Hi, my name is Connie Pokiak.
(written 2008) I was born in Fort St. John, British Columbia and I am a member of the Halfway River First Nation community. I am a fourth year student in the Natural Sciences program with concentrations in biology and chemistry and I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2009.
I plan on pursuing a career in the environmental field. As part of my long term career plans, I intend to focus on practices of conservation as well as remediation.
Courses I have taken relating to biology, geology and the environment are of greatest interest to me. These courses have given me knowledge of our planet’s past and present and they have also given me the ideas and tools needed to work towards a healthier planet for future generations.
Throughout my academic career I have significantly improved my writing and research as well as communications and social skills. I have also learned the importance of meeting deadlines and keeping on a schedule. Being immersed in a population of post-secondary students has also allowed me to be exposed to many different cultures. This has increased my knowledge and respect for other cultures and races.
The University of Calgary Native Center has given me a great opportunity to develop and further my leadership skills. I am currently an ambassador for the NAPI (Native Ambassador Post-secondary Initiative) program which was created to encourage Aboriginal youth to pursue a post-secondary education. In preparation for my ambassador duties, I have taken courses in presentation skills, leadership, self management, values and visioning, as well as communication skills. In turn I present these workshops to various types of groups including junior and senior Aboriginal high school students in the various communities surrounding the Calgary region. In attempting to motivate and inspire these students to pursue higher education, I also give an outreach presentation that outlines my personal journey into post-secondary education.
When I am not studying, I enjoy running, mountain biking, camping, traveling and outdoor festivals. I also enjoy the art of hula hoop dancing.
September 2010 update:
Connie graduated with a BSc. in Natural Science with concentrations in biology and chemistry. She is now working as a Lab Technologist with Cenovus at their Foster Creek site.
