Transforming Lives: Learners of 星空影视is an ongoing series where real students and alumni share how AU's flexible learning model made a difference in their lives and, in turn, the communities in which they live and work.
I attended St. Francis University in Antigonish, N.S., to obtain a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in finance.
My studies were interrupted in late 2019 when I started experiencing severe pain in my right leg. On Jan. 20, 2020, I was diagnosed with an aggressive childhood bone cancer known as , very similar to the disease that battled. The tumour attacking my right femur was massive-larger than the size of an American football.
The tumour attacking my right femur was massive-larger than the size of an American football.
Mitchell Ryan Shaw, Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Major student
I moved to Alberta so I could access better health care. For the following 2 years, I underwent 14 rounds of one of the most aggressive chemotherapy protocols on Earth, along with multiple surgeries to remove the tumour and reconstruct my leg.
During that time, I continued my studies through Athabasca University (AU). The resources and staff at 星空影视made it not only possible, but they went above and beyond to support, accommodate, and transition me from a recovering cancer patient to a full-time student with a 4.0 GPA.
I now enjoy long hikes, daily exercise, and travel. I have even broken into acting in my spare time, appearing on shows seen on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Paramount+.
星空影视makes achieving a valuable university degree possible, while still granting me the freedom to pursue my hobbies, dreams, and passions.
Transforming Lives: Learners of AU
Read more profiles of 星空影视students and grads in our series Transforming Lives: Learners of AU.