Student Spotlight: Balancing Life and Learning in the Online Business Management Program
HLOs: 
Meet Maria: A Story of Determination and Growth
For many students, post-secondary education is a time of transition, exploration, and personal growth. For Maria, a first-year student in Humber Polytechnic’s online Business Management diploma program, the journey has been one of resilience, ambition, and careful balance. Originally from the Philippines, Maria moved to Canada at a young age and built a career in hospitality and event management before deciding to pivot towards furthering her studies in business. Now, as a mother, entrepreneur, and student, she is redefining what it means to pursue higher education while managing multiple personal responsibilities.
“I’ve always had so many dreams and goals,” Maria shares. “I chose the online Business Management program because it aligns with what I want to achieve. Business offers a vast range of opportunities, and this program is a great starting point for me.”
The Challenge of Balance
Balancing school, work, and parenthood is no small feat. Maria admits that the journey has been far from easy, especially with minimal support. However, she has developed strategies to make it work, emphasizing time management as the key to her success.
“Time has become so much more precious. Not every day is ‘perfect’—things come up that are out of my control—but I’ve learned to structure and organize my days in a way that allows me to balance everything,” she says.
Her experience managing operations in the hospitality industry has also shaped her approach to studying. Having previously handled the responsibilities of running a restaurant, Maria understands the importance of organization, adaptability, and making informed decisions. Now, she applies these same principles to her coursework, ensuring she maximizes every learning opportunity.
Flexibility and Support in Online Learning
One of the biggest advantages of Humber’s online Business Management program is its flexibility in study options—something Maria deeply values as a working mother.
“The flexibility allows me to be present for my son, manage my home responsibilities, and still work towards my personal goals,” she says. “It’s been a great experience.”
With Humber’s online learning model, Maria has been able to tailor her studies to fit her schedule, balancing live discussions with faculty and classmates while also having the option to review recorded sessions at her own pace. She highlights the strong support from faculty as a key factor in her success.
“The faculty have been amazing. They’re easy to reach and always willing to help, which makes a big difference when studying remotely,” Maria shares.
Gaining Valuable Skills for the Future
From marketing to accounting, Maria has gained a wealth of knowledge that she believes will directly benefit her future career. “I’ve developed financial literacy through my accounting courses, which is essential for making informed financial decisions. Marketing and consumer services have given me insights into what drives consumer behavior, and my law courses have helped me understand the legal aspects of running a business.”
Looking ahead to Year 2, Maria plans to apply everything she’s learned to new opportunities, whether through internships or by launching her own business. “My goal is to build a career that allows me to create a flexible, intentional, and fulfilling life for myself and my child,” she shares.
Advice for Other Students
For other mature students considering the online Business Management program, Maria has some key advice: “Trust the value of your life and work experience. Manage your time intentionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and take advantage of the program’s flexibility. It’s a great opportunity to gain relevant skills that can help you pivot or grow in your career.”
She also stresses the importance of organization and networking. “I wish I had known earlier how crucial it is to stay organized and set a consistent schedule. I also would have reached out to professors and classmates sooner to build connections and enhance the online learning experience.”
Looking Forward: Maria’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Maria is already putting her business knowledge into practice. She is currently preparing to launch 'Assist With Maria', a virtual assistant business that will support entrepreneurs and small business owners with administrative, organizational, event management, and social media tasks.
“This idea came to me when I had my son—it directly relates to what I’m doing now and where I want to be in the future,” she says. “I’m excited to grow this venture and connect with others along the way.”
You can follow Maria’s journey and business launch on Instagram at @assistwithmaria.
Share this article:
