Tazim's
Weekly Feature
The Class of 2009: PALC Graduates
It was a heartwarming scene to watch twenty
PALC graduates getting ready to walk out of Room 4 in their
blue graduation gowns and hats. All these students, of various
backgrounds and ages, had at least one thing in common: they
had all successfully completed the courses required to obtain
an
Adult Graduation Diploma from the B.C. Ministry of
Education.
All the graduates had overcome a multitude of
challenges to reach this point in their lives. Adult students face
the difficult task of having to balance work, family life and
personal issues with the tough regime of attending school, doing
homework and writing tests. By staying focussed and determined,
these students all achieved their goal of graduating with the Adult
Graduation Diploma.
I tried to contact as many graduates as I
could (please forgive me if you have been overlooked –please
contact us if you wish to be profiled) to
find out the answers to four questions.
This week we profile Rita Ma, Tarunaben Patel, Bob
Umpherville,
Daniel Shen and Mia Liu.
Rita
Ma
What level did you start at when you came to PALC?
I started at Level 10 English when I first came to
PALC. -
How did you feel when you were told you were close
to graduating?
I couldn’t believe I did it when I was told that I
was close to graduation. Two years ago, when I came to the PALC, and
heard all the explanation about the courses from teachers, I felt
that I would never finish. I appreciate that teachers helped me a
lot to lead me to graduation.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I would like to try taking on a job first. When I
decide what field I am really interested in, I would like to go to
study again. I would also like to study more courses at PALC in my
spare time.
What advice do you have for students who have not yet
graduated?
My advice is that you should keep moving on every
day, although sometimes your goals may not be clear. When you join
the PALC, you have got a team, you are not alone.
Tarunaben Patel
What level did you start at when you came to PALC?
I started in Level 7 English on September 20th,
2006.
How did you feel when you were told you were close
to graduating?
When I was told that I was close to graduation, I
was very happy but nervous too.
What are your post-graduation plans?
My plans after graduation are that I would like to
complete a college level diploma in commerce.
What advice do you have for students who have not yet
graduated?
My advice to all my lovely friends is that they
should never give up, no matter how long it takes and how long they
have to study. Carry on until you graduate. So go on and
successfully fulfill your dream.
Bob
Umpherville
What level did you start at when you came to PALC?
I started Pearson Adult Learning Centre at about
grade eight. English level 5 and Math level 4 (the green book).
How did you feel when you were told you were close
to graduating?
My feelings were mixed when I realized how
close I was to graduating. The first was the joy of completing a
goal I had set for myself, and the other was a feeling of pride
that I had accomplished something I felt to be very important.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I do not have any post-graduation plans at this
time. Maybe I will take a few more grade 12 courses, or I might
take a course or two at Douglas College.
What advice do you have for students who have not yet
graduated?
My advice for students who have not yet
graduated is to set yourself realistic goals: take each semester
at a time, and some days you might even need to break it down to a
day at a time, but most importantly enjoy the process and do not
give up.
Daniel Shen
What level did you start at when you came to PALC?
I started at Level 9 English when I came to the
PALC.
How did you feel when you were told you were close
to graduating?
Thank God I was able to hang on long enough to get
to my first destination!
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am looking for a job and trying to get a
Professional Certificate.
What advice do you have for students who have not yet
graduated?
Never give up!
Mia Liu
What level did you start at when you came to PALC?
I started at Level 8 English.
How did you feel when you were told you were close
to graduating?
I felt like my hard work had paid off and I had
accomplished my goal.
What are your post-graduation plans?
If I have a chance, I would like to go to college.
What advice do you have for students who have not yet
graduated?
Set your goal and study hard. Don’t lose your
hopes and dreams.
Please come back to this page as we will be
updating this feature when we hear back from more PALC graduates.
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