Why did you choose UCN?
I chose UCN because it was close to home. The accessibility of being able to get an education while keeping a close connection with family and my community is a value of mine. Understanding that the classes are smaller with local peers gave me comfort, and at the same time, I was able to build a local network here in my region.
Did you know what you wanted to take at UCN?
At first, I didn’t know what course I wanted to take. When I registered for the diploma, I was a waitress. I enjoyed customer service and working on my feet in a fast-paced environment. I shared a bit about my job experience and who I was with the academic advisor, and he then recommended I review the courses in the Business Administration program. The courses seemed interesting, not knowing what the future holds, I decided to register with hopes I’ll find my path.
How have your professors and instructors impacted your time at UCN?
Instructors at UCN positively influenced my experience as a student by offering support. Due to small class sizes, instructors created strong relationships with students. The instructors assigned meaningful tasks, established multiple ways to communicate, and provided more opportunities to talk about assignments outside of class. Their encouragement contributed to a welcoming environment here at UCN.
What was your most memorable experience during your time at UCN?
The most memorable experience at UCN was the time I spent on campus. The recreation coordinator provided fun activities such as Casino Night, Tabata, Pickleball and more. The Mamawechetotan Centre provided meaningful cultural activities, potlatch gatherings, and cultural support. Overall, the amount of support and student activities through all staff members created an overall memorable experience here at UCN.
What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time at UCN?
The most important lesson being a student was to practise discipline, consistent routine, balance, and organization. Being a student can be difficult, but ensuring physical activities, mental awareness, spiritual participation, and emotional support in my routines, student life became increasingly manageable. As students, we tend to strive for perfection, but with that stress and self-doubt arises. Therefore, my most important lesson was not to self-criticize, as long as I gave it my all, I’m able to accept the outcome.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time at UCN?
I’m most proud of accomplishing my business proposal and research studies for my arts and crafts business venture. The proposal was partly finished; it needed to be updated with my new findings and financial forecasts. I would like to thank the business faculty instructors for working with me to have it finalized for submission. It was a success!
How does it feel to complete your program?
It feels satisfying knowing that I finished something that requires a great deal of dedication and time management, especially when it means sacrificing time with family. I feel my family will be taken care of in the near future, and I hope they will follow my footsteps and never give up on themselves. I feel I can move forward with confidence that my career goals will be a success, not only for myself and my family but also for our community as well.
What’s next for you? Tell us your hopes and plans!
As of June 8, 2026, I will be opening an arts and crafts retail establishment in The Pas called Beading Culture. During my time at UCN, I focused on branding both my business and myself through workshops, community venues, networking, and using classroom assignments to help build my business plan. After my diploma, my goal has always been to create a business that not only supports my future but also benefits the community.
My hope for Beading Culture is that it becomes a successful and welcoming space where artists, beaders, and community members can access supplies, learn new skills, and feel inspired to create. I am proud to share that my next step is turning my hard work, education, and passion into a business that benefits The Pas and the surrounding communities.
What advice would you give somebody who’s just starting out at UCN?
My advice to someone just starting out would be to build a network of support within UCN. Sometimes we need a peer to push us to study in the evenings, to stay on track, and to share the workload and ideas. We find people who align with our goals and our passion, and ultimately, we learn from each other.
Lastly, the strongest advice I can give someone is turn your social life into study life. This short-term goal requires dedication and sacrifice of that. We can’t balance two lifestyles and expect to do well.
Message for family, friends, and instructors.
I am deeply grateful, thankful, and appreciative to my family, friends, and UCN faculty. This experience has been the best years in a long time. I learned so much and met amazing, good-hearted individuals from all areas of expertise. I want to thank my family for sticking by my side while I transitioned into student life, and my friends for supporting me and encouraging me to stay focused and balanced. And to all the faculty who I have met in the past two years. A special thank you goes out to Angie Young for her dedication and passion towards revitalizing the Mama Centre at The Pas campus, Mark Matiasek for his guidance in proposal writing and worthy assignments throughout the years. Abayomi Oredegbe for his financial support within my business proposal. Anderson Assuah for his leadership and work towards a clean, healthy environment in our community. Amzad Hossain, who provided the best student support and learning environment, ensured that students had meaningful, worthy research and presentations that allowed us to gain deeper knowledge in our program. Thank you once again to everyone I have met on this journey.
