Aleria McKay
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I wanted to take the opportunity to dedicate myself full time to the development of my writing, and pursuing an MFA felt like a great opportunity to surround myself with people with similar goals of furthering their craft.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC was one of the only schools that offered the program I wanted while also offering distance learning opportunities. I wasn't in a place to relocate for my schooling for a number of reasons, and the what the program offered combined with the distance education were the main factors in my choice to attend UBC.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The course offerings and the faculty were two main things that really drew me in. I liked that I would be able to explore genres that were new to me, as well as focus in on the genres that I already have experience with. I was also drawn to the program because of the faculty, whose work and mentorship I felt would challenge and elevate my own writing.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Although my courses are all distance, I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of support and community that was present in my classes. Having taken online courses throughout my undergrad, there can be a sense of isolation that comes with them, however, this was not the case at all in this program! Folks make an effort to get to know one another and reach out outside of the online classroom.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Having taken online classes during my undergraduate degree helped immensely in getting used to the program format. Although half my undergrad was virtual due to the pandemic, I had taken online courses before that that helped me to know both what to expect of my courses and what I needed to do in order to stay on top of my studies.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I enjoy anything outdoors! I love camping and hiking, and recently have been getting into birding. I also like to garden, I have an ever expanding garden that my husband and I work on each year. Although neither of us have any particularly green thumbs, we both like the learning experience and seeing our garden improve each year.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
For distance students, I would recommend taking the time to develop and get in the habit of following a schedule for yourself. Online courses take a different type of motivation and self discipline, and creating a schedule for myself that accommodated the time I needed for work, school, and other responsibilities, helped me to stay on track.