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Natalie Hargott
Year Graduated: 2014
Program/Degree: Educational Leadership MEd
"I liked ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV for a number of reasons, but the two biggest factors were: 1) that I could continue working while attending, and 2) the friendliness of the program instructors."
I'm Natalie Hargott. I work at BCIT full-time and I'm also taking the M.Ed. Educational Leadership program at the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Surrey Campus. My interests are in mature student services and program design, particularly for those who need to start a second (or third, fourth, fifth) career and use higher education for re-training purposes. Good examples of this demographic are military veterans and first responders such as police, fire, paramedic, etc.
What attracted you to come to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV?
I liked ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV for a number of reasons, but the two biggest factors were: 1) that I could continue working while attending, and 2) the friendliness of the program instructors. As a newlywed with a husband who is also a full-time student and not working, it was important that I could work and have an income while also going to school. (Funny story: I actually had my heart set on ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV for my undergrad degree but went to UVIC instead, so being able to complete my graduate degree at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, it's like I've come full circle.)
Who is a faculty member that you have enjoyed working with at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV and why?
Michelle Pidgeon was a big influence in my coming to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV. I talked to her before applying to the program and she put a lot of my fears at ease about taking this next step. Michelle was also a great first semester instructor. Her patience with all of my cohort members as we adjusted to being a student again after 5, 10, 15, 20 + years of being out of the game was so appreciated.
What would you say to prospective students who are considering graduate school at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV?
To anyone who is thinking about coming to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, if you want to build your body of knowledge as well as your professional network and career, I definitely recommend completing your graduate studies here. I’ve completed two semesters of my program and I'm already applying theories and knowledge I've gained from my studies to my work.