Throughout my childhood, I attended several schools that significantly shaped my learning journey. I began at Marie Sharp Elementary, where I was surrounded by curious classmates. I then moved to Narcosli Creek Elementary, closer to my reserve, followed by Poplar Glade Elementary, where I formed new friendships. My educational path continued at Quesnel Junior School, which opened my eyes to new subjects, and Columneetza Secondary, where my passion for learning flourished. Next, I attended Correlieu Secondary, which encouraged me to find my voice, and finally, I graduated from Williams Lake Secondary. Each school played a vital role in shaping who I am today.
After finishing high school, I was unsure whether to take a year off or continue my education. I decided to do some upgrading and then took time off to work. Eventually, I had the opportunity to enter the childcare field by enrolling in a program with the Shuswap Tribal Council. I completed the program and earned my Early Childhood Education certification.As I continued my journey in the childcare field, I began to reflect deeply on my aspirations and realized that I wanted to further my education. While I cherished my time working with children, I felt a strong urge to do more. It became clear to me that my passion for supporting youth could lead me to a fulfilling path in social work, which truly resonated with my desire to make a positive impact in their lives.
Just like the courageous bear that symbolizes resilience, I found myself at a crossroads in my life, compelled to embrace a significant change. My experience at the Williams Lake campus of Thompson Rivers University was not fulfilling the educational aspirations I held; it was clear that I needed to leave the familiarity of home and embark on a new adventure in the vibrant city of Kamloops.
As I navigated this important transition, I successfully completed my Human Service Diploma, an accomplishment that initially had me convinced that I was destined for a career in social work. However, as I reflected on my passions and desires, I began to question whether that path was truly right for me. Instead, I found myself drawn to the field of education, igniting a newfound enthusiasm within me. This inspired me to reshuffle my course selections and set my sights on the Bachelor of Education program, where I could pursue my dream of fostering knowledge and nurturing potential in others.
As I reflect on my journey, memories of the landslide in Fairwell in 2024 come rushing back. My family has fished in those waters for generations, a tradition deeply rooted in our heritage. In the Chilcotin language, we refer to this phenomenon as “Nagwentled,” which translates to “land sliding” or “can slide” in English. Landslides occur, reshaping the landscape, yet the fish possess a remarkable wisdom—they know to wait patiently for the waters to settle.
In much the same way, I encounter numerous challenges in my own life, yet I find a way to navigate through them, shaping my path according to my dreams. Just as the water relentlessly carves its way through the earth, I strive to forge my own route, undeterred by the obstacles that come my way.