Education After Hours – Student Success Stories

Honours Society Award

Justine Taylor, BAOrgM '22 (Cohort 43)

Supply Teacher, Anglophone East School District

My passion, my goal, my purpose has always been to teach. My journey to certify as a teacher started over 30 years ago, in my homeland of England. In my early 20s, I completed part of my Bachelor of Education, however, life happened, and I found myself focused on a career in the Sport and Fitness Industry. Over the years, the desire to be at the front of a classroom never wavered, so when I was offered the position of Further Education College Lecturer in Sports Studies teaching a range of theoretical and practical courses to 16 to 19 year-olds, I gladly took on the role for over 10 years.

Since moving to Canada, the desire to teach had seemed a distant dream. This dream was rekindled when I had the opportunity to speak with a local Middle School Principal who understood my passion and introduced me to Crandall University. I have been honoured to complete this program with such amazing professors and a cohort of wonderful, supportive, and fun people, who, are all deserving of this award.

The love and support I have received from my family and friends has given me the strength and determination to achieve my full potential. I am so excited to continue my journey in Crandall's Bachelor of Education program next Fall, when, at its end, my lifelong dream will finally be realized!

Student Success Story

Joni Pollock, BAOrgM '22

Director, Youth in Action Centre

Finishing my university degree was always something that I'd hoped to do but I'd started to doubt that I'd be able to. After an unexpected life change, I realized that one door closing can lead to new opportunities, so I began to look into what it might look like for me, a single mother of three teenagers, to go back to school at 38 years old.

After some research, I discovered that some of my previous credits could be put toward a Bachelors Degree with the Degree Completion Program at Crandall University. The courses were given in person one night a week, which allowed me to keep working full time and, most importantly, allowed me to stay in Campbellton with my children.

Thanks to this degree, I have been able to use my past experience and my newfound knowledge simultaneously to start new initiatives, expand the vision of our centre, and help us meet goals in a more productive manner. I have challenged myself in ways I never could have imagined and come out successful.

Crandall has wonderful professors who genuinely care about their students. Professor Shelly Lyons was always willing to offer support to her students. I am grateful for the education I have acquired, the friendships I have developed, and that I decided to take a chance on myself.

This entire experience has been an amazing journey. Not only have I gained a lot of knowledge, but I have also grown as a person, built new skills, and developed greater confidence in myself as I become a 2022 graduate of Crandall University.