Voices May 02, 2024
The life-changing benefits of going to graduate school 30 years ‘late’
By Julie VanSpall – Home Front
Just over three years ago, I began a life-changing journey by enrolling at St. Mark’s College at the University of British Columbia. While graduate school had always been on my bucket list, I will admit that I had assumed I would take courses in either English or education. However, information about the Archbishop’s Scholarship for Leadership in Catholic Education prompted my curiosity.
A return email from the college’s Dean, Dr. Lynda Robitaille, answered all of my questions, and I decided to apply for the scholarship and enroll in my first course in January 2021. I was quite nervous about resuming university studies almost 30 years after completing my undergraduate degree, but I decided to try one course and see how things progressed.
For my first class, I was blessed to take an introductory course in theology with Dr. Nicholas Olkovich. His engaging and supportive teaching style and his obvious passion for the faith provided the perfect return to university for me. After class, I would have a hard time falling asleep because I was so interested in the topics, and ideas for essays rolled through my mind. I was not trying to complete a degree or to get a certain grade to “get in” to a program or attain a job; I was learning for the joy of learning. What a gift that was!
The Archbishop’s scholarship for teachers is available for the first three “Catholic Core” courses (theology, Scripture, and Christian morality), so after THEO 501, I decided that I would complete the core courses which (due to COVID restrictions) were all offered online. A student survey that spring indicated many students, like me, found online learning most convenient, so the college decided to offer all graduate courses online. This opportunity confirmed my decision to transfer from the Catholic Core classes to the master’s program. Online learning meant not having to commute to UBC from my home in North Delta after a day of teaching and navigating the schedules of our four children, and ultimately made this transfer possible for me.
Eventually, I decided to concentrate on a master’s in pastoral studies, which has included various courses in theology and Scripture, along with counselling, ministry, ethics, issues in Catholic education, and canon law. Every professor was approachable, accommodating, and very knowledgeable in their respective areas of expertise. They each encouraged me to confront topics out of my comfort zone and explore current issues in our world.
In addition to the Archbishop’s Scholarship for Leadership in Catholic Education, scholarships for lay ministry and for Catholic education are also available. As a result, I have studied with other teachers, as well as parish catechists, men studying for the permanent diaconate (and their wives), nurses, doctors, lawyers, people in the business and technology world, and an actor. Many were still working in their various careers, while others were retired and simply wanted to enhance their knowledge. Everyone, regardless of age, background, or career, brought unique perspectives and valuable insights to the conversations.
During my first class at St. Mark’s, I was asked to share why I was taking the course. I explained that I was interested in finding ways to articulate my beliefs and to build confidence in defending my faith. I mentioned I am a Catholic teacher and I write this column (both “safe” places to share my faith) and I am also a parent of young adults and teenagers who are involved in sports and other activities in the secular world. I engage in conversations with people of all faiths or no faith and want to represent the Church in an intelligent and truthful light.
Now that I have completed my coursework, I cannot say for certain whether I have successfully drawn others to faith; however, I have gained confidence in my ability to share my beliefs, feelings, and experiences with others. I have Scripture verses, canon law, Vatican documents, and myriad interesting articles to refer to when facing questions and difficult topics.
The knowledge and fellowship I gained at St. Mark’s have influenced my life tremendously. I am so thankful to the Archbishop for the scholarship and to the faculty and my fellow students for all they have done to support me along my journey.
Most importantly, I give thanks to God for his timing. If I had pursued graduate school before the pandemic, the classes would have been in person which would have added significant stress to my family life. Furthermore, if I had pursued a master’s 30 years ago, it would not have been in theology or pastoral studies, and my relationship with God would not have grown in the ways it has during my time at St. Mark’s.
I highly encourage others to either study or audit courses at St. Mark’s College. Life will never be the same!