Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Hall Beach (Nov 25/02) - Meeka Innuksuk said she never dreamed she would be chosen for a prestigious scholarship to help her along with her education pursuits.

Meeka Innuksuk from Hall Beach said winning a scholarship encourages her to work hard in school. - photo courtesy of Nunavut Arctic College

In September, the 29 year-old Hall Beach resident was one of two students chosen by her instructors at Nunavut Arctic College to receive the IODE (Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire) Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Scholarship.

The $2,500 prize will go a long way towards finishing her second year with the college's Teacher Education Program.

"I was surprised, even shocked that they chose me," she said.

Innuksuk was teaching in Hall Beach before she began the program at the college. She decided to enrol in the course to get certification.

"This is a good opportunity for me to become independent financially.

"I also want to teach my students properly," she explained.

With the money from the award, Innuksuk has paid off bills and also hopes to buy a laptop computer.

Innuksuk also receives funding from the Kakivak Association for her education. After having to relocate her husband and seven-year-old daughter to Iqaluit to attend school, the extra funds from the scholarship are appreciated.

In a little more than two years, Innuksuk and her family will return to their home community. She hopes to teach at the local school for a while and then move onto other challenges.

"I don't want to be in the same place for too long. I want to experience other communities in Nunavut," she said.

She's glad her hard work has paid off. Innuksuk said she will continue working hard and "neglecting" her social life to pull off good grades.