TRU Alumni working at TRU

I moved to BC from Quebec when I was 19 after one year of college studies. I had visited BC when I was younger and had family still living there. Ten years later, after having 2 daughters, now aged 2 and 5-years-old, I thought it was time to go back to school.  I lived in Williams Lake at the time, and it so happens that TRU has a campus there. The fact I had never touched a computer before (typewriters is what we had when I last attended school in Quebec, geez that just aged me lol). I first had to take upgrading courses and started in the Diploma in Management program.  In my first semester while in an entry-level accounting course which I did well, my instructor kept telling me I should consider switching to the accounting tech diploma.  After my first year, I had to move to Kamloops to continue my studies with TRU.  After the whole family moved to Kamloops in the summer of 2004, I started my second year. With 2 young kids in tow and knowing I would have to pick up a part-time job to make ends meet, I realized I would only be able to manage 3 courses per semester (the minimum for student loan approval).  This meant it would take me longer to finish my diploma.  I was able to find employment with a company and they were willing to work around my class schedule which was a blessing. Before I forget, it turns out I had no reason to worry about computers; in my first year, I took my first computer class and finished with the highest grade in my class (A+, 100%).

I finally graduated in 2007 with really good grades (3.88 GPA) and was given full-time with the same company I had been working with. Sadly in 2015 the owners sold the business.  Adding to the stress of now having to find a new job, my 18-year marriage fell apart, and I ended up living on my own for the first time in many years sharing part-time custody of my 2 girls, now in high school.  I started looking at job postings on the TRU careers website and kept applying to any positions I felt qualified for.  The idea of working at the institution, where I achieved my education goals, would be a way I could give back for all the support I was provided in my studies.  I finally got an auxiliary position in the Finance department in 2018 after applying numerous times (sorry HR department lol).  After a few auxiliary positions in TRU world and admission, I secured my first permanent full-time position in 2019 with the Enrolment Services – Records department. Four years later I have just started a new position as a delivery support officer in the Open Learning department. I have to say, it was the best move I made.  Everyone is so awesome to work with and I truly enjoy working with all of them.  I also wanted to mention that working at TRU also enabled me to financially help my youngest daughter with her university studies through the tuition reimbursement program offered to TRU staff and their family. It is so amazing to have this perk offered as part of our employment.  Now that both my girls have left the nest, I think it is time I go back to school again!, to earn a degree at TRU.  To be continued……..