Graduation Highlight: Sydney Bjorndalen

I’m from Gillam, MB and attended the Thompson campus.

My home is in the north, and I wanted to get educated in the north.

I studied the Kenanow Bachelor of Education program. I chose this program because I thought it would be a good fit. I grew up in northern Manitoba and the north is my home, so I thought this program would bring important aspects to education with a northern perspective and how I could best teach in the north.

When we went to Mile 20 and participated in different activities about the Indigenous culture and way
of life, on the land.

My mom and dad, they are both educators in the north. I think they were biggest influence on me and
very supportive of me as well in my journey with education.

I think it was building connections, building relationships, and building community.

I will be teaching in my own classroom in Gillam.

I would definitely say try your best and participate in as many things as you can. Be open to
opportunities, connecting and building relationships with people. Be prepared to grow as a person and
professional in whatever field you’re going in.

Thank you for always believing in me, supporting me, and encouraging me to keep going to further my
education. I couldn’t have done it without you.