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Different ages, new futures

Chris Woodall
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 22/06) - Young, mid-life or middle-aged, a look at the 44 Aurora College graduates in Inuvik shows it's never too late to advance your skills.

While some graduates came through a continuous education process straight from high school, many others showed that determination can be rewarded by taking on a college course in the middle of, or after raising a family.

NNSL Photo/graphic

Valedictorian Lillian Wright spoke to her fellow Aurora College Inuvik campus grads, May 12, to remind them of their achievement to come back to school and stick it out. A mother and grandmother many times over, she finished the traditional arts program and won the Aurora Cup Award for "working through difficult times" to achieve success. - Chris Woodall/NNSL photo

That was the message given by Lillian Wright of Fort McPherson, who was this year's valedictorian.

She is one of three graduates News/North spoke to about what graduation means as an accomplishment and launching point for the future.

"A lot of people are afraid they wouldn't make it," Wright said of people thinking about taking a college course. "But they should get into it and then they'll realize what they can do," she said.

In her case, Wright waited until her seven children were grown enough. "After they all grew up, I wanted to do something for myself, so that's why I took the traditional arts program."

Ten months later she has now graduated. Along the way she won the Aurora Cup Award for the student "who has worked through difficult times and has achieved success."

Because the others in her class came from all over the Beaufort Delta region - Ulukhaktok, Sachs Harbour, Inuvik and Aklavik - their cultural ideas and processes to work hides and create designs were fertile ground for the methods and designs Wright was familiar with.

For her, that meant discovering new ways to do beadwork and to try making wall hangings. The new skills could result in creating craft items for sale.

"You never know!" Wright said.

When he talks about what lies ahead now that he's finished his natural resources technology diploma, Larry Greenland's face lights up with a broad smile. The life-long Inuvik resident had been driving trucks for a variety of companies across the Mackenzie Delta.

"Graduating makes me feel good and proud because I stuck it out for three years," he said of balancing going to school, paying tuition fees and helping his wife Lisa look after their four children: Dylan, Cody, Kaleigh and Keegan.

"I just dedicated myself to get through with a lot of support from my family and my wife," Greenland said.

He excelled, too. Greenland won the Ingamo Hall Youth Leadership Award for contributing to community activities and services while completing his studies.

He also picked up a number of scholarships and bursaries to help his education finances.

"It's a struggle financially and family-wise, but it's rewarding," he said. "You're never too old to go back to school. Every day you learn something new."

But college wasn't a slick ride.

"There were lots of times when I thought I couldn't handle it," he said of the money and family pressures.

But with graduation, there are a few job options waiting for him.

"I'm 35 and I can accomplish anything," Greenland said of his achievements. "You just gotta put your mind to it."

Dressed in a shimmering full-length white gown at the awards banquet, Colinda Blondin is ready to rock her future.

"I'm all done! I'm quite, quite happy and excited," the Rae-Edzo resident said of finishing her recreation leaders diploma.

Already there are jobs open for her in Rae or in Yellowknife. "I'm getting ready to set up my life," the 22-year-old said.

Getting into the recreation program was natural for Blondin, who has always been active in sports, including going undefeated in a 2002 tae kwon do tournament in Winnipeg.

"All the way through high school I was always doing sports. I figured out sports and recreation was my calling," she said.

"My principal recommended me to this course," Blondin said. "I guess they saw I had leadership skills and I was a natural athlete, so it seems to fit me."