Colleen Pierre's story
Colleen was the recipient of the 2005 Co-operators Learner Achievement Award. Congratulations Colleen!
I've been living in Burns Lake all my life. I am a single mother with two children, both adults now: Leona 21 and Yvette 17. Boy I used to move around almost everywhere, mostly around Burns Lake, because I didn't have a permanent home. I used to smoke marijuana a lot; smoked it for 11.5 years. I finally put my mind to quitting it on New Year's Eve 2004. I've been off it since then. I sure feel a lot better without marijuana. I didn't need that stuff at all. All it made me do was look and feel dumb at all times when I was high on it. I sure feel great not suffering anymore. All I need right now is to be high on life and get my education done. I would've been done school long ago but I was too busy being high the wrong way. Right now I'm trying to work so hard to catch up on my life. Last time I have really enjoyed school was back in 1979 at the age of 15.
My goals are to finish school and get my education. Then I want to get a good job enjoy life, enjoy this beautiful free world. Rest, work and play. Then go back to school again for more education probably to be a home support care worker.
Words from Colleen's teacher, Waneta Nealis
In the past, Colleen's study efforts were repeatedly sabotaged by substance abuse. In class she was unable to concentrate, her attendance was minimal and she suffered from anger problems. Understandably, she was unable to make any progress in her studies. This January however, Colleen returned to CNC after deciding to change her life. She has sworn off drugs and alcohol and has made a personal commitment to better herself and achieve her Adult Dogwood. In class, I have seen a remarkable transformation in her attitude, attendance and ability. Her dedication has led her to excel in all her subjects: Computer Studies, Foods 12, Communications 11, Career and personal Planning and Fundamental Math, all of which she will complete this semester, an unthinkable achievement in previous years.
Colleen now enjoys school and her attendance is perfect. So highly motivated to learn, she studies five hours a day in class with at least two hours of homework each night and as well studies over the weekend. She has become a class role model, inspiring others to work hard. Graduation is suddenly within her reach and with her continued hard work and unending determination Colleen will graduate in the spring of 2006.
Colleen now feels empowered and proud. Here are some of her comments to me this year.
"I can't believe I'm doing this!"..."I can't believe how much I've changed!"..."I wish everyone could do this!"