Reaching Out, Student Perspectives

Shannon Nevay, current student in Lockdown, advises on the benefits of Education, keeping up with your studies, and planning for
an uncertain future
“I am a student currently in my 3rd year of studying a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Marketing Management via
correspondence with Boston College. I have been studying via correspondence for the full length of my studies so far and it has
been such a truly great experience.
As I write this, it is day 20 of the nation-wide lockdown and although many things have changed such as our ability to move
around, restrictions on who we can and cannot see and trying times ahead economically, the one thing that has been a stable
constant for me has been my studies. The transition into the lockdown was seamless as I have been able to continue my studies
just as I was doing so before, working through course material, completing my assignments and uploading them online and being
able to study for the upcoming exams. The amazing team at my Boston Bedfordview support centre have also made this change
much easier as we get updates and support from all the staff. Whether this is through continued communication through
WhatsApp or personal phone calls about important updates, or through the use of the online student wellness module that
includes supportive and motivational articles about how each student can personally deal with this situation. Boston truly puts
immense effort into taking care of their students and continuing excellence in the learning experience through trying times.
As a correspondence student myself, I believe that especially during this time, people have now gotten a much better insight into
how important it can be to have the correct foundations for online learning. Boston has had this online support fully operational to
support their correspondence students for years and because of that, they have been quick to transition their other students to this
system so that we may all benefit from an uninterrupted learning experience during the lockdown.
In the coming months, I’m sure there will be a lot of uncertainty among people about what happens next. As someone who has
been personally affected and has been left unemployed due to this pandemic, one thing I can be sure of is that continuing my
studies with Boston can only improve my situation and help me as I head towards this seemingly uncertain future with hope for
what is to come. I have also had more time to reflect on what I want to do in the future and am considering registering for another
course with Boston after I have completed this degree. I think that now is the perfect time to register for a course for anyone who
has been thinking about pursuing new career opportunities or wants to support their current career with a recognised higher
certificate, diploma or degree in their field.
I know that my academic year is secure and that none of my hard work will go to waste because of all of the systems Boston is
using to support their students during the lockdown, which have been working for correspondence students for years and can also
support other full-time students.
I cannot express enough how helpful and professional my Boston support team has been throughout the duration of my studies,
let alone during this pandemic.”
This mature attitude of Shannon’s towards her own personal circumstances and the wider environment that we all share has
inspired other students and staff alike. It is a reminder our future is often uncertain, and we need to plan for unforeseen events by
having goals and ambition. This virus has also been a stark reminder for all of us of the importance of developing 4th industrial
revolution skills such as IT as well as flexibility and adaptability.