Please join us in congratulating Tina Maracle as being SHLC’s February 2022 Learner of the Month.
Tina was nominated by her mentor, Nida. Here is an excerpt of what Nida submitted to us about Tina.
I would like to nominate Tina Maracle for her sheer ability to stay committed to working on her education and her online GLA courses over a long period of time and while working against a challenging background, which has included among other things, becoming homeless, various illnesses, often having limited access to the internet, sometimes only having a cell phone to access her courses, while trying to keep her family together and work on completing her credit courses.
Since Tina registered in April last year we have exchanged over a hundred emails. She has often reached out to me to explain why she was unable to attend or access her course that week, ask for help in understanding concepts in her Edmentum courses, or to offer insights from her Indigenous knowledge and background.
Through the struggles of last year, from becoming homeless for several months to finally finding accommodation Tina has managed to complete: Exploring First Nations Culture: The Haudenosaunee. Mental Wellness Write Your Story Write an Essay Creative Writing So You Think You Can Write Spoken Word Introduction to Forensics And she is now well on her way to completing Psychology (Part 1).
At registering Tina wrote: My long-term goals are to complete college and go onto university and graduate in the Law field. I want to be able to help other children who have gone through what I have growing up. Dealing with abuse isn’t fun and no child should have to go through it. I think Tina is well on the way to realizing that goal.
We decided to ask Tina some questions so we could share more about her story with you.
How did you first hear about online learning with Good Learning Anywhere?
Through Contact North’s Catherine Robb-Williams.
Did you have any struggles during your learning? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes many. I struggled with homelessness, mental health, as well as stress due to the obstacles life was throwing at me, but I’m a warrior and have overcome these obstacles as I wouldn’t allow them to come between me and my life goals.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting to improve their skills?
Make sure that you always keep up. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask your mentor. Always keep your head up and as you struggle use the time to work on homework so that any obstacles life throws doesn’t hold you back.
What is your greatest achievement? Or what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’ve been proud of all my accomplishments throughout continuing to work on my credited courses. The one thing I couldn’t ask better for was my Mentor as Nida has been the best so far as she always gives me credit even if I am struggling.
What are your goals for the future?
To keep on track of where I am now and to succeed at what I want in life.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting you on this journey?
My husband Mike, my Mom Martha and Momma T and my closest friends.
Is there anything else you would like to share with people about winning this award?
Hard work pays off even if you find yourself not good enough remember you are. So with these words keep your head up, keep moving down that path you want for yourself and how you want to provide better for you and your family. Hard work and consistency always pays off on the positive note.
Congratulations Tina! All the best in 2022!