Portage and District Arts Centre marketing and events coordinator Lee Beaton's going back to school to help with her art teaching in Portage la Prairie.

Beaton's been accepted in Brandon University's fine arts program and shares how it came about.

"We had the opportunity to go and meet with the chair this year. And so we did, and while we were there listening and talking, we just thought, 'You know what? We're here, and we'll sign up as students and see if we get accepted.' I didn't finish high school. I did get my GED a number of years ago. And I just thought, you know, what have I got to lose?"

She adds, "While the chair was talking, she was saying by taking these courses it'll help you as an art instructor. And I thought, 'Hmmm. That'll be really good, because I like to share and help other people.' And if I can help myself and help them at the same time, it would be a great opportunity."

Beaton says her previous experience in painting and drawing are being considered to enter into the program at a higher level, but says she's also wondering if she should take everything anyway. She notes if you've ever taken a class, it's always good to take it again and pick up on things you missed the first time. Beaton says continuing to learn causes you to continue to live. She adds she's stepping out of her comfort zone, and likes to inspire others to do the same.

The course is a four year course, but due to work here in Portage it may take longer. Beaton says she'll be taking Visual Design one day a week at the University.