Meet Aaliyah, a mother passionate about learning and determined to achieve her goals. She is enrolled on the ChallengeU platform to obtain her high school diploma and is currently focusing on her course in Secondary 5-level French.

Leaving school at 15-a personal choice

First, it is important to change our perception that school dropouts are not always a question of intelligence! During adolescence, we face a host of emotions and challenges. At that time, education may not be our priority.

“Why didn’t you graduate from high school?” A question that might seem difficult, even embarrassing to answer. However, I have no problem with it. I left high school to help my family, especially my mother. Besides, I felt I already had the knowledge to get ahead in life without finishing high school, and I wanted to take on adult responsibilities sooner than expected.

I wasn’t any less intelligent than any other student, and I didn’t have any learning or behavioral problems. While I was interested in school, I was less keen on social interactions. As for my family, my mother worked incredibly hard and seemed exhausted. I grew up in a family where my parents loved me very much. However, I didn’t understand the point of continuing my studies. Why did my mother have to work so hard and be so stressed to provide for the family when I could do it too? It gave me a lot to think about. In short, I simply felt more mature than others my age. 

So I dropped out of school at 15. No one pushed or influenced me. It was a personal choice. After that, I started working to help my mother and had a child at 18. A year after my daughter was born, I even went and got a vocational diploma. 

Finally, I understood that my mother didn’t really need help. She was simply doing her job as a mother, which was to provide for her family. My mother gave me a good education, with strong values ​​and sound moral principles. Her regret was not having emphasized the importance of education in a more concrete way, such as taking the time to help me with my homework or disciplining me for bad grades. 

We think we know everything when we’re teenagers. I understand now that I should have (and above all, I could have) obtained my high school diploma before entering the workforce. But I don’t regret my life path!

Earning my high school diploma-a symbol of perseverance

Learning has no age limit! I still have so much to learn. Many other study options are available to me. I’m very keen to…go to CEGEP, regardless of the program, because even if it is not a specific goal, it gives me the strength to move forward in obtaining my high school diploma.

My desire to earn this degree isn’t limited to that. Another, equally crucial reason is to be a role model for my children. I want them to understand that it’s never too late to pursue further education. No matter the obstacles, in the field of learning, opportunities are always present, even when faced with discouragement.

I have two daughters: one is 7 years old, and the other is 25. Despite their age difference, they both face academic challenges. 

• My younger daughter grew up speaking English, just like me. Sometimes she struggles with French. I draw inspiration from her strength when I’m discouraged. It helps me understand her better and support her. 
• My eldest daughter, who has learning disabilities, dropped out of CEGEP, but she caught the bug when she saw me go back to school. She’s now on track to get a DEP (Diploma of Vocational Studies), because she thinks: “If my mother can do it, I can do it!” 

My daughters need two different approaches to academic encouragement. I’m not sure I’m an inspiration ( SPOILER ALERT for the ChallengeU team: I am!), but I’m doing my best. This experience is helping me become a better mother and better understand my children. 

Just like my mother is to me. At the time, my mother also went back to school for her future career. She earned her high school diploma in her fifties to work in a hospital lab. She started after completing grade 9. It’s partly thanks to her that I believe in my ability to succeed. If she could do it, I can too!

My Grade 11 French course on ChallengeU

I was looking for a solution recognized by the Ministry of Education and available online to complete my secondary education. After a few Google searches, I found ChallengeU. It’s not a school, but an interactive digital platform. Ultimately, you’re enrolled in a Quebec school service centre that partners with ChallengeU, and you take your courses from home, which is essential for me because I live in the countryside.

In 2023, I began my return to studies on the platform with the course of Secondary 5 level FrenchAfter this, I will have to fill in my gaps in mathematics and then focus on English, my native language, which should be an easy step for me. 

The platform is remarkably well-designed! You won’t get lost in the modules because you can’t progress beyond what’s intended for you. You advance step by step. You even have help available at all times, which is a huge plus. The teachers are attentive. Most of the time, you get a response in less than 24 hours! Mine is great, it exceeds my expectations! I’ve never felt judged because of my age or anything else. My teacher takes the time to explain everything to me, whether by repeating it several times or even providing an explanatory video.

In addition, there are “know-how” resources and other features to help you. Or better yet, the support group platform is suitable for both tech beginners and experienced users. It’s also encouraging because progress is like a game where you tick off little stars as you advance. It reminds me of my childhood when we received stars for our achievements, making progress rewarding in the same way.

Integrating my return to studies into my daily life

I’ve worked at the same company for 17 years. Besides that, I have to take care of my children, my house (and my husband, lol!). I need to find time for myself. For example, when my husband is busy, and my daughter is in bed, I use that time for myself. 

It’s essential to dedicate time to yourself. For me, education is about planning for my future, a way to access more opportunities. If I find time for social media, then I have time to work on the platform. I want to use my time constructively!

It shouldn’t be seen as an added burden, but rather as a means to well-being. Your mental health is priceless, as are the additional opportunities it can bring! I’m proud of my journey. I’ve been stable for a long time, but I’m finally going to get my degree. If my company offers a promotion, I’ll be ready to seize the opportunity. It’s an asset to them.

When it comes to motivation, your environment plays a crucial role. For example, the quality and cleanliness of your belongings. It’s like when you receive your school supplies at the start of the school year; it’s motivating. Similarly, being well-dressed, so not in your pajamas, contributes to this motivation, lol!

I usually give myself about 20 minutes. It’s like taking a bite; it whets the appetite. I also use sticky notes and motivational frameworks, little inspirational notes. This creates a simple, positive environment conducive to work, where I can focus on my future.

It’s up to you to embark on your return to secondary studies!

Getting started can be difficult, but once you commit, everything falls into place. The satisfaction of completing a module is already rewarding. Imagine when you graduate from high school! It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. 

It’s important to try at least once before concluding it’s not for you. Above all, don’t force yourself and go at your own pace. Life is short, so go for it; you have nothing to lose. It’s good for your mental health and self-esteem, so consider it a treat and a gift you’re giving your brain. In the end, you can get your degree.

A strong support network is essential for your return to studies. The more you share your experience, the more motivated you’ll be. Having support is important, but true support comes from within. It’s perfectly okay to be a little selfish. No one else can do things for you; these are your own decisions! Those who don’t encourage you are often motivated by jealousy or may see their own failure reflected in you. It might be time to re-evaluate your relationships in that case.