Yewande Fagade

Juggling Life During Unprecedented Times

I had almost finished my diploma at NSCC, Dartmouth, not knowing I would complete it in the middle of a global pandemic. At first, I thought it would be very challenging because I have three children in school and my classes were going to be online. My old laptop computer was not able to run the Computer Aided Design (CAD) software needed for most of my design courses. I needed a computer with the required software installed at home so I could attend classes online and complete given tasks and assignments.

I eventually got the much-needed laptop installed with the required software, through the Women Unlimited Association. It made learning online seamless as it would have been challenging with kids in grades 7, 3, and 2, and my husband also back in school! Juggling between being a student and a teacher was a new experience for me. There were moments when the voices of my children in the background disrupted classes in session. We had to be creative in mapping out schoolwork and physical activities. We went for walks in the neighbourhood and had bike rides too.

I am grateful that my family here and in Nigeria are in good health and for having understanding instructors who reminded me that we were in this together.