Angela Bethune earned a bachelor of professional arts in communication studies in 2009. She was eagerly anticipating saying "I have my degree" rather than "I will have my degree."

"I chose AU because after completing a diploma, I looked into two communication degree programs. AU had the program I could do while I worked at my job in another province, it had the 2+2 program (prior learning recognition) which would give me two years' credit, plus it was a ... reputable institution.

"My husband encouraged me to go back and finish my degree many years after I had taken my first course from AU. My parents always supported me and believed that I would achieve my educational goals. My grandpa used to let me sit in the big chair with him as he read and did crosswords when I was a little girl. He taught me how to read before I went to kindergarten. And my grandma let me pick out a new activity or colouring book when I was a kid and taught me that learning was fun. Without these early childhood experiences, I would not be the person I am today.

"As the oldest in my family and the first to complete a degree, I hope to start a new trend and that I have inspired my sister and brother to achieve their dreams too.

"Of this experience I will remember the thrill of learning, thinking and broadening my academic horizons and knowledge and how AU helped me make my dreams of a degree a reality by offering a way to study and work at the same time.... The best thing about having completed my degree is the sense of accomplishment and pride, especially because of the unique challenges of completing it through distance learning. The next best thing about finishing is the doors that open in regards to job prospects once you have a degree on your resumé."