Brandon

When I graduated high school, my options were to either continue my studies or find a job. I had to really buckle down to find out what I truly wanted in life. I chose to attend college first and then university, and I have never regretted my choice.

My success at college gave me the confidence to pursue a degree in First Nations Studies. Following graduation, I plan on pursuing a Bachelor of Education so I can teach youth about Aboriginal peoples’ histories, cultures and languages.

Both college and university brought some pretty tough moments for me, including switching programs from Kinesiology to First Nations Studies at university. However, I thought of what my mom taught me – to always keep going no matter what – and this advice carried me through the hard times. When it feels too difficult to push forward, I always remind myself to “bite the bullet” and then I renew my efforts. At one point or another in our lives, we’re going to fail at something, but that is also when we learn the most. And, the more risks you take, the more chances you will have to succeed. The best piece of advice I’ve had is to simply persevere.

Don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. You just have to be better than you ever thought you could be.