A Stratford woman has a passion for learning that knows no bounds.
Alaina Roach O’Keefe, 38, will graduate from UPEI today with her fourth degree at the Charlottetown university since 1998.
She will take part in the traditional walk with other graduates through campus, full of gratitude for family, friends and instructors who encouraged her along the way.
Roach O’Keefe first enrolled at the university in 1998, graduating with her first degree in science, with honours in psychology, in 2003. Then she walked into the bachelor of education program because she wanted to be a teacher. She graduated with her second degree at UPEI in 2005.
Next up was her masters in applied health, graduating in 2008.
After taking a break to have a career, get married and have a baby, she went for her PhD in education and will graduate from UPEI today for the fourth time.
“I’m a lifelong learner. I love research,’’ Roach O’Keefe said when asked why she keeps going back. “The stuff I learned in my masters in applied health was very policy focused. I work for the Public Service Commission and I just found it so incredibly useful at the time when I applied for the PhD program. I wanted to further my skills and knowledge.’’
It’s allowed her to have opportunities to grow in the public service rather than staying in one job.
“The PhD has taught me a lot about myself, just in terms of my tenacity and my ability to persevere. It was a good personal growth experience (but) it’s not always easy.’’
Related: Nearly 1,000 students will graduate at UPEI Saturday
Roach O’Keefe was born in Owen Sound, Ont., and also spent some time in Peterborough, Ont. As the daughter of an RCMP officer, the family moved around a bit. She was nine years old when her father was posted to P.E.I., a place where the family vacationed every year. Needless to say, she fell in love with the Island right away. It’s part of the reason why she pursued all four degrees at UPEI.
“I think I had such a good experience with my first degree. From what I learned and how I felt, (graduating from UPEI) made me want to return to campus. UPEI has a great reputation. Also, my husband (Sean) and I and our extended family live on Prince Edward Island. We wanted to live and work here so going back (to UPEI) made good sense to me.’’
Roach O’Keefe isn’t just a student at UPEI, she’s also a sessional lecturer in the faculty of education and arts.
And, she’s not closing the door on chasing a fifth degree at UPEI.
“I’m a lifelong learner and I love to explore new things. I’m going to take some time to have some more time with my family and my friends and go to the beach more often and do some boating this summer. I’m looking for lots more fun in my life but never say never (to a fifth degree).’’
See a list of graduates for the morning ceremony by clicking here.
See a list of graduates for the afternoon ceremony by clicking here.
