Office admin students impress
Graduates overcome challenges with flying colours
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, May 23, 2016
PANNIQTUUQ/PANGNIRTUNG
It's no secret that instructor Alison Claire was impressed with her students' work at the Pangnirtung campus of Nunavut Arctic College this year.
Gina Mike, middle, sits with her twin sons Jeremiah Jamesie and Josiah Davidee. Mike, a scholarship winner, said she wants to help Nunavummiut who don't speak English. - photo courtesy of Gina Mike |
"The certificate year was wildly successful," she said. "Eleven students started the year and 11 students successfully graduated, earning their certificates in office administration."
Listing the individual accomplishments is a long task. William Etooaanguat had perfect attendance, Gina Mike aced her business math exam and, along with, Doreen Kanayuk, earned a 2015 Nunavut National Parks Scholarship.Mike was proud to win hers.
"I was surprised I won and didn't expect to win as I applied last minute," she said.
She has applied for a summer job with the Government of Nunavut and Uqqumiut Art Centre and will be applying for a second year in the office administration program.
One day, she hopes to work for the RCMP or the GN.
"I want to work with RCMP to meet more people, to travel and work around Nunavut, to help our people who don't speak English, and to gain more work experience," said Mike.
She thanked Claire for the work she and her husband did throughout the school year.
All of the students had to complete a two-week work placement.
Their stations ranged from hamlet offices to Elections Nunavut, the Department of Health, Attagoyuk Daycare and more.
Kanayuk and Gina Mary Akulukjuk impressed the manager at the Parks Canada office so much during their practicum that the two will have a 10-week internship in the organization.
"All of the students received glowing references from their workplace supervisors," said Claire.
The students are all applying for further education, two with the environmental technology program in Iqaluit, one for computer technician work in Iqaluit and the other eight to the office administration diploma program, which Claire hopes will be held in Pangnirtung.
Throughout the year, students studied microcomputers, records management, portfolio development, editing and spreadsheets.
They also worked on group and individual assignments.
The class even had some experiential learning, in which they gathered to teach each other cultural skills, such as cooking country food, and elders were brought in to share their knowledge.
Several guest speakers visited throughout the year, including representatives of the RCMP, Department of Education and Parks Canada.
"I am so proud of each of them," said Claire.
"Every student faced huge challenges this year, and each of them persevered and succeeded."
She's hoping that a funding grant will be approved to allow the diploma program to go ahead next September in Pangnirtung.
Mike said anything is possible if one sets their mind to it.
"Always believe in yourself," she said. "Tough times don't last - tough people do."
