Arctic Bay (Nov 15/04) - Standing in front of a large group of people can be unnerving.

During the Oct. 8 Arctic Bay high school graduation ceremony, 20-year-old Amanda Muckpa found it especially strange.

Amanda Muckpa, as seen on her graduation night in Arctic Bay. - photo courtesy of Niore Iqalukjuak

With three other students in her class, only Muckpa got to put on the graduation cap and pose for pictures in her gown.

"It was weird and different, because I thought I wouldn't be alone," Muckpa said.

And she almost bypassed the walk to the front of the gymnasium.

An A-plus student, she quit school for more than a year.

Her father urged her to finish what she had started.

"It was really hard for me to go back to school," she says.

Although her grades dropped a bit, she still graduated with an 'A' average.

The process was difficult, but Muckpa is thankful for having finished it.

And she has two words of advice for anyone thinking about leaving school prior to getting their high school diploma: "Don't quit."

Lately, she has been spending her days baby sitting.

In the evenings, she spikes volleyballs or plays defence during games of floor hockey.

She is thinking about going to Nunavut Arctic College, but has not decided on a campus.

Before beginning school, she wants to travel to Arviat to visit with her relatives.

And she has two goals for after college graduation. "Get a house and get a job," she says.