Like father, like son

April 18, 2007

How does a 60-year-old retired teacher end up attending SFU alongside his 18-year old-stepson? Whether teaching high school students or attending class as a student himself, Ray Nicolle confesses he "loves school".

A retired Vancouver high school teacher, Ray has returned to the university that he originally attended over 40 years ago. While officially working towards a post-baccalaureate degree, this time around, it's not about getting a degree or what career it may lead to - and that thrills him. "I might finish my Masters of Education, but there are all these courses I want to take that I couldn't take when I was doing my undergrad - humanities, philosophy, sociology, communications, history. I'm taking stuff for the fun of it". For Ray, he's simply a lifelong scholar who has an endless curiosity about the world we live in.

Ray's love of teaching has probably contributed to his high regard for continuing his education. It was while taking his first class in education at SFU in 1974, when he immediately realized teaching was his calling. He couldn't wait to get in front of a classroom and start teaching. Even summer holidays were given up so that Ray could teach summer school, not for the money, but because he couldn't wait until September to start teaching again. Ray admits he would have taught for minimum wage.

Returning to school at this stage of his life also enables Ray to enjoy some extracurricular activities that time-stretched students often have to forego. He is president of both the Mature Students' Society and O.W.L.S., (older, wiser, lifelong scholars) which he founded this year.

And what is it like to start off what is normally the first independent chapter of your life with your stepfather in tow? Stepson Iain Laidley loves it. Getting to skip freshman orientation, courtesy of a personal tour given by Ray was only the beginning. On top of textbook sharing, both like to toss ideas around, discussing potential essay topics and mulling over philosophical viewpoints. Discussing schoolwork with someone who understands the coursework, at the very least, "makes for more interesting dinner conversation" says Iain. As a first year student, Iain is not focused on a career or even a major at this point. He's taking a variety of classes that will expose him to several different disciplines. He also plans to forego a summer job to attend classes this summer. Sound familiar?