Barring failing any classes, I think I am on track to graduate from the DASSH program in August 2024. Knowing that the end is so close yet so far, I began to look into my options for life after DASSH. Here’s what I have found to date:
Depending on what happens, I could do any of the following:
- Transfer and do the Degree Completion program at Royal Roads University under their BA in Justice Studies for another 2 years.
- Transfer to BCIT and complete the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Business Leadership for one year then apply for admission to the BBA program again at BCIT.
- Transfer to Capilano University and take advantage of the transfer agreement with Langara College to ladder into the BA in Liberal Studies there.
I originally thought that I could apply to transfer to another school somewhere in Eastern Canada to complete a degree, but I realize now my financial situation will not allow me to do such things. I cannot stomach the idea of not being full-time employed while studying as the cost of living here in Vancouver makes it nigh impossible to be solely a full-time student with no one else to count on for support. I discussed this with my parents and siblings, but we all determined that it would be an unfair burden for them to provide for my needs should I fully release myself from employment. With that in mind, I found the above options to continue my studies without making too many financial sacrifices.
The Degree Completion program for the BA in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University is currently my number one choice. This program has a robust curriculum that will teach students how to innately understand and navigate the Canadian legal system to affect change in the world. From various reviews I have read online, it is best described as a pre-law major, which aligns well with my goals of pursuing law school further down the road. Plus, my interest in understanding the law and proper Canadian civics compels me to strive toward acceptance into this program. Once accepted, it can be completed within 2 years completely online with short two-week “residencies” that allow for opportunities to collaborate and meet with other students in one’s cohort. Based on this delivery model, I will still be able to work full-time and study full-time too.
If I am not able to receive admission into Royal Roads, my second option is to apply for the Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Business Leadership at BCIT. This program, conceived in 2012 and refreshed in Fall 2020, aims to equip aspiring leaders to champion sustainability across all facets of business. Students who participate in this program will be taking classes twice a week from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the BCIT Downtown Vancouver campus and will be tasked with completing consulting projects with current business entities who ask for support with enhancing their sustainability efforts in their operations. What also makes this offering enticing is that, upon successful completion, graduates can apply to bridge into the renowned Bachelor of Business Administration at BCIT and graduate with a full degree at the end. Though it is enticing, I am keeping this transfer option as a second choice in my book.
If the first two options do not work out, my last safe option would be to aim for the transfer program from Langara to Capilano University to their BA in Liberal Studies there. Nothing quite speaks to me about their stated program description, but if it gets me closer to a bachelor’s degree, then I will consider it.
Though it is not mentioned above, I have caught wind of a potential fourth option at Capilano University as well. I hear through the grapevine that there are plans to launch a new BA in Policy and Justice Studies there which would act as a perfect fit for DASSH graduates like myself. I imagine it to be a continuation of what the DASSH curriculum has pushed us to consider in the world of work but be built closer to challenge students at higher levels of postsecondary options.
As much as I have put time and effort into exploring my options above, I know that plans are exactly that: just plans. The best thing I can do for myself is to keep my mind open to new things and see what comes my way. One this is for certain, though: once I graduate from DASSH, I am not stopping anytime soon.