Education Testimonial

 I would like to tell you about my post-secondary educational experience that I have had this past year with the help of Peters Band. I want to start off first by thanking the band for such a great opportunity that they had given me. Without the financial help of Peters band, I would have not been able to go to school. I have carried out my dream of finally having a job that I love, and having a career. Whenever in need of school supplies such as a new laptop for school, Peters band did not hesitate. They where always very understanding and giving. With the financial aid of living allowance, I did not have to worry about a job or money, I only had to focus on my grades and school work. For that, I am forever grateful.

My educational journey started in September of 2017 and I graduated in May 2018, at Thompson Rivers University in the Applied Technology Business program. This was the first time I had been back to school in seven years, so I was a bit nervous, as anyone would be. I had a friend that applied in the program with me so that would ease my nerves a bit. I still remember the first day as it was yesterday. Our class was small, it was only made up of fifteen women and as predicted most of them knew each other. But as the days went on to weeks everyone got to know one another and began to bond into there own groups. I bonded with two of the most amazing women and am still friends with them this very day.

 As the months flew by and school work progressively got harder as the semester went on, I had found myself struggling with my courses. Needing extra help whenever possible and taking longer to finish assignments than most of the ladies there. At one point I had felt like I was never going to be able to finish the course and or could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. But with hard work and dedication and a lot of late nights spent at school with my classmates by my side, I finally got through my struggles. One class I struggled in the most was Accounting. I remember always asking for help or reading online and watching YouTube instructions on how to do a bank reconciliation or how to fill out a petty cash sheet. My friend as we called her “Mama Sharmon” was always there to help with whatever I needed, with added tough love of course. Day or night she was always there to hear me out whenever needed. I think that helped me push through my struggles just knowing someone was there willing to help you.

 I would have to say my educational journey was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. It has taught me to speak up and to not be afraid of taking on new challenges and facing my fears. Challenges such as running for student council president and standing up to bullies. It has given me the confidence to go out and find myself a career that I am in right now, and to be proud of how far I have come. I am currently working as an office administrative assistant at the Williams Lake Seniors Village. My job details include scheduling of employees, payroll and being the receptionist. This is not where I am stopping. I would like to continue my education in business and I would like to climb the corporate ladder. I want to show young youth and adults in my community that it is possible to get a good post-secondary education and to make something of yourself no matter what your age. I want to thank Peters band again for this life-changing opportunity in which I would not have changed a thing.

Sincerely,

-Natasha