Oldest graduate an inspiration
Twenty-one people celebrate completion of Aurora College programs
Shawn Giilck
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, May 15, 2014
INUVIK
May 9 was a day to remember in Inuvik as a good portion of the community came out to celebrate the latest graduates from Aurora College.
At 62, Patrick Wolki was the senior member of the graduating class from the Aurora Campus May 9 at Ingamo Hall. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo
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Twenty-one people were on the graduating list. Most were from the office administration diploma program, with others coming from the business administration diploma program, the community health representative program from the school of health and human services, and the teacher education diploma from the school of education.
At 62, Patrick Wolki was the oldest graduate present, and one of the most popular as he finished up the office administration program.
He said it had been a long-time dream for him to finish his education, and two years ago, he simply decided the time was right.
"Well, I guess it was always in the back of my mind that sooner or later – and for me it's later – that I wanted to go back," he said. "It's a very special day. I'm an elder now, and it's very special.
"I had to stop and think of myself. At the beginning, I kind of had doubts, but I decided to think positive."
He said his toughest foe was simply adjusting to being back in school after all those years away.
"I doubted I could do it after 40 years out of school, but once I got into it and got comfortable and once I settled down, it came easier," said Wolki.
"It was my turn, and everybody was very supportive of me. My family were really supportive of me, and they gave me a boost to keep on aiming for a goal and to get that office diploma. I just put my foot down and decided to do it."
His advice for other students, and anyone contemplating improving or upgrading their education, was that simple.
"Just do it," he said. "Look at me, I'm graduating today."
Nicolinea Minakis was another returning student. She returned to the college for more education after graduating last year, and was named the valedictorian of the graduating class.
"To be honest, at first I was absolutely terrified to accept the role of valedictorian," she said. "But then I saw this as one more educational challenge. So I decided to go for it, and I'm glad I did.
"For three years now, I have been a student here at Aurora College. Through this period, we all have sacrificed precious time away from our family, children and friends. We have struggled financially, limping along on very little cash, and very little sleep, often working into the wee hours."
Minakis said through her years at the college, she always "felt unsure about my path.
"I felt I had no idea of what to do with my life, or which field to go and study. Looking back, I know this is the best decision I have ever made."
It's important not to let failures or mistakes hold you back, she told the audience.
"We may stumble from time to time, but when this happens, remember that God works in mysterious ways," she said. "The beauty of being human is that we all make mistakes. Pick yourself up and keep on going."
Her goal is to eventually earn a bachelor's degree in business, Minakis said.
She said she hoped her story, and the story of the other graduates, would inspire "just one person to see the value of education."
Anne Church, the former continuing education/business administration co-ordinator for the Aurora Campus, was the keynote speaker.
"Working at Aurora College was a gift from heaven for me," Church said. "All our efforts were always aimed at helping the students get to their goal. We were encouraged to think outside the box to find a way to meet the needs expressed by the community. I believe Aurora College plays an essential part in the development of the community and its people, and I am extremely proud to have been part of it."
Echoing comments made later by Minakis, Church reminded the graduates that "not succeeding doesn't always equate with failure.
"It rather means that I was not ready to take this on," she told them. "Hopefully you will try again. So be at least proud to have given it a try. Today graduates, you should be extremely proud of what you have accomplished. Your hard work, your dedication, your sacrifices and that of your family have paid off. Today you are receiving your reward. Be proud of everything you have accomplished."
