Jenika Myers-Jennings studied for her Masters in Public Health at the University of Aberdeen from her home in Toronto, Canada.
But to celebrate her achievements, Jenika made the more than 3,000-mile journey to the Granite City to attend her graduation in person.
While searching for the right programme for her, Jenika had to take lots of things into consideration – not least the six-hour time difference between Toronto and Aberdeen.
“All aspects of the Public Health programme allowed for me to complete my Masters while working full time. With my previous schooling and career experience in a different industry, the layout and content of the course was important since it was my intention to learn skills in the health industry.
“My choice to attend the University of Aberdeen was largely based on the course. While applying, I also felt even with the time difference I would still be able to complete the requirements of the course without any issues for the submission of any assignments.”
As an online student, Jenika had not visited campus until her graduation last week, which gave her a completely different experience than many other students.
“My experience had its pros and cons. Some cons were feeling disconnected from the community of students and some tutorials or live sessions were held only at one time, so I was unable to participate because of the time difference.
“However, during the pandemic these cons weren't as noticeable since everyone was learning in the same way.
“Pros included the ability to work my full-time job and still get my assignments in on-time. The consideration of some professors about the submission times because of the time difference and when I finished work was also appreciated.”
Despite the challenges involved in distance learning, Jenika is proud of everything she’s achieved that led her to graduation day.
“My greatest achievement was successfully graduating knowing that all the learned skills and competencies I've obtained can be applied to research that can influence work related to the lives of those living with diabetes. This interest is very important to me.
“This degree also enhanced some of my key transferable skills like oral and verbal communication, to make a difference in the world of diabetes which was also a great achievement for me as well.
“I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 33 years and have always participated in research studies. This Masters program has added to my understanding and now adds additional value to the insight I have in these studies.”
Living with type 1 diabetes has impacted Jenika’s life and led her to her Masters in Public Health – she wants to continue to make a difference to the field of research after graduating.
“I feel a great sense of achievement. I feel empowered to represent those living with type 1 diabetes as a woman of colour who wants to make a difference in research to lessen any stigma behind this autoimmune disease.
“Iwould love to continue to be involved in research studies for Type 1 diabetics. There are many layers to this disease, including the socioeconomic considerations like race and culture, which I can speak to. I would like to apply my knowledge from this degree to share those details and enhance resources available to those in need of them.”