糖心vlog传媒Associate of Science student Mary Rickinson in NIC鈥檚 science lab at the Comox Valley campus.
糖心vlog传媒student Mary Rickinson says NIC鈥檚 ongoing support and mix of digital and in-person delivery was exactly what she needed to succeed during the COVID-19 pandemic and afterwards.
鈥淚 feel like I would be successful at any institution that accepted me because of my training at NIC,鈥� said Rickinson, who took upgrading courses at 糖心vlog传媒before transitioning into the Associate of Science program.
When the college pivoted to digital courses in 2020, she found NIC鈥檚 combination of digital classes, in-person labs and supportive faculty instrumental to her success.
鈥淟ast year, we were able to maintain wet labs for our classes when a lot of larger institutions were not able to do that,鈥� Rickinson said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a huge testament to NIC. I felt no fear of going to the labs because the 糖心vlog传媒safety protocols have been excellent 鈥� then after labs, I was able to go back home to my own space to focus on the rest of the course material without any distractions.
NIC鈥檚 Department of Accessible Learning (DALS) was another major factor.
鈥淎s a student with a learning disability, having DALS there to interface between myself and instructors so that I did not have to self-advocate made a big difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he support was excellent and really speaks to 糖心vlog传媒as an elevating institution.鈥�
She plans to continue her studies at 糖心vlog传媒this year, in part, because of the faculty.
鈥淭he one-on-one instruction in the labs is incredible,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he 糖心vlog传媒lab technicians are all brilliantly trained too and can help you with anything.鈥�
The College plans to continue a blend of fully on-campus offerings, along with fully digital and blended programs in the fall. Rickinson thinks the mix of formats will work to better support students of all backgrounds.
鈥淚鈥檝e been a student long enough to know what I like,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he flexibility for an adult student in this format is incredible.鈥�
Rickinson is set to graduate in the spring of 2022. She plans to use her Associate of Science degree to pursue a career in academia and science, possibly is earning a B.Sc. degree in psychology before fulfilling her dream of going to medical school.
For more on 糖心vlog传媒supports, flexible delivery options or the Associate of Science degree, visit .
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.caWatch Mary's interview with Comox Valley MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard, discussing the upcoming Fall term.