Making hard work pay
Melina Tobac balances school and job at Fort Good Hope Northern Store
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Monday, May 4, 2015
RADILIH KOE'/FORT GOOD HOPE
Melina Tobac knows the value of hard work. Since September, the Grade 9 student at Chief T'Selehye School in Fort Good Hope has spent her weekends working as a cashier at the community's Northern Store.
Melina Tobac, Grade 9 student at Chief T'Selehye School in Fort Good Hope, divides her time between her schoolwork and her weekend job as a cashier at the community's Northern Store. - photo courtesy of Meghan McBride |
She said her goal is simple, to earn independence by having money of her own.
"I wanted to earn my own money so I don't always have to ask my parents and grandparents," she said.
Having her own money is important to her, Tobac said. She also wants to make sure she has spending money when she travels.
"I travel a lot," she
said. "Usually for vacations and school trips."
Her next school trip is taking place this week when Tobac goes to Yellowknife as a member of Youth Parliament.
The Youth Parliament program brings students from across the territory to the legislative assembly to learn about how government works.
Tobac said it is her second time participating in the program.
"I just signed up," she said. "My grandma told me the Youth Parliament is happening again. Last year it was fun."
Learning about how the territory's government works is the main reason why Tobac said she signed up for the program but getting the chance to visit Yellowknife is another bonus, she added.
While in the city, Tobac said she plans to visit family members as well as go on a few shopping trips. She said she plans to spend her hard-earned money on her favourite items - art supplies.
"I usually just buy drawing supplies, coloured pencils and sketchbooks," she said. "I like to draw."
Tobac said drawing has always been a big part of her life.
"I've always drawn, but I started getting better around Grade 8," she said.
Since developing her skills, she said she is now focusing on doing profiles of individuals.
"I just draw people mostly," she said. "That's what I'm good at."
Tobac said so far, she hasn't had any difficulty balancing her schoolwork and her job.
"I always finish my work at school first," she said.
