After 20 years of teaching in Canada, I’ve learned that student success goes far beyond academic achievement. It requires comprehensive support that addresses safety, financial literacy, social connections, and practical life skills. This year, I’m launching three interconnected initiatives that reflect this holistic approach to education.
The summer of 2025 was a wake-up call for our Kamloops community. We lost three international students to drowning incidents, reminding us that academic excellence means nothing without basic safety awareness. These tragedies, combined with my two-decade teaching milestone, have inspired me to create resources that address both academic success and fundamental safety needs.
Free University Success Program: Building Complete Students
To celebrate my 20 years in Canadian education, I’m offering 20 free scholarships worth $499 each for my comprehensive University Success Program. This isn’t just another study skills workshop – it’s a 12-session journey that prepares students for real university life.
Starting September 9th on Zoom, we’ll cover four essential areas that universities often overlook. Study strategies go beyond highlighting textbooks – we explore proven methods that actually improve retention and understanding. Time management isn’t about cramming more into your day; it’s about working smarter and maintaining balance. Financial literacy helps students navigate the complex world of student loans, budgeting, and financial planning that can make or break a university experience. Campus connections teach students how to build meaningful relationships that support both academic success and personal growth.
Applications close this Sunday, September 7th. Apply at forms.gle/hVjqSHqX8kz1MM2KA or learn more at krasun.ca/product/welcome-to-unviersity-dual-track-guide/
Can’t get a scholarship spot? You can still join by donating $499 or more to TRU Foundation’s Stand with Ukraine (tru.ca/ukraine) or Love Care Share (tru.ca/lovecareshare) funds. Just send your receipt to drokacademy@gmail.com.
Critical Water Safety Guide: Learning from Tragedy
The loss of three international students this summer broke our hearts and opened our eyes. These weren’t reckless individuals – they were bright students who simply didn’t understand the unique dangers of Kamloops waters. The Thompson River and Kamloops Lake can be deceptively dangerous, with cold temperatures, unpredictable currents, and conditions that change rapidly.
In response, I’ve created “Staying Safe by the Water,” a 47-page guide specifically researched for our local conditions. This isn’t generic water safety advice – it’s targeted information about the specific hazards in our area, designed especially for international students and immigrant families who may not be familiar with Canadian water safety practices.
The guide covers everything from recognizing dangerous conditions to emergency response protocols. It includes dual-track content that addresses different cultural contexts and experience levels, because we’ve learned that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work for our diverse community.
Get the guide for $19.99 at krasun.ca/product/staying-safe-by-the-water/
I’m also offering 20 free copies with coupon code TRUSAFE to mark my teaching anniversary. Alternatively, donate $19.99 or more to TRU Foundation funds and get free access by sending your receipt to drokacademy@gmail.com.
Complete University Success Guide: Your Comprehensive Resource
While the live program provides interactive support, many students also need a comprehensive reference they can return to throughout their university journey. “Welcome to University: TRU First Edition” is a 168-page guide containing everything I’ve learned about student success in two decades of teaching.
This isn’t a generic university survival guide. It’s specifically tailored to TRU students while remaining broadly applicable to Canadian post-secondary education. With over 35 chapters, it covers academic strategies, social integration, financial planning, career preparation, and everything in between.
What makes this different is its practical focus. Instead of theoretical advice, it provides actionable strategies that have been tested with real students facing real challenges. It includes TRU-specific resources and local community connections that help students maximize their university experience.
Available for $19.99 at krasun.ca/product/welcome-to-university-thompson-rivers-university/
Like the other resources, you can get free access by donating $19.99 or more to TRU Foundation funds. Send your receipt to drokacademy@gmail.com with “TRU Student Guide” in the subject line.
Community Impact: Education That Gives Back
All proceeds from these initiatives support the Stand with Ukraine Scholarship Fund and Love Care Share Scholarship Fund. This approach ensures that educational resources don’t just serve immediate participants – they create ongoing opportunities for students facing financial barriers.
Supporting students who stand with Ukraine reflects Canada’s commitment to helping displaced families rebuild their lives through education. The Love Care Share fund addresses broader community needs, recognizing that educational success is interconnected with community well-being and student caregivers are essential for the future.
These programs also model an important principle: personal success and social responsibility go hand in hand. When we invest in education, we’re not just building individual careers – we’re strengthening entire communities.
Looking Forward: Holistic Student Support
These three initiatives represent more than separate programs – they’re part of a comprehensive vision that recognizes how academic success, personal safety, and community well-being connect. The tragic events of summer 2025 reminded us that excellent grades mean nothing if students aren’t safe. Ongoing student challenges show us that academic support must address the whole person.
The future of post-secondary education in Canada requires approaches that support the complete student experience. This means addressing academic needs alongside safety concerns, financial challenges, and social integration requirements. Only through comprehensive support can we ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive.
My 20-year teaching milestone has given me the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped my career. More importantly, it’s reinforced my commitment to educational excellence that prioritizes both academic achievement and fundamental human well-being.
Whether you’re a new student, a concerned parent, or a community member who wants to support education, these resources offer practical ways to make a difference. Together, we can build an educational environment where every student has the tools they need to succeed safely and completely.
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