Luc Philippot grew up fishing.
Celebrating graduation with the Access Program
The successful conclusion of an academic journey
At this year’s Access Program Graduation, 19 Access Program graduates from Indigenous, Métis, and newcomer communities celebrate earning their degrees in Nursing, Medicine, Arts, Science, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Health Studies, and Environmental Studies. The event marks the successful conclusion of an academic journey the graduates pursued with the holistic supports of the Access Program in Extended Education.
Luc Philippot, Bachelor of Environmental Studies
Luc Philippot grew up fishing and wanted to learn more about the environment and protecting the resources he enjoyed. Now he’s graduating with his Bachelor of Environmental Studies and celebrating it at the Access Program Graduation Celebration on May 16 with his parents and sister, also an Access student, who will co-emcee the event.
“I co-emceed the Access Grad two years ago and I have been looking forward to this one ever since. It will be special,” says Philippot, who is Métis, from Selkirk, and attended Francophone schools in Winnipeg before coming to UM.
Philippot’s parents, both teachers, discovered the Access Program at the UM open house just before the pandemic.
“Without Access, I might have really struggled. From high school to university is a big jump and Access helped me with the transition. It would have been a lot rougher without them. Tying up this degree was tougher than anticipated. I learned a lot about myself. It was really rewarding.”
Working harder than ever in his first year, with Access, he learned how to write academic papers and plan his studies. He benefitted from tutoring in statistics, common first year courses, and counselling and support. As a result, Luc raised his grades and completed his degree while some of his peers dropped out.
Now he’ll be starting a job as a climate specialist delivering environmental programming with the Manitoba Métis Federation, where he has also volunteered and learned about his culture.
“I would like to continue environmental work and make it the focus of my career. I am considering going back to university for my Masters in Environmental Studies.”
Should he go back to UM, he would certainly be back to his favourite study spot in the sunshine by the window in Migizii Agamik, home of the Access Program.
He advises other students. “Be open to help and assistance. I thought I knew more than I did. Be open to learn new things and the wonderful people at Access can help you.”
Miranda Miller
Miranda Miller, Bachelor of Science
At the Access Grad, Miranda Miller is celebrating earning her Bachelor of Science in nutrition with many family members as well as her younger brother and fellow Access Program student, William who has also earned a degree- his Bachelor of Arts.
“I feel very honoured to be able to graduate,” says the grad from Lockport with First Nations and Portuguese ancestry. “A lot of people haven’t had these opportunities in my home reserve of Garden Hill First Nation.”
Miller hopes to start working with her community for her practicum as she continues her studies to earn her Masters in Nutritional Sciences to become a Registered Dietician.
“At first, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study and then I found I liked nutrition. I saw the transformative effect it can have- to cause illness or heal you,” she says. “I want to work with children, to help them gain food and nutrition knowledge, to bridge the cultural gap with food and improve nutritional literacy for Indigenous people.”
While she found high school easy, university was more challenging. “With the support of the Access Program, I went from grades of B and C to grades of A and A+. They taught me the skills to thrive including study skills and time management.”
Before Access, she knew little of First Nations culture as her grandmother had attended residential school. “They reintroduced me to the basics. I also loved to learn beading. My grandmother did it, but she never taught me. Making pins and moccasins made me feel connected to her.”
Access offered her a sense of belonging. “It’s like having a family there to cheer you on. You are not alone. University students should not be afraid to reach out and get the support and resources you need. There is no shame in that. It gives you a leg up. We are meant to work in communities.”
Sheri Shorting
Sheri Shorting, Bachelor of Health Studies
Sheri Shorting celebrates her upcoming graduation, and future milestones on her career path, with her grandmother who raised her in the North End of Winnipeg. “I came here, and I finished this for her. Everything I do is for her. She is a Residential and Day School Attendee,” says the member of Little Saskatchewan First Nation, and the first one in her family to earn a university degree.
“I have had nothing but love and support from her over the years. She’s a supportive hand to hold, with words of encouragement and wisdom. My celebrations are her celebrations. She is very proud.”
Now, Shorting plans to continue her career plan to become either a psychiatrist or a mental health therapist. As another option, she is also considering to pursue her Masters of Social Work – Indigenous Knowledges at the University of Manitoba.
“I am passionate about mental health promotion, holistic wellness. I am going to work towards this,” she says.
At UM, she found her community on campus with the Access Program and became involved with the Indigenous Students Association (UMISA). “Having a sense of community, there are no words to describe how uplifting it can be. It made my degree happen for me.”
As a student with an accessibility, she also appreciated the tutoring, smaller Access classes, and having opportunities to meet with Grandfather Wanbdi. “He is the Elder-in-Residence and an excellent source of connection towards cultural knowledges.”
The Access Grad is exciting, she says. “It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate and uplift each other on our journey and pathway to what’s next.”
The Access Program has been supporting UM students for 50 years, a milestone the program will celebrate in September. Its extensive learner supports facilitate the transition from secondary to post-secondary studies and respond to students’ academic and personal needs as they complete their degrees.