For Hannah MacQuarrie, secondary school was a constant balancing act between academic deadlines and the rigid practice schedule that comes with being a high-level volleyball player.
So, when she discovered that she could take her high school courses at her own pace through the School District 42 Continuing Education program, it was a game changer.
“It was about flexibility,” she said of the online course offerings. “I was able to focus on myself and what worked best for me at the time.”
MacQuarrie played for several high-level volleyball clubs when she was in secondary school and found that the Continuing Education program allowed her to set her own schedule.
When she graduated in 2017, she was offered several collegiate opportunities in her sport. However, she decided to stay in the Lower Mainland and work in the health-care field.
Today, the 22-year-old SD42 grad is finishing up nursing school, which she started in 2018, and recently began her first job at BC Children’s Hospital.
“I really enjoyed it,” she said of her time in the program. “I continued to do well academically, but it just opened up all these other aspects.”
She said her education path may not be for everybody, but she encouraged anyone juggling a sport and schooling to consider the Continuing Education program.
“You are working independently, so you kind of take on the role of teacher and student,” she said. “You need to be self-motivated and discipline.”
• Registration for the Continuing Education program launches on December 6. Register online (https://ce.sd42.ca/courseselection/) or by appointment (604-466-6555 ext. 1).