School at Merritt friendly, supportive and progressive

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Krisalena Antoine has completed the second year of her Indigenous Studies university transfer program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. She will attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver for her final two years, where she will graduate with a degree in education.

"But none of it would have been possible without the basics learned here at NVIT," she said. A member of the Coldwater First Nation located near Merritt, Antoine loves the friendly and inspirational campus at NVIT. "I likely never would have started on a degree program like this if NVIT hadn't existed, if I'd had to relocate to Vancouver to start my studies."

Antoine did not require any upgrading before starting university as she had graduated from high school with good literacy skills, but she recognises the value of being well-prepared in the basics.

"I would urge anyone who thinks they can't train towards a fulfilling career because their basic literacy skills are poor, to be assured they can get upgrading and continue on to fill their educational dreams," she said. "The services here at NVIT are available to everyone. We have peer tutors, and we help each other, and there is support for us right through the entire program." Many students in her classes are adults in their 30s returning to the classroom after several years of unemployment or working at unfulfilling jobs.

"It makes for a balanced group of students, and as most of us were like myself and straight out of high school, we valued and shared their life experiences," she added.

Antoine has always wanted to be a teacher. "I've had some great teachers throughout school, and continue to be inspired by the instructors here at NVIT."

Class sizes are small, and the teachers and students become close. "The support services and the educational curriculum here go hand in hand in helping us to identify ourselves as First Nations people." The recognition and validation of First Nations ancestry is of utmost importance to her, as it is to all Aboriginal people, she believes. As a prospective teacher, she hopes to continue to bring into her classrooms some of the First Nations culture and content which NVIT offers.

Antoine will work anywhere in British Columbia in a First Nations community and looks forward to her graduation day with great expectations.

The staff at NVIT is going to miss the presence of Krisalena Antoine.

"She drums and sings for us, and she is a very enthusiastic and intelligent young lady who has brought us much enjoyment," said Kylie Cavaliere, public information officer for NVIT. "Krisalena is very grounded in her traditions and we know she'll do well wherever she goes."