Band/Hometown: Cumberland House

Program: Culinary Arts

Campus: Prince Albert

Aaliyah Settee-Bear chose to enroll in Culinary Arts after seeing several of her peers succeed in their careers as graduates of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

She felt welcomed from day one thanks to her experience with the Summer Transition Program. "I would not have continued my studies if it weren't for that program and the relationships that came from it," she says.

During her studies, Aaliyah overcame several personal challenges including adjusting to a new community, financial constraints and suffering personal loss. She says the school's supports and resources "make academic life so much easier. They add to the feeling of knowing you are not here alone and there are people here to support you."

A turning point in Aaliyah's academic journey came when her instructor assigned her with a large catering job as a part of her applied learning. Although she was nervous and apprehensive, the event was a tremendous success, garnering rave reviews from the patrons and her instructor. The positive feedback gave her self-esteem a boost.

Upon graduation, Aaliyah envisions an entrepreneurial path. "One of my long-term goals is to open a cafe in Prince Albert."

Hometown: Pinehouse Lake

Band: English River First Nation

Program: Instrumentation and Control Technician

Campus: Moose Jaw

Craig Maurice, an apprenticeship student, is pursuing his second certification throguh the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. "I wanted to further my education to help move ahead in my industry," he says. Having two red seal journeyperson certifications gives Craig an advantage when expanding his business and role.

For Craig, things haven't always come easy though. With a diagnosed learning disability, supports like the Indigenous student Advisor, Indigenous Students' Centre, learning services and counselling services were a big help. "I have used everything," he says. "It's places like these that help me feel like I have a fighting chance."

Another challenge for Craig is the time spent away from his son while attending classes. "It's bittersweet," he says. "Because I would like him to know someday that, 'Dad went for it.' I tried my best to further my education even though I'm 37.

Craig says it doesn't matter how old you are or what obstacle stands in your way. "If you really want it, you will get it," he says. "I come from a very different background - one that had all the odds against me. But here at Sask Polytech, they accommodate and help you every step of the way.

Hometown: Saskatoon

Program: Medical Laboratory Assistant

Campus: Saskatoon

"I always said I would never go back to school, but here I am, a post-secondary graduate," says Larissa Debray.

Enrolled in Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Medical Laboratory Assistant program, Larissa says motherhood was the catalyst that sparked her return to school. "After a few years of working different jobs and taking care of my first child, I knew I needed to go back to school to have a career for us," she says".

The number of obstacles Larissa had to overcome to graduate still surprises her. She experienced a loss in her family which coincided with the need to find new housing. She also discovered she was pregnant with her second child at the start of her program. "But that didn't stop me," she says.

She soon found guidance and encouragement from one of her instructors, who was "one of the most caring, understanding teachers I have ever met. She's always willing to help push you in the right direction. Without her help, I probably wouldn't have finished my program."

Larissa shares her advice for prospective students: When life throws obstacles in your direction, "remember it's just a bad day, week or month. It's not a bad life. Things will work out in the end."

Band/Hometown: Kinistin Saulteaux Nation

Program: Business Diploma - Human Resources

Campus: Moose Jaw

Hunter Nippi-Thirsk has a health attitude towards life's inevitable challenges.

"Failure doesn't define who you are, and it doesn't define your future." he says. "Use it as a step to learn and overcome the barriers of life. Getting back up is what shapes us to be what we are meant to be in the world."

Although he faced challenges during his studies, Hunter says the Indigenous Students' Centre was a "phenomenal" resource. "It allowed me to connect with elders and knowledge keepers, other indigenous students and a staff committed to the TRC calls to action."

He also found an encouraging, compassionate staff member there who motivated him and helped lighten the load of stress. "She assures all indigenous students that we are in the right place and we will succeed one way or another if we put in the work."

Hunter says Saskatchewan Polytechnic's supports have helped him "mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually."

That strong, healthy foundation has helped contribute to his positive outlook oin life and learning. "It's not about the abilities you are born with," he says. "It's about the people you meet on the journey that help you reveal the abilities you have within yourself."\

Band/Hometown: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation/Deschambault Lake

Program: Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN)

Campus: Moose Jaw

It's never tool late to go back to school, says Alexxandra Ballantyne. A nursing student in her 30s, she says returning to school has been on of her best decisions.

Although starting school at the beginning of the pandemic was isolating, Alexxandra credits the connections with her classmates and instructors as a highlight of her student experience. "Everyone is so helpful and encouraging," says Alexxandra. "It's a welcoming environment and everyone wants to see you succeed.

She also notes that the instructors, tutors and Indigenous advisors made her experience easier. "They helped me a lot and I am grateful we have that support."

Based in Moose Jaw, Alexxandra would frequently travel to Regina for classes, "it was expensive, but I managed okay." She applied for and earned student awards, which helped offset some of her travel costs. The financial cost of her four-year program was also challenging and she briefly considered taking a year off her studies to work. In the end, she opted to work part-time while continuing her courses.

Her advice to other students who may be experiencing similar challenges? "It gets a little easier every year! Keep going."

Hometown: Prince Albert

Program: Justice Studies

Campus: Prince Albert

"Don't be afraid to ask for help," says Keenan Cyr, when asked what advice he'd share with his fellow students. Although student life can be unpredictable, he says, there are "a number of services available to help you in your studies."

The Metis student, taking Justice Studies, has firsthand knowledge of how Saskatchewan Polytechnic's supports can help students excel in their academic pursuits.

"I frequently met with the Indigenous advisor, who gave me tips on how to study, where to go for information, scholarships, and activities going on around campus." He adds that the staff offering these services "only want what's best for you and to help you succeed."

He knows student life can be a struggle, "but it's only for a moment," he says. "Stay focused on y our dream - the thing you want most in this life."

He adds, "Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a year or two with the rest of your classmates on graduation day: holding your head high, getting ready to move on to the next chapter in your life - that dream job you've always wanted."

So, what does  Keenan's next chapter look like? "I imagine myself working with teh RCMP or the Prince Albert Police Service." he says.

Band/Hometown: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation

Program: Business Certificate

Campus: Saskatoon

For Melissa Arcand, the Indigenous Students' Centre provided a sense of belonging during her studies as Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Enrolled in the Business certificate program, Melissa says it was "a great place to hang out and meet new people."

She found it to be a welcoming place to gather with other students for meals and participate in group activities, while providing a "safe space to smudge," she says.

As someone who experiences mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, Melissa knew she needed to ask for help in order to excel in her studies. She joined a walking club with her Indigenous advisor, who was "Always around to answer questions or talk," she says. She also gained newfound confidence through one-on-one tutoring with learning services and earned herself a student award.

She encourages her fellow student sto harness supports to unlock their full potential. "Don't give up! Find resources that can help you succeed and get to the finish line," she says. "ask for help - not once, not twice but multiple times."

Having graduated from Sask Polytech's Practical Nursing program in 2020, completing the Business Certificate program brings Melissa closer to realizing her dream of opening a long-term care home and making a  positive impact in other people's lives.

Band/Hometown: Pelican Lake First Nation

Program: Media Production

Campus: Saskatoon

Farron Chamakese-Waskahat has a clear vision of his future once he completes his diploma in Media Production at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Plains Cree student sees himself working on film sets as a director, producer and screenwriter. "I imagine myself with a script in hand, working on a film I'm producing myself," he says.

In 2015, Farron pursued the New Media Communications certificate at Sask Polytech but didn't complete the program. Although he wishes he would have tried harder the first time, Farron has embraced his second chance and is excited about pursuing his dreams.

Like many Indigenous students who move away from their communities to attend post-secondary, Farron experienced loneliness from time to time. He found community and camaraderie at teh Indigenous Studetns' Centre. "It really gave me a place that I felt comfortable in and incldued." He adds that some of his fondest school memories include "joking around with my fellow neechies in the Indigenous Student's Centre" and singing at Wanuskewin Heritage Park at the end of orientation.

He says the key to a fulfilling student life is all about striking the right balance. "Work hard, study hard and have fun."

Band/Hometown: Black Lake First Nation

Program: Business Diploma - Accountancy

Campus: Moose Jaw

Chelsea Bunker chose to apply to Saskatchewan Polytechnic after a friend spoke highly of their experience, which makes the classes more engaging."

Once enrolled in the Business Diploma program, her experience echoed her friend's. Chelsea says one particular instructor "had a unique talent for simplifying complex topics and providing personalized support to her students. Her attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile made her one of the best instructors I have ever had."

As a single mother, Chelsea faced many challenges including financial constraints, juggling her course load alongside parenting and an unpredictable work schedule. "Through it all," she says, "I learned valuable lessons about perseverance, determination and resilience that continue to inspire me today."

She adds, "I'm on my way to achieving the work-life balance I have always dreamed of.

I am determined to give my son the life he deserves and won't let any obstacle stand in my way."

Chelsea advises her peers that it's common to have doubts about returning to school, "the most challenging step is deciding to go. Once you take that step, everything else will fall into place. Don't wait to pursuie your dreams."

Band: Kinistin Saulteax

Hometown: Saskatoon

Program: Mental Health and Addictions Counselling

Campus: Prince Albert

"I chose Saskatchewan Polytechnic because of the support I received from my addictions counsellor," says Andrew Wildeman. "He was a graduate of Sask Polytech, and he knew the struggles I was going through."

Andrew always felt he was in safe hands with his counsellor. "When he recommended Sask Polytech, it really resonated with me because I held him in such high regard. I wanted to help others just as he does."

Enrolled in the Mental Health and Addictions Counselling Program, Andrew credits Sask Polytech's supportive environment with helping him succeed in his post-secondary career. "From the school itself to the instructors, the program head and my fellow classmates, I feel safe, and I have access to supports when I require them and I feel safe using them."

Upon graduation, he envisions himself in a career where he can help others and pay it forward. "I know I was lucky enough to receive this help and I want to provide this to others and empower them throughout their recovery," he says.

His advice to others considering a similar path? "Good things happen when you step outside your comfort zone so be sure to get comfortable feeling uncomfortable."

Hometown: Winnipeg

Program: Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN)

Campus: Regina

"Persistence pays off," says Sasha Woychyshyn.

Before pursuing her nursing degree, Sasha spent 15 years gaining experience as a paramedic in northern Manitoba and as a medical technician in the Canadian Armed Forces, deploying to Iraq to assist in a Role 2 facility and long-term care facilities in Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic. "These experiences ultimately paved the way for my path to higher education," says the Red River Metis nursing student.

As a proud Canadian Armed Forces member, Sasha's future goals include working as a front-line medical professional. "Ideally as a flight nurse or operating room nurse," she says. "I wouldn't be surprised if my aspirations took me to further education to become a nurse practitioner or doctor."

She says her military program and Saskatchewan Polytechnic's supports alleviated the challenges she would typically encounter as a student. Sasha leveraged learning services throughout her program and frequently consulted with her Indigenous student advisor.

"I would encourage the use of Sask Polytech's support systems from the hop," she says. "They are a valuable resource to ensure success, even with the most challenging courses."

She adds, "the knowledge we're acquiring istn' solely for achieving good grades. It's meant to empower us to make a meaningful difference in the lives we will inevitably impact once we graduate."

Band/Hometown: Ochapowace First Nation

Program: Office Administration

Campus: Regina

"Nothing worth having comes easy," says Donna Allary, an Office Administration student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Regina campus. 

As a single mother and full-time student, Donna was determined to overcome the inevitable challenges of balancing parenthood and course work, knowing it will "pay off in the end."

She often met with an Indigenous advisor, who provided her with encouragement and guidance, and found academic support through learning services when she found herself struggling with a class. She was also awarded a $1,000 bursary, which helped offset some of her academic expenses.

Donna says it's the people she's encountered at Sask Polytech who helped her grow and thrive. They're "the most welcoming and friendliest people," she says. "The support system is strong - they set us up to succeed."

Once she was able to settle into a regular routine, Donna says she was better able to focus on her school work. She sees a future where she continues to confidently juggle life's competing priorities.

"i imagine myself at an amazing job working full-time business hours and having a great work-home life balance" she says.

She advises her peers that challenges will arise, but "it gets better. The end result will be worth all the work you put in."