News Archives: Governor General's Academic Medal Recipient 2018
Wednesday, September 26th, 2018
For someone who didn’t set foot in a school until adulthood, Ashley Reimer has done pretty well for herself.
Or so the recent GPRC graduate, who has been homeschooled all her life, likes to joke with her friends. Now a proud holder of a diploma in business administration, Reimer is this year’s winner of the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal — one of the most prestigious awards a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive.
It is only awarded to one student each year, who achieves the highest overall grade point average upon graduation from a diploma-level, post-secondary program, with a minimum two-year, full-time duration. The award includes a cast-bronze medal and a certificate signed by the Governor General.
Reimer attributes her success to the strong work ethic instilled by her parents since early childhood. “They always stressed the importance of doing well in school to really elevate your future,” she says.
“In the moment it feels like a lot of homework and studying but you know you’re doing it for a greater purpose, to get a good job and have a good life. It’s kind of surreal to be getting this award, but it also makes me feel like it was all worthwhile.”
Another significant factor to her success was the small community feel at GPRC that made her transition from a lifetime of homeschooling feel relatively seamless.
“There’s definitely that feeling that everyone knows each other here. It’s a fun community, everyone is so nice, and the teachers really invest in you which helps you go into the workplace with a lot of confidence,” she says.
“People come into the program not necessarily knowing what to major in, and I thought the business program did a great job of breaking up all the different pieces and giving you a taste of what you might want to do.”
Currently working as a junior accountant at Pivot Private Equity, Reimer plans to continue her studies to obtain a degree in accounting from Athabasca University. She is setting her sights on eventually becoming a certified accountant.
“I’m hoping to keep walking up those steps and get higher but I just started my career, so I think I’ll give myself a bit of time!” she says with a laugh.
“I have a good family, good life, and a good job…I’m happy here.”
