Over 250 Capilano University adult education students from Vancouver, Sechelt and beyond gathered at Totem Hall on Thursday May 14, proving it's never to late to learn.
Dubbed an Adult Learner event, the gathering served as a celebration of each student's journey through programs such as literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL).
"All of the people here today came for many different reasons," said emcee Trudy Deining. "Some are still working at understanding English so a day like today is about feeling included. They may not understand everything but they feel what is going on."
Capilano University offers a variety of adult education programs through the Community Development and Outreach department. Judy Rose, Capilano University spokesperson, said the goal is to get people interested and excited about learning.
The university offers six different levels of ESL training and provides a comprehensive range of facilities and services.
"In the past few years there has been quite a large demand for adult education programs and more people are learning English," Rose said.
The event in Squamish was the result of hard work from instructors and students, she said. The day included everything from a laughter yoga session to tours of the Squamish Estuary.
In his opening address Patrick Donahoe, vice president of student and institutional support at Capilano University, applauded all of the students.
"I want to offer congratulations on the learning journey you've made. Everyone of us makes choices in our lives and these journeys start with a single step," he said.
Through adult education programs, Donahoe said, students not only change their lives but family and friend's lives as well. He said the Adult Learner event is about celebrating the efforts of each individual student.
"This day is about celebrating you and your efforts and all the times you may have wanted to stop or quit but didn't. Just keep on at it because you know this is how you change your life."
The Totem Hall celebration was the first mega-celebration hosted by Capilano University and Rose said she hopes it won't be the last.
"Many people hadn't been out of Vancouver before so this event was very significant. These adult education programs are only getting more popular."
