Journey yields opportunities

Page 20

The turning point in Margaret Whiteknife's life occurred when her mother died five years ago. Finding it hard to cope, Margaret decided she needed to be around others to boost her out of her sadness. Armed with only a grade nine education, Margaret passed the entrance testing requirements to enroll in the Office Administration Program at Keyano College.

Since then she's never looked back. Her accomplishments from that initial entrance exam have culminated into an achievement beyond her expectations: a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.

"When I first went to school I had no intention of continuing for a number of years. One of my instructors, Marlene Maertens-Poole, practically dragged me into the Business Administration program chairperson's office and insisted I enter the program," she said.

After a year in Office Administration, Margaret returned in the fall as a student in the Capstone Business Administration Degree Program, a joint program offered by both Keyano College and Athabasca University.

After enjoying the summer with her family, she plans on pursuing a career in strategic management.

She recognizes that her accomplishments did not come without sacrifice and hard work-she raised three children while pursuing her degree.

"My youngest daughter and I started school together, she was entering grade one when I registered at Keyano College."

Whiteknife is proud that her educational accomplishments can serve to inspire her own children and other Aboriginal women.

"If you want it bad enough, you can do anything you want to do. I'm proud my kids can look at me and say 'YES! Mom did it!'"

Whiteknife was acknowledged for academic excellence, scoring the highest marks in Office Administration and receiving top marks in Administration 233 at both Keyano College and Athabasca University.