Alexandra (Ferland) Schultz
- Home Community:
Misipawistik Cree Nation (Grand Rapids) - Cultural Identity:
Cree - Current Position:
Third Grade Teacher at Alonsa Community School - Education/Training:
Kenanow Bachelor of Education – University College of the North - Roles/Responsibilities:
Teaching all subject areas, volleyball coach, and Orange Shirt Day coordinator
“A little progress each day will eventually add up to big results.”
What obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
I was a teen mom, and when I started University my son was only two years old. I drove 3 ½ hours once a week and on the odd weekend for five years. In my 3rd year of university, I gave birth to my daughter. Traveling back and forth to attend school and the workload of university was tough. I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for my children, the support from my husband, and the support from my Mama and Mother-in-law.
What or who inspired you to really go after the profession you are in now?
My Auntie Jackie Ferland is who inspired me to pursue my education. As long as I can remember I knew I wanted to work with children. Whether it was in a daycare or in an elementary school. At 20 years old it was a difficult decision to be a mom and a student, I wasn’t sure how I would make both lives work and be able to succeed in both. My auntie was also a teen mom who pursued her education and was successful. Knowing that she could do it made me believe I could too.
What critical choices or decisions did you make that helped you get where you are today?
I made the decision to never give up very early in my educational journey, no matter how hard things got. I made little goals for myself, for example, one assignment at a time, then one class at a time.
Message of Encouragement:
A little progress each day will eventually add up to big results.
