DEH CHO - When Barb Tsetso looks into the classrooms at Aurora College in Fort Simpson, she sees adults who are beating the odds.

All of the challenges students faced in high school are still present and are compounded when they make the decision as adults to pursue higher education, said Tsetso, an adult educator in the village.

Participants in the Introduction to Underground Mine Training Program are among the newest batch of adult students at Aurora College in Fort Simpson. The participants, who are currently completing Ready to Work North include from left, back row: Rosemary Buggins, Delores Tonka, Joseph Villeneuve Jr., Randy Horesay and instructor Natasha McCagg; front row: Ruben Unka, Michael Neyelle, Andrew Walsh and John Sanford. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Some of the complications include securing housing, paying bills, parenting children and even getting a reliable ride into school.

"They're overcoming huge challenges," said Tsetso. "All the credit in the world to them."

Specific attention was drawn to students at the school and other Aurora College campuses across the territory last week, for Aurora College Week. From Feb. 15 to 19, the college promoted itself and gave recognition to its students' achievements, Tsetso said. The college held an open house in Fort Simpson on Feb. 17, at which members of the public could come in, meet the students and learn about college programs.

"They're definitely role models to people in the community who haven't made that decision yet," Tsetso said of the students.

In Fort Providence, four students, Peter Canadien, Patti Bouvier, Beverly Bouvier and Wendy Gargan organized and ran a series of events throughout the week to raise the college's profile. There are currently 26 students at the Fort Providence campus taking a variety of courses, including the Bridging Employment Skills Training Program, Pre-Trades and the Introduction to Underground Mine Training Program.

Margaret Field, an adult educator with 27 years experience - 13 of them with Aurora College - has witnessed all of the challenges adult students face.

"They have to discipline themselves to focus on their studies," said Field.

There are many distractions in the community, but most of the students are able to focus once they get into the classroom and realize it might be their last chance to upgrade their education, she said.

Field said it's great to see her former students, like Edward Landry, working around the community. Landry took the Renewable Resources Technician Program and now works with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a renewable resources officer.

"I'm very proud of them and I know it may have been challenging for them, Field said of her former students.

Lisa Williams hopes she'll be among the college graduates who find work in their communities. Williams started the Academic Studies Program in Fort Simpson in January.

"The whole reason I'm here is to try and make a change for myself and my community," said Williams.

Williams was nervous about the prospect of going back to school, not knowing what to expect, but wanted to help her family.

"I realized I was the sole provider for my house and I had to do something with my life," she said.

Williams, whose spouse is on disability, has three children, ages 10, six and 18 months. Although she's leaning towards doing office administration, Williams said she hasn't made any firm decisions yet.

"There's too many options and a lot of doors are opening with the more education I'm getting," she said.

Down the hall in a classroom with the other students who began the Introduction to Underground Mine Training Program on Feb. 15 was Andrew Walsh, who has faced some challenges while upgrading his education. Keeping up with the assignments can be difficult, said Walsh, who started Academic Studies last year.

"I've had a lot of personal growth since I've been here," Walsh said. "Reaching goals is very important."

For Rosemary Buggins, who came from Hay River to the village to join the mining course, adjusting to school six years after graduating from high school is a test. She said she's adjusting to using formal reading and writing skills again but is enjoying the course so far.

"Every day is a learning experience for me," said Buggins.