Hay River (July 18/03) - It wasn't about getting a promotion or a raise.

Ron D. Antoine, a Renewable Resources Officer II, said he went back to school to prove to himself that he could make the grade. Besides, he desired to learn more about his field, natural resources.

Ron D. Antoine, originally from Fort Simpson, went back to school for two years as a personal challenge. In April, he attained a degree in Applied Conservation Enforcement.

On April 25, Antoine graduated with a degree in Applied Conservation Enforcement from Lethbridge Community College. He was one of two aboriginals in a class of more than 50 students.

"I think that nowadays education is very important," he said, adding that he goes into schools as a resources officer to give presentations to students.

"That was one of my goals, to pass on what I learned."

He had already obtained his GED and passed the Natural Resources Technology Program through Aurora College in Fort Smith. That diploma provided him with a sound understanding of the ecosystem. Yet he thirsted for more. Through the Applied Conservation Enforcement program, he received advanced lessons in field investigations and enforcement and crisis intervention.

"It gets very technical but very interesting, too," he said.

He spent one year living in Lethbridge and the next completing his practicum with the Department of Resources and Wildlife in Hay River. Seeing aboriginals residing on small reserves in the south was an eye opener, he noted.

"We're living where there's open water and animals all around. There's nature all around us," said Antoine.

"We're very fortunate (in the NWT)."

Antoine said he enjoys his job as a Renewable Resources officer because it offers diverse challenges. He deals with issues such as oil spills, fires and reports of wildlife in public places.

However, he's thinking about specializing in wildlife forensics, which would put him back in school for another two to three years.

Returning to academia was "mentally draining" at times, Antoine admitted. Fortunately, he said he received incredible support from family and friends.

One friend in particular put an angel on his wall, "which got me through," he said.

"I'm at peace with myself right now because I've completed another goal in my life," he added.