Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Published Monday, November 19, 2007

RAE LAKES - When the average student complains about the stresses of post-secondary education, they should have a talk with Doreen Apples, of Gameti.

Doreen Apples of Gameti packed up her three kids Tyreisha Rabesca, Danny Rabesca, and Kobe Apples, to move to Prince George, B.C. and go back to school. A single mother, Apples is the first person in her family to go to post-secondary education, and the first to finish high school. - photo courtesy Doreen Apples

The single mother has beat the odds, completing her college diploma after taking a 10 year break from high school and having three kids.

"It's challenging and it's exciting," said Apples. "It's a lot of juggling everything and I have to be strong. But if I'm grounded and I'm motivated, I'll get through it."

Born and raised in Gameti, Apples packed up her things and her children last summer and moved to Prince George, B.C. to study business administration and commerce at the College of New Caledonia.

With none of her family having finished high school, Apples almost followed them as she dropped out after having a child. During a 10-year break she had two more children. Until one day, she turned a page.

"I decided that I'm not going anywhere, so I decided I wanted to graduate high school."

Moving in with her ex-boyfriend's family, they supported her while she finished high school.

"It was never easy, nothing in my world is ever easy. Everything I ever had I had to fight for."

After high school, Apples went to Grand Prairie, Alta. for one year of school, then moved back to Gameti to work at the Gameti Development Corporation as general manager for two years. She also worked part-time for Northwestel as a community technician.

"I had two jobs, and I had another job: full-time parenting," said the single mother.

Wanting to go back to school, Apples was accepted to many post-secondary institutions and finally decided on the college in B.C.

Although she had never even visited, she moved there with her three children.

"You never realize how beautiful some places are," said Apples who is loving her time in the temperate climate.

Apples goes to school thanks to support from her family, a grant from Student Financial Assistance, and a $2,500 scholarship she received from her previous employer, Northwestel.

The company gave out $30,000 this year to four students in the NWT and eight students in the Yukon.

Apples was thrilled to get the scholarship, as this was the third year she applied.

"I think it's very competitive," said Apples, "But I guess the hard work paid off."

After a semester of work in college, Apples will soon be able to relax with less than one month to go until Christmas vacation in Gameti.

"I have my friends and family there," said Apples. "I always say, home is where the heart is."

Although she's enjoying the escape from Northern temperatures, she absolutely plans on coming back to the North once she's finished school.

She may be back later than expected, however, as she's thinking now about going to University.

"If I take a break, it might be another long break," said Apples. "What's another two more years?"