instructor, my ‘Maritime Mom’. I believe wholeheartedly that my instructors are the tools to my success.
Now that you’ve completed the Adult Learning Program and have a high school diploma, what’s next for you?
I’ve been accepted into the Environmental Engineering Technologies – Water Resources program offered at NSCC Ivany Campus. I'm going to be a scientist!
A day in the life
Morning
7 am - I wake up and get ready for school. Today I’ll be on Campus a little later than usual as there’s an awards celebration tonight, so I’m packing a big lunch with lots of snacks.
7:45 am - I feed my dog, grab my keys and head out. I live in Eastern Passage and my commute to IT Campus takes about 30 minutes.
8:15 am - I arrive on campus and put my things in my locker.
8:30 am - Math class is about to start. I’m finishing up the last module.
10:30 am - Math class ends and I have an hour before my next class.
11 am - I meet up with Zoe Mitchell. She teaches education and language. She also looks after the beehive at IT Campus. As part of my Communications course, I did a presentation on the chemistry of bees. I learned that the proceeds from the harvested honey goes toward Food for Thought - a program that provides a complementary hot meal on Campus every Thursday for all students in the School of Access.
11:30 am - It’s time for Biology class. Today we’re analyzing a specimen under the microscope.
Afternoon
12:30 pm - Time for lunch! I head to the cafeteria where there are quite a few lunch and snack options.
1:30 pm - Communications class starts. My friend Caden is giving a presentation on the history of military tanks. He did a great job!
3:30 pm - Classes are done for the day. I’m sticking around to help with setting up for tonight’s celebration event – an event that recognizes student achievement. I’m receiving an award tonight so taking a few minutes to go over my speech.
Evening
6:30 pm - The event kicks off. I’m an NSCC Valedictorian and after some musical entertainment by students and instructors, I give my speech. I’m nervous but feeling proud of all that I’ve accomplished this past year.
A few minutes later, I receive the Academic Chair Award – an award of academic excellence in my program.
8:30 pm - The event ends and it’s time to head home.
It’s been an amazing day and a great year! I’ve officially completed all my classes and look forward to receiving my high school diploma!