Cutting classes is part of Bohdan Telnyy's learning strategy. Not to opt out, but to optimize his learning path. Living with low vision and laser-focused on a future in applied computing with a concentration in bioinformatics, he chose Saskatchewan Polytechnic as an efficient way to achieve his goal. At nineteen years old, Telnyy is completing the Computer Systems Technology (CST) diploma program this spring.
Born in Ukraine and raised in Saskatchewan, his interest in technology started when his father brought home a salvaged computer. That interest grew as he started writing code in grade seven and began using technology to support his low vision. By high school, his curiosity had turned into a consistent interest in coding.
"I realized I could actually build things," he says. "That's when it became something I wanted to keep doing."
After high school, Telnyy originally planned to attend university but he pivoted to a polytechnic diploma for efficiency, cost-savings and the focus on hands-on, career-ready skills that could easily ladder into a degree.
"I don't need extra classes, I need targeted education," says Telnyy. "I chose Saskatchewan Polytechnic because it offered the technical education I wanted without extra courses that didn't support my goals. It was the most direct path to build my skills."
At Sask Polytech, the CST program provides an opportunity to build those practical, hands-on skills. Courses in programming, operating systems, networking and databases reinforces Telnyy's existing abilities while pushing him into more advanced applications.
"The hardware class and even Excel were some of my favourites," he says. "Excel sounds boring, but when you actually know how to use it, you can build a lot with it."
His experience in the program is shaped in large part by the expert instructors with industry experience who connect concepts to real-world scenarios.
"The way it's taught, you're always building on what you just learned. It doesn't feel repetitive, it feels like progress," he says.
Throughout his program, accessibility has played an important role in his experience. As a student with low vision, he works closely with instructors to ensure he can fully engage with course material.
"If I can't see something clearly, the instructors are really good about adjusting," he says. "They'll print exams in a larger format or make sure I have what I need. It's never been an issue."
He also adapts independently, using tools like Microsoft PowerToys ZoomIt and dark mode to make digital content easier to navigate.
Now in his final semester, he's finalizing a capstone project with a team of classmates. Developed for a local business, the project uses AI to extract product and pricing data from flyers turning unstructured information into something usable for decision-making.
"It's about taking something messy and making it useful," he explains. "That's the kind of problem-solving I like."
While many follow a traditional education path, Telnyy has cracked the code with his studies. He's using Sask Polytech as an accelerator to build capability, avoid redundancy and move forward with purpose.
"I'm going to university after this, but Sask Polytech offered exactly what I needed first. There's no fluff. Just the program with the classes I wanted."
Many Sask Polytech diplomas include pathways to degree completion. Explore options on the A to Z program page or connect with a student recruitment advisor to talk through what might fit your goals.
For more information
400 - 119 4th Avenue South
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Canada S7K 5X2
www.saskpolytech.ca
