Inuvik (May 29/06) - It's said we go through several careers in life, so Melma Greenland can be described as being on the doorstep of another adventure.

Originally from Aklavik and now living in Inuvik, Greenland is the proud holder of a diploma in office administration from Aurora College.

It will be her ticket to a new job - not that she's going to give up her old job entirely.

"I've been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years," she said of life with husband Stephen Charlie and daughters Amie, 11, Hilary Charlie, 10, and Joelle, 5.

"Being a mom is a full-time job with young children," Greenland said. "I decided to go back to school when my five-year-old went into kindergarten."

But going to Aurora College didn't mean someone else took care of the house.

"It's been a challenge, but it's been a very good year," she said of balancing books and housework.

It's a nice feeling to have graduated with something that will advance her, and her family's, future.

And it was great to have her family support her all the way.

"It was tough to get used to," she said. "I had to learn how to balance things. Being a stay-at-home mom meant I had more responsibilities."

As any student knows, one of the secrets to success is to find a quiet place to study.

"I went to study at the college for two hours every night when it was quiet and to get away from family distractions," she said.

Her sisters also added words of encouragement for what will be a pre-family return to office work. The courses she took will bring her up to date.

"I was able to brush up on my computer skills and got help learning the latest higher computer technologies," she said.

Best of all, her example has rubbed off on her daughters.

"My kids are all doing well in school, too."