By Sandi Ahenakew

Sandee Sez: Congrats to all the grads

Jul 29, 2016 | 8:00 AM

This is the season for graduation,
convocation and celebration. People of all ages from kindergarten to university
are stepping up to collect their diplomas and degrees and many of the graduates
are Aboriginal. It wasn’t that long ago when First Nations saw only one or two
people graduating and now there are many; our will be brighter because of their
determination. Proud parents, grandparents, friends and family members are
walking around with their heads held high and about to pop the buttons off
their shirts; they are so proud of their graduates’ achievements.

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Each educational achievement has been a
milestone. In Kindergarten we saw our little ones becoming more independent and
mostly happy to spend the half days at school.
The next eight years will be challenging with many changes happening at
the same time; classes are getting tougher, friendships trickier and then
puberty strikes – parents hang on and encourage your children because before
you can blink your children will be saying farewell to Grade 8.

High School is the next step which some
people say it is the best time of their lives; while others disagree. High
school can be difficult for most teenagers; when I went to high school in the
1980’s we dealt with racism, ignorance and don’t get me started on the
bullying! It does sound like things have
improved somewhat; the youth today are more open minded and have grown up with
kids from all over the world they are more accepting of differences; maybe
there is hope for our Aboriginal youth.

As the youth try to choose
their post-secondary path think about what the great Dr. Seuss once said,
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer
yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you
know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

It was so good to see my friends children
walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. I was so happy to be invited
to attend an Adult campus graduation, these graduates overcame many obstacles
to complete their classes and though there are tough times ahead as they decide
what they want to do with their futures.
University or trades; travel or work? Some young people know exactly
what they want do, be it a doctor, dentist, plumber or chef. “Don’t worry if
you don’t know what you want to do right now”, Steve Jobs said “If you haven’t
found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart,
you’ll know it when you find it.”

Get involved make a contribution do your
part. This is an exciting time for you; there is lots of learning and adventures
ahead of you. Enjoy the journey ahead; learn who you are and where you can make
a difference. Life is short, enjoy it and be happy.” I’m so very proud of all
the graduates. As they take their place in this world let’s encourage and
support them; love and acknowledge them. “There are many challenges in our
world right now. Sometimes it can be overwhelming there are social issues such
as racism and inequity, environmental issues and economic problems. We can’t
take them all on but we can do our part.

We
all have a responsibility to ensure that our communities are fair and just.
Let’s all do our part to build and maintain safe and healthy communities.
Change can happen but it takes time and dedication.

Advice for
us all – enjoy your life. Spend time with your family and most importantly;
love yourself.

Remember your time is limited, so don’t waste
it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown
out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your intuition and heart. Helen Keller said, “I am only one, but still I
am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I
cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

It
is my hope that all of you reading will choose to take care of your health and
make good choices for your futures and the futures of the graduates. I enjoy
hearing from you. Contact me at Sandee
Sez c/o Eagle Feather News, P.O. Box 924 Station Main, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3M4.
Email sandra.ahenakew@gmail.com

Sandee Sez: Congrats to all the grads

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