University College of the North (UCN) handed out certificates, degrees and diplomas to 82 students during their June 27 Thompson convocation ceremony at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena.
UCN president Doug Lauvstad congratulated every single graduate for committing to their chosen discipline, whether it is in the arts, nursing, business administration or early childhood education.
“So my message to you is to use the skills and knowledge and experience you have gained here at UCN to enrich your life, the life of your family and the well-being of your community.”
Chancellor Edwin Jebb talked about how UCN has graduated over 400 students in Northern Manitoba this year through ceremonies that were held in the school’s campus in The Pas and regional centres in communities like Churchill, Flin Flon and Swan River.
“We have so many graduates and people who want to get funded to go on to further studies, and it’s a good problem to have,” he said. “But we need you in the north, we need you in our communities to help us develop Northern Manitoba to what it aspires to be.”
Before receiving her bachelor of arts degree, valedictorian Taylor Flett outlined the struggles that she and many of her fellow students have had to endure in order to get here.
Flett recalled failing out of another school before arriving at UCN four years ago. But even with this second chance, Flett admitted on Thursday that she still received a zero in her first year and would have to work hard to arrive where she is today.
During Thursday’s ceremony, UCN officials mentioned that Flett distinguished herself in that intervening time through participation in a number of initiatives, including her role as a copy editor for the school’s student-led publication Muses from the North.
“The path to becoming who you want to be is paved with grit and sweat and sometimes even tears,” she said. “It is not an easy thing, but you push through it. From what I’ve learned over the past four years is that’s it’s OK to make mistakes. It is OK to get a D on an essay even though you spent hours late at night trying to perfect your writing.”
Flett wrapped up her speech by thanking the family members, friends and teachers who supporter her over the last couple years and wished all her fellow students well in all their future endeavours.
“For some they want to continue with their education while for others this is the start of a chosen profession,” she said. “Whichever route you choose, I wish you all the happiness and fortune this path will bring. Congratulations again, class of 2019. Go forth in the world and do great things.”
