Blog

While looking for a new career, I realized I needed to update my training and decided to contact multiple colleges to see how to fit an education into my life. At first, I felt hopeless because I wanted a program that could accommodate a flexible schedule. As I am a mother, my first priority is my children and I could not attend scheduled classes. Then, I found the Kingston Academy of Learning Career College. During my first meeting with their Admissions Representative, I explained my situation and educational needs, and I was provided with all kinds of support, including flexible scheduling which allowed me to focus on my family while gaining the skills necessary to find employment.
Learning something new can be a scary experience, and I was nervous. However, the environment at AOLCC is friendly and supportive, and the mentors and other staff are great; I was really impressed!
The entire experience has helped to shape my future and I am forever grateful, especially to Tara and Dorota for their support.

Chand S. – Medical Office Administration Diploma

Making the decision to go back to school is a stressful time for anyone. Am I choosing the right program? Is now the right time to do this? And so many other questions.

I made the decision back in October of 2014. After working with Keys job centre, and doing the application process and researching the different schools in the area I quickly knew AOL was the right fit for me. From the first meeting with Dorota, she eased my worries and concerns. She took the time to make sure I understood everything fully and answered every question all the way through my course.

The facilitators, Bev, Racheal and Tara have been amazing on so many different levels. They have worked with me, shared in my excitement for completing each course and always encouraged me when I was struggling. They worked with me to find the best possible space in the college for me to be able to learn to the best of my ability.

When I was ready to start applying for jobs, I was once again surrounded by amazing support from Dorota, Michael, Tara, Racheal and Bev. Whether it be a mock interview with Michael, or working with one of the facilitators to make sure your resume and cover letter was going to stand out from all the rest. They never made you feel like they were being inconvenienced or rushed. The staff at Academy of Learning in Kingston truly love their job and it is evident every day!!

The best decision I made was coming to AOLC and 9 months later I have officially finished my diploma; without the wonderful staff, I wouldn’t be where I am right now!

Sincerely,
Jenn C. – Medical Office Administration Diploma

My name is Alicia Davison and I have recently completed my Medical Office Administration diploma. I lost my job when the store closed and had problems finding a job in the seasonal tourist town where I live. I decided during a meeting with a job councilor at KEYS in Gananoque that going back to school would be my best option. I found out I was eligible for Second Career, and began the application process right away. Part of the application process was to find out information about three different schools. I arranged a meeting with Dorota, and almost as soon as I walked in the door I knew Academy of Learning College was the school I was going to choose.

As someone who disliked high school, I wasn’t sure I would like the typical style of a community college. One of the things I like most about Academy of Learning College is that I could work at my own pace, and with a flexible schedule.

I started my medical office administration diploma in October, 2013, and I immediately enjoyed what I was learning about. For the first time since I was a little girl, I enjoyed coming to school. The one-on-one help that I received helped me to obtain great marks which only made me more excited to come to school and learn more. I ended up completing my program 2 months before my end date, something I wouldn’t have guessed would happen.

All of the facilitators are friendly and always willing to help; they were encouraging and knowledgeable in all the subjects I took. The school is a welcoming environment that I felt comfortable in where you will meet people on many different paths in their lives, in many different programs. I really loved how even if you didn’t necessarily know everyone, there was always a feeling of support for each other. That is not something you will find in a community college.

I am so glad I came to Academy of Learning College, if I got the chance to go back and do it again, I wouldn’t change anything. Everyone on the staff helped me to achieve my hopes and dreams of getting a college diploma. Without all the staff at Academy of Learning College, I would not have a bright future ahead of me, and I consider myself very fortunate to have met such wonderful, caring people.

Alicia D. – Medical Office Administration Diploma

A little over a year ago, my life completely changed. After 17 years, my marriage ended and I became a single mom. My self-esteem and confidence were very low, and I was so lost I didn’t know where to turn. Around the same time, due to a health condition, I had to leave my first career as a hair stylist, and this was very difficult for me because I loved what I did. Though this was a truly difficult period, after several months of feeling sad and unfocused, I decided it was time to pick myself up and move forward.

My best friend picked me up and we set off to check out a few schools where I might be able to gain the training toward a new career. The first place we went to was Academy of Learning Career College in Kingston. When I walked into the school, I was greeted right away with a smile. I met with Admissions Representative, Dorota Mirek, who patiently explained how the college worked, and by the end of our conversation I felt that she truly believed in me, even if I felt uncertain about myself. I decided right then that this college was the one for me, and I took the steps I needed to begin my journey as a student in the Medical Office Administration diploma program. I was provided with all of the necessary information, and guided through the application process without any stress.

From the first day I started, Dorota and all of the staff at AOLCC made me feel completely welcome. During my program, I had encountered further struggles in my personal life, not the least of which was losing my sister. My mentor, Tara, was very understanding and helped me to develop strategies to heal, and she and the entire staff were very patient with me during this time, helping me to stay on track with my studies. They understood my dedication and how much it meant to me to succeed, and I truly appreciated their compassion and understanding. I became involved in organizing and initiating college events, and also was provided with opportunities for hands-on learning which have been a wonderful way to help me cement my newly-acquired knowledge.

Not only did I succeed, I also found a new, more confident version of myself. I am grateful to to AOLCC for the opportunities they gave me. I met many great people, helped coordinate a Blood Drive for the college, and took on a volunteer position at local medical office where I put my skills to work. Some days I really struggled, but there was no way I was giving up. With the support of all the staff I pushed through and made it.
Now, I am about to start a new career as I have recently been hired for a position in the Medical Office Administration field. I have renewed self-esteem and my hope is that my story will reach others to help them see that they can begin again, too.
Without hesitation, I can say that because of the care and support given by the AOLCC team, as well as my own determination to do well, I believe in me, too.

Lori K. – Medical Office Administration Diploma

I was overwhelmed at first, but within 1 week I felt very comfortable and confident thanks to the wonderful staff for supporting me, encouraging me, and believing in me.

Thank you!
Sincerely,
Rosie D. – Medical Office Administration Diploma