THUNDER BAY - A day filled with pride marked the end of an important chapter for the lives of many students.
For Rebecca Sugarhead, a graduate of the dental assisting program, it was a long time coming.
“I always wanted to be a dental assistant,” Sugarhead said.
Sugarhead took part in a co-op placement with a dental assistant in Grade 8 and ever since then, she’s wanted to enroll in the program.
“It just ignited a little light within me. (The dentist) made it sound fun, and I enjoyed doing what he did,” she added.
After her first attempt to enroll out of high school didn’t pan out, she waited eight years before she was ready to come back.
“I can’t believe I’m here after so many years. Now that I’m here I’m very proud of myself. I hope I can inspire other mothers to walk that stage,” said Sugarhead - the mother of five children.
The recent graduate said dental services in Nibinamik First Nation are scarce, and only available one to two weeks out of the year during a dentist visit.
Sugarhead is hoping to use her diploma to give back to northern communities.
“I want to go up north and travel with a dentist, and give awareness to kids about brushing their teeth," she added.
For many students, completing a program often comes with its share of challenges.
For Colin Cook, who was born with cerebral palsy, it was a serious back injury he suffered two years ago.
“People thought that I should have dropped out, but I persevered,” Cook said.
“I’m very proud to be a graduate at the college, mainly because I had to overcome major challenges to get to this point.”
For Cook, crossing the stage was a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.
Cook added that he plans on doing his advanced business-accounting diploma in the fall.
Overall, 1,618 students received certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas over the course of two ceremonies on Friday.
