Bree Austen
Creative Writing Certificate
For many years, Bree Austen – a recent graduate of the Creative Writing Certificate – has planned to record a family story, specifically a more-than-100-year account of her maternal family history, starting with her great-grandmother's life in Saskatchewan in 1910.
Thanks to the knowledge she's gained in Continuing Education's Creative Writing Certificate program, Bree is taking steps toward her goal.
"I have already recorded some of it, and I am well on my way toward a publishable novel that will also be an accurate family record for my children," says Bree.
It was a conversation with a co-worker at the University of Calgary that alerted Bree to Continuing Education's Creative Writing Certificate program. When she explored the program, she could see that it could be a great way to achieve her goal.
"My plan was a lingering thought. So, when I found the program and the courage to get started, it all came together," she explains.
Despite her busy life, Bree, who is married with two young children and working full time, was compelled to pursue the certificate.
"Enrolling in the program was the first thing I've done just for myself since I had my kids. And I think that was important for me. I don't know if I could have made it work if I hadn't been able to do it online," she says.
Bree, who already had a Bachelor of Arts from UCalgary, completed the certificate requirements over 15 months, overlapping courses occasionally. The online format made it possible to fit the program around her work and home schedules.
"I'm a night person by nature, so once the children were in bed, I would sit down and shut out everything else for a while."
"Now, I'm so glad I took the program. I'd never written a creative story before this, but I've gained so much confidence by sharing my writing with my peers in these classes. I can see writing will always have a place in my life. The stories won't stop after my grandmother's story is complete."
Bree's advice to others who may be intrigued by the certificate: "I'd say if someone is considering the program, they should just go for it! There is a lot of guidance and support from the very beginning in these courses.
"And, despite the program being online, I felt I had relationships with my instructors and the other students. I checked the discussion boards daily to connect with students, and I could ask questions of my instructors whenever I needed help."