Indigenous – Pathways to Indigenous Empowerment

Congratulations! If you’re reading this you are most likely thinking about pursuing a post secondary education or preparing for your journey into the college life! Now I know It’s scary and exciting all at the same time. But, don’t worry you’ll be just fine.

So, you’re having doubts about college? Trying to find the right program that suits you? Not exactly sure what you want to do for the rest of your life? Well, I’m here to give you five reasons I decided I wanted to be in college and five more reasons why I decided to be a part of the PDIS/PIE program at Algonquin College, Woodroffe Campus.

The Five Reasons You Should Attend College:

Reason #1: New Experiences

Yes, college is exciting I promise! I can absolutely guarantee It’s not all assignments, research papers and reports. At Algonquin College, the Students’ Association almost always has an event planned or an activity taking place for the students. Some of the amazing opportunities you could experience are things like concerts, dirty bingo, movie nights, live entertainment (bands, comedians, etc.), and many more fun activities. I’ll let you in on a little secret… most of these events are free. Can’t get any better thAn free, am I right? Other than getting to participate in cool events, you get to experience the life of a college student! Sitting through lectures, studying with your friends, probably going out every weekend like I did (don’t tell my mom though), and just hanging out with your new-found friends, speaking of…

Reason #2: Meeting New People

New friends, there I said it. Yes, you’re going to meet sooooo many new people. Most are going to be great and some will for a fact be annoying. Honestly, I get pretty nervous talking to new people but once you break out of that shell of yours, there will be nothing holding you back. You’re going to meet some of your best friends at college and they’ll be with you for a lifetime adventure!

Reason #3: Furthering Your Education

Of course, that’s why you’re going to college right? Getting a better education is quite exciting since not everyone has this sort of an opportunity. But, being able to learn more about the field you’re going to pursue is really amazing, isn’t it?

Reason #4: Building Independence and Life Skills

Ah yes, living on your own. Without your parents. Doing whatever you want. Absolutely no one telling you what to do. Sounds perfect! Being in college is probably one of the best ways to learn life skills and how to live without your parents for the first time. You get to live in a college dorm or maybe even an apartment. This means grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, time management and paying housing bills… every single month. All that type of fun stuff!

Reason #5: It’s Fun!

Oh, last but not least… It’s so fun! But, I bet you could have guessed that from reason number one.

The Five Reasons I Chose the PDIS/PIE Program

Reason #1: Exploring Different Career Options

Throughout high school, I always had a hard time trying to decide on a career path. It’s a stressful topic to think of. So instead of taking a program I wasn’t sure of, I decided to take a year off after high school to work. That was probably one of the best things I could have done, because that’s the year I found out that the PDIS/PIE program was being developed. This program allows students to explore, learn and experience more about various careers they’re interested in and I thought that was a great idea.

Reason #2: Discovering Myself

The PDIS/PIE program also incorporated different ways to find out who I am, what I like, what I’m good at, my skills and what path is right for me. I think I have always had trouble with self understanding and will continue to for the rest of my life. But having the opportunity to speak with my very knowledgeable professors and the coach was very helpful. This is what I really needed in my life because I was so unsure of what I wanted.

Reason #3: Learning More About Indigenous Ways

One of the main reasons I chose this program was because is was constructed specifically for Anishinabek students. This factor compelled me to want to be a part of the PDIS/PIE program for many other reasons than just learning about myself. I also wanted to learn more about my cultural background and the history of Indigenous peoples. Being in this program allowed me to learn all these things and even more. Since most of our classes are held in the Mamidosewin Centre*, I have been exposed to more opportunities than I could have imagined. For the past several months I have been taking part in Full Moon Ceremonies. I also get the chance to learn how to bead and how to make a drum. I am internally grateful for the PDIS/PIE program for this.

Reason #4: Preparing for College Life

Another main reason I wanted to take the PDIS/PIE program was to prepare myself for future years at college. My high school education experience wasn’t exactly challenging, and then on top of that, I took that one year off after graduation to work full time. Sometimes I would be working two jobs. So, when I was presented with the new preparatory program for Indigenous students I was so happy and full of excitement. Being able to have the college experience while not having a heavy work load did wonders for me. I explored the school, met some pretty amazing people and I am now prepared to go into a more challenging field of study!

Reason #5: Meeting People Like Me

The first day I walked into the Mamidosewin Centre*, it felt like coming home. I was surrounded by my own people and nothing but acceptance, kindness and love. Finding out that the PDIS/PIE program was for Native students was so exciting for me because I knew I would love it. I also knew that I would feel accepted and I would belong somewhere. I’ve met so many amazing Indigenous people and they will most certainly continue to be a part of my post secondary education at Algonquin College.

So, there it is. My top ten reasons why you should attend college and why I enrolled in the PDIS/PIE program. I hope these two lists helped you to find your path in some way. I wish you good luck, easy assignments and most importantly, to have fun!

*http://www.algonquincollege.com/mamidosewin/

*https://www.facebook.com/mamidosewin/