Students graduate from life skills program

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Fifteen students graduated from the Life Skills Management Program at Edmonton's Grierson Center Oct. 12.

Throughout the seven weeks each individual was encouraged to take that first step, to take a chance and to speak out about what was on their minds. The majority of students weren't sure what to expect or what was expected of them.

For the most part they were leery of each other, terrified of opening up for fear of exposing their most intimate selves. Yet they were yearning to speak up in the hope of gaining some understanding from others.

Virginia Gladue, a young mother from Calling Lake, says at first she was "leery of whatever I said, scared I might ask the wrong question or say something wrong."

But at the end of the seven weeks, students were able to identify and develop personal strengths and abilities. They learned to identify, resolve, prevent and obtain help with personal problems.

The lessons were on thins like introductions, fact-finding, listening, identifying feelings, relating to others, trust, brainstorming, decision-making and self-esteem.

"I enjoyed this course," said Sharon Babock of Delburn, Alberta. "It helped me deal with a problem I wasn't dealing with in terms of a personal crisis. After opening up I felt a lot better because others understood what I went through. It brought the group closer with their care and concern with one another's problems."

Paul Chan of Malaysia said he "learned how to express my feelings, to trust others more a to take care of other people's feelings. I'm more comfortable and able to talk about things I'm aware of."

All the students expressed a lack of self-confidence. Ron Nookiguak of Baffin Island said he didn't like the course at the beginning.

"I was too shy and wasn't used to large groups. I had a hard time understanding some of the lesson material. But after getting used to my classmates, I was encouraged to speak out more. I learned problem-solving techniques and how to handle family situations.

"I feel more confident about my future business in soapstone carving and I am very happy I completed this course. I felt like quitting a lot of time, but someone would say, 'Is that going to help?' So I stuck through. I'm able to handle my problems by discussing them and looking at different alternatives."

The graduation certificates were presented by coaches David Bergmark and Donna Mathewson with the help of Audry Adilman, project supervisor of life management skills at Grant MacEwan Community College.

There were also special presentations to Kathy Shostak and Virginia Gladue for perfect attendance. Shostak was also class valedictorian.

The following day the class met for one last time for a parting ceremony entitled Apache Tears. Each student was presented with a shiny, black stone while the coaches gave a short definition of how the stone's texture reflected o their overall personalities and characteristics. The stones also represented warmth and friendship for all.