“This step for me, despite my more mature age of 60, changed my life.”
Living in a rural area of the Sunshine Coast, access to post-secondary was limited for Linda Goble which meant she didn’t pursue a lot of post-secondary education early on in her life.
Instead, Linda worked at various jobs, including 30 years in recreation in a municipal setting, a job she ultimately found unstimulating. Though she had a desire to find a career that was more meaningful to her, she knew it would require her to further her education. When a friend told her about College of the Rockies’ Tourism and Recreation diploma program (now separate Tourism Management and Recreation Management diplomas) – available fully online – she was immediately interested.
“I was excited,” she said. “It was the right timing. You need to know which career is the right fit for you and that might take some time and life experience, but education is never a mistake.”
As a mature student completing a post-secondary program online, Linda found the experience empowering.
“The teachers were encouraging and positive,” she said. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. The whole experience of studying was very rewarding and gave me the confidence that I needed to continue, even while working full time. Completing the diploma also empowered me to go for a job that I really wanted.”
Linda now works as a recreation program coordinator at a long-term care home in Invermere, BC.
“I have a passion to help the senior population and with my background, personality, and administrative skills,” she said. “The job is a great fit, I only wish I was able to do it sooner.”
Though she was not physically at a campus, Linda still treasures her time as a student at College of the Rockies.
“I appreciated the user-friendly technology platforms and all the staff and their excellent customer service,” she said. “It’s a fantastic college all around. The instructors are top-quality, the content is relevant for this time, and it is reasonably priced. I recommend the College to everyone.”
Having had such a positive post-secondary experience, Linda is now enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation program, while continuing to work in her dream job.
Learn more about Recreation Management and Tourism Management programs at College of the Rockies.