On May 12 and 13, 2015, about a hundred grade 9 students from local school divisions, and three outside schools from Okanese, Kahkewistahaw, and Ochapawace, participated in the Discovering Your Direction student conference at the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada.

The grade 9 students explored the U of R and FNUniv campuses and discovered the many exciting options a university education can provide. They participated in various workshops and fun activities. 

Dre Bellgarde, a grade 9 student from Balcarres Community School, found some workshops boring but thought one was pretty interesting.  He had fun exploring campus.

“Seems fun, lots to do here, haven’t really thought about what I want to do, but it’s starting to make me think now,” said Bellgarde. 

Len Bhrelle, a consultant hired by a partnership made up of the U of R, Regina Public, Regina Catholic and Prairie Valley School Division, made up the work plan to make this program possible.  He works with this group to promote the successful transitions of high school students to the U of R. 

“The committee has been very strong with the opinion that this isn’t just about promoting kids or the University of Regina.  This is about promoting post secondary education, supporting students, to help them to stay in school and to keep going beyond high school, thinking about what their future could be,” said Bhrelle.

Grade 9 student Kerrigan Bobb from Chief Kahkewistahaw Community School really enjoyed being at the school and thought there was a lot of walking involved because of how big the school is.  She has thought for some time of what she wanted to do after she graduates from high school. 

“I wanted to be a journalist for music, to write about music.  My day has been pretty good because of all the walking because of how big the university is.  I like it.  I was kind of thinking of joining the school when I graduate,” said Bobb. 

Amanda Worm, a fourth year administrative student in human resources, helped with the administrative work in getting the program ready for the students.  She said it was a great deal of work involved and plenty of running around, but she is glad that she got to work with the students alongside the volunteers. 

“It’s a good way to bring grade nine students into university and get them to start thinking about university and getting them into classes and workshops and get a feel for university,” said Worm. 

The students certainly had a busy two days and Discovering your Direction conference has helped the students feel encouraged about making future plans in post secondary education. 

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