Contributed by Louisa Lambregts
Centre for Organizational Learning

Print This Page

Student Stories from ACELinks

Lucky began her studies with the Skills Plus tutoring program offered through the John Howard Society. Her interest in the Veterinary Technician program brought her to Algonquin to speak with an Academic Advisor. When she found out about the ACE Links program, she signed on. She's been doing very well, having earned 98% on her computer exemption test. Currently, she is studying English. She attributes her success to Helen, who is "throrough when she explains stuff, and very patient".

For Lucky, her experience at the The John Howard Society has been "awesome". It has helped her to "change the pattern of her life and get off the streets." Upbeat about her progress, she commented that: "I'm on track -- working as quickly as I can."

The ACElinks program fits well with the schedule of her life. She commits many hours to homework.

Anna (her real name has been changed at her request) has worked out a schedule where she is able to study at the Centre while continuing to work. Since she lives close by, the convenience of the location allows her to balance parenting, work and study. Mother to a 3 and a 1/2 year old son, Anna's goal is to become a Human Rights lawyer. She feels that studying here is better than at a regular school. As she describes it: "I have space to be myself, my own person, with no judgment or gossip. English is not my first language; I don't feel pressure because of it". English, she admits, is difficult for her, but she's been taking on extra work to tackle that: "I've been really focusing on my writing skills since that's what is needed for law". While getting her certificate may take longer this way, she feels that t's worth it.

ACELinks Success Stories

Nancy is currently at the college studying Office Administration. She finished the ACElinks program this year after working through her high school courses for 2 years through ALSO's (Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks) learning program. For Nancy, this is the first time in her life that felt it was possible to go to College.

"ACE link helped me so much. Helen pushes you to do things and doesn't let you go. She marks your papers to a T. It's good that she did because it has really helped me out here [at Algonquin]. She lets you know what is wrong, what you need to do and how to remember things. She always gave me more than one way of doing things. It was always done with heart"

Nancy remembers the first time that she went to the LRC. She had to come in to work on worksheets that served as an orientation to doing research in the library: "It was very hard; I had to come in two times. I found it so difficult -- the size of the place, the number of people. I am a people person, but this was so different. The first time I walked into the library, I turned around and left because I felt so intimidated. The second time I came, it was better -- a really nice person from the library helped me out."

When she finished her ACE Certificate, she didn't have enough money to afford after-school care for her two sons: "I talked to the principal of my school -- sometimes, you have to ask for help. I'm very active in the school. Someone donated money to allow my kids to attend the program, which was such a relief."

Her advice to other students? For anyone who has been out of school for a while, taking a college preparation course is very important. "Stick with it and don't miss a day. I know that if I miss one day, I'll want to miss three. When you miss a lesson, you fall behind and become overwhelmed. As long as you hang in there for those first few weeks, it will be okay."

For Nancy, "everything fell into place; I was meant to go back to school and finish my education. It was a lot of adjusting though. But things work out when you really want it.

Nancy will graduate in May.

Jordan had dropped out of high school when he was 15 years old. After being laid off from his full time job, he decided that it was a good time to go back to school. He was referred to the new ACElinks program and was part of the first pilot group.

In November, 2007 he came to Algonquin to complete his math courses, finishing his Levels 4, 5 and 6 by May, 2008. "I never missed a class, which is why I got through so fast". Taking the math course at Algonquin allowed him to see what college was like. He was accepted into the Computer Studies program and began his studies in September.

Jordan feels that ACElinks gave him the one-on-one assistance that he needed. "Helen was really great. She built on my strengths and my writing skills improved a lot." He said that he learned how to deal with ADHD and is now comfortable learning on his own in a bigger classroom. "I'm doing pretty well here. I average between 80-90%. I still have some difficulties with studying -- especially organizing my time. But I'm doing all of my homework-- I know that I need to step up.