Written by Pat Duguay (BA '17)
The
University
of
Waterloo
boasts
such
a
unique
reputation
on
the
Canadian
landscape.
When
I
began
my
career
here
16
years
ago,
I
was
acutely
aware
that
I
lacked
a
degree.
Although
it
didn’t
stop
me
from
taking
an
enormous
amount
of
pride
in
working
in
and
around
the
best
and
brightest
students,
staff
and
faculty
in
Canada,
it
was
something
I
longed
for.
My role in Advancement gives me the privilege to engage our graduates, keeping them connected to the bold pace that UWaterloo maintains, as well as, raise funds for this inspiring institution. Being able to work and study at the same university is a privilege that I do not take for granted and I am thrilled to share my tale.
The
first
class
I
took
in
the
fall
of
2007
was
not
in
pursuit
of
a
degree,
but
for
pleasure
-
University
Essay
Writing.
The
second
course
-
Society,
Technology
&
Values
was
for
interest.
After
that, I
dove
into
English
courses
that
took
me
from
Global
Shakespeare
to
Fifteenth
Century
Poetry.
When
I
realized
the
courses
were
beginning
to
add
up
to
something
meaningful,
I
began
to
work
on
what
was
required
for
a
Bachelor
of
Arts.
One
course
at
a
time,
and
one
course
per
term
for
'nearly'
every
term,
I
began
my
journey
towards
a
10
year
undergraduate
degree.
Fun
facts
from
this
old
fogey:
- Opposite from high school, this mature student now prefers a desk at the very front of the classroom. Who would have guessed?
- The process to register for a class via electronic QUEST has changed so much over the last 10 years, that I had to re-learn it almost every term. Although this term-by-term reminder of my obsolescence did not boost my confidence, co-op students that UWaterloo Advancement employs are wonderfully supportive tutors for kind old ladies.
- Both my daughters attended and obtained degrees at Waterloo during this period and I even had the pleasure of sharing an Early British Literature class with my eldest daughter, Alison. I cannot think of anything cooler than having the opportunity to meet with your kid on campus, for a coffee, or for lunch, or to watch them defend their thesis -I was able to do all of this. I am so grateful. (#ridiculouslyproudmom)
- The completion of any degree requires the support of so many, not to mention a degree that takes ten years! Yikes. Inevitably, some of my classes landed during the workday. Thank you to my patient supervisors and colleagues for their endless encouragement. I have really tested the sentiment of "lifelong learning."
As I cross the stage this week I know I'll be joining the ranks of Waterloo's 196,000 alumni - my daughters and husband among them. My journey of navigating QUEST, late fees and bookstore lineups has ended.
In Advancement we attend Convocation as part of our jobs. We play a role in the execution of the ceremony and I'll admit it, I always get goosebumps, but of course, this time will be different. This time it will be me crossing the stage. My daughters, dad, brothers and BFF’s from high school will all be in attendance to share my joy. There may be squealing!
I simply could not be prouder of this institution and the values we represent.