Emerging Victorious at the Podium

Good afternoon, friends, family, teachers and Wahsa administrators.

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the graduating class of Wahsa Distance Education, 2009. We have so much to be thankful for today. This marks the beginning of what the future holds. No matter what obstacles we had to face in getting here, we are here. It takes time and perseverance to complete the required work. I, for one, am so thankful for the support I had these past few months.

When I was 17 years old, my family and I suffered a tragic loss. We lost one of our loved ones to suicide. It’s a growing epidemic in the First Nations of Ontario. I was in Grade 12 at the time. I had 27 credits and could have graduated that following year. But when I went back to school a week after my loss, I couldn’t standing being in class without him there anymore. I was used to seeing him there. It just didn’t feel the same anymore.

He always sat at the desk in front of mine. A month had passed and I still did not go to school.

After about two months of staying home from school, I finally called my teachers to tell them I quit. Quitting wasn’t an easy but I felt like it was my only way out of constant pain and agony. I thought a change of scenery would be good for me. Four years ago, I moved here from the small and quiet community of Bearskin Lake. The population is about 600. I am now 21 years old and have a family of my own.

I usually read the bulletins I see around town and have noticed that most jobs require you to have a high school diploma. This is what led me back to high school. I had never bothered to try and go back to school until the day I thought about my future and what I want to do in life. There is a wide range of things I am interested in, especially Early Childhood Education (ECE). What is most important to me is that I want to be able to provide for my children.

I struggled with the courses but didn’t want to give up again. I want to go on to ECE. I want to be a part of children’s lives in their early development. It’s fascinating to see what a child can learn in one day. This is why I would like to be an Early Childhood Educator. I’ve learned from past choices I’ve made in my life. I also learned that it’s never too late to change anything or to set goals for yourself. As long as you put your mind into it, you will reach your goal. Anything is possible.

For me, my two beautiful daughters inspired me to continue with my education even when I felt like giving up and quitting. My sister’s words of encouragement opened my eyes to how I can be sometimes when I am backed into a corner. She sees me as a person of strength that has gone beyond whatever life has thrown in my path. From all this, my point is that all we need is to be inspired to achieve our goals that we set for ourselves. As you leave here today, be proud of yourself, be proud of the inspiration that you have become to others.

I would like to thank my teachers at Wahsa: Ruby Morris, Jovi Mercer and Barb Matousek; the Distant Education Co-ordinators in Bearskin Lake: Phyllis McKay and Tricia Defrietas; my family in Webequie and last but not least, Phillip Bottle, without your help I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Finally, I would like to say: Congratulations Class of 2009!

Heather Shewaybick is from Webequie First Nation. She won the Margaret Sanders Award for high marks, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority Award, Hydro One Award, NNEC Award and Michikan Education Award for her efforts and achievements and the Tikinagan Child and Family Services Award for entering the field of social sciences.