Appendix C – Student Stories

Following are profiles on seven college students from across the province who started their LBS program in the fall of 2002. They were asked what led them back to school, where they were hoping to go and how they felt as they started their difficult and challenging journey.

Allen Kayes, Sheridan

Allen, out of school for 10 years, is a single father raising 3 daughters. The youngest his miracle child, now 2, was quite a surprise. The miracle - she was born 4 weeks premature at 3.5 pounds. The surprise – they didn’t know her mother was expecting! Allen, a rebellious student, left school after grade X, moved to Huntsville and worked in construction and manufacturing around southern Ontario primarily as a fork lift operator on contract. Allen loves playing baseball and might coach a team for the girls.

Because Allen had briefly attended Durham College on a part-time basis several years ago, he was aware of college programming. He found the Sheridan program and approached OW for admission. Recently separated, he knew that he needed to improve his employment situation in order to provide for his girls, “At first I was a little intimidated about returning to school, but once I got here I realized that the sky is the limit. My little girls growing up was a big motivator to improve my life and theirs. I want to get into a post secondary program at the college and then might even move on to a university program.”

Allen’s parents are well educated. His father has a business degree and MBA studies: his mother is a college graduate working for a law firm in Toronto as a legal assistant. They support him 110%. As part of his preparation to enter school, the family moved to a larger house, and his parents drive the children to day care.

Allen placed in LBS 3 math and 5 communications and will have to complete OBS IV to enter post secondary. He is stronger in math and more concerned about communications. He was anxious about his intake assessment and wishes he’d done more refreshing before the test. He especially likes being able to progress at his own rate. At home he finds it difficult to study until the girls are in bed, but each night Stephanie, Ashley and Michelle work quietly while Dad does homework. The first week was a challenge getting familiar with the program, but his rapid progress was very encouraging.

He feels that getting his life organized especially day care was the most important preparation for entering school. He has already made a lot of friends who call him to discuss assignments. He was afraid before he started that he couldn’t do it. Now he is very encouraged by his initial success in the program, “I really want to improve life for my daughters. Nothing will stop me now!” His teachers agree, “Allen brings exuberance to his studies that encourages others and will lead to his success.”