What program are you taking at CNC?
I'm taking ENGL 051 – Provincial Preparatory English: First Peoples
Is this your first time attending post-secondary?
It is, yes. Actually, it’s the first time I've been in class in 20 years.
That’s a pretty big deal. What has been your biggest barrier to education?
It's huge. Back in 2003, I got kicked out of high school for the third time and they told me they didn’t want me back. So, I decided to take my life elsewhere and didn't go to school anymore.
Since I didn’t complete any Grade 12 courses, I had no transcript. I’m kind of having to start at ground-level, but being a mature student has given me more flexibility to choose where I want to begin.
You’ve also faced challenges with addiction...are you comfortable talking about that?
Absolutely. I’m proud to be sober now, but I started at a fairly young age. I think I was only 14...it was a social thing. When I started using, I was accepted by my friends. It’s not something I was born into. It was my own decision.
I spent 20 years in addiction on and off, six years of homelessness on the streets, in and out of incarceration, gang life, criminal activity – everything you can imagine.
How did addiction affect your relationship with education?
I didn't value education. I valued the lifestyle instead.
Ultimately that’s created a lot of barriers, especially with having a criminal record. Now, I've decided I want a better life and I want to go back to school. The best way to get a better life is to get an education.
When did you turn things around and how did you do it?
It would have been 2021 when I went down to the Guthrie Therapeutic Community in Nanaimo Correctional Center. I was scouted for Integrated Transition Release Planning while I was at PGRCC, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that. It changed my life.
The Inside-Out program through Vancouver Island University was a big part of that. What's the program all about?
Inside-Out is amazing – there’s been over 60,000 students and 1,300 facilitators. I’ve actually met quite a few of them through virtual meetings. Looking back, I had no idea what it was when I signed up – I just knew there were no credentials to get into it.
The program creates the opportunity for incarcerated individuals to join university students to come together to talk about sociology and criminology in a classroom format. You talk about things going on in the world, what we can do to make it better, and you get different perspectives from everyone. It’s very collaborative, and I got hooked on it right away.
How did the Inside-Out program change the way you think about education?
It made me realize that I have a chance at starting over. There's hope. The confidence I built through those classroom discussions made me want more for myself. I wanted to do better.
That journey for betterment led you to CNC, so why did you choose to come here?
CNC was the best place for help and for support. I'd heard lots about it from friends and coworkers and as soon as I came here, it felt like I was home. The people here are amazing. They're so accommodating, friendly, and happy to be here.
How has CNC inspired you to go further with your education? What are your new goals?
I want to get into social work so I can help others with their recovery, so I'm looking into options with university transfer programs.
Instead of working the frontline with people that are still in their addiction, I want to help people recover. I think it would be wonderful to return to Inside-Out as a facilitator or help bring the program to Prince George.
I know it’s the right fit for me. I just feel it in my heart.
If there’s anyone reading this interview struggling with those same barriers you did, what advice would you give?
There’s so much stigma towards people that have addiction, and it's hard. I would just say reach out, reach out, reach out. Talk to like-minded people who are positive and productive – that's what’s helped me. The Inside-Out program is a great place to start.
I do still have friends in addiction that I still care about, but I keep them at a distance. I only keep people close who want the best for me. That’s what CNC does for me. Everyone here is so helpful, and they want the best for all students – no matter what your background. They’re willing to stand beside you the whole way, and I know that support will help me succeed.