Band: Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
Hometown: Fort Qu’Appelle, SK
Program: Automotive Service Technician certificate
Campus: Saskatoon
“Keep going. Time flies—graduation is so much closer than you think.”
Mercedes Tupone always knew she wasn’t meant to be stuck in an office all day. She
grew up alongside many tradespeople and says, “I wanted to do something with my hands,
and I knew Saskatchewan Polytechnic was a good route to go.”
She’ll graduate with her Automotive Service Technician certificate and hopes to work
as a fleet mechanic for the city or apprentice with an auto repair shop that specializes
in hybrid and electrical vehicles.
For Mercedes, loneliness and the distance between her family in Fort Qu’Appelle and
her student life in Saskatoon have been trying. “I value family highly and I moved
away from my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews to attend school,” she says.
One of her favourite memories was a day that helped bridge that gap. Mercedes says,
“I loved Orange Shirt Day, because I was able to participate in the activities with
my family—both my mom and stepdad attended.”
She’s made excellent use of the supports available on campus, like reaching out to
her Indigenous student advisor. She says, "There's so much available and geared toward
Indigenous students that’s so easily accessible. I don’t have to hunt down programs
or cross numerous buildings to find a space for us. We’re not hidden away.”
“I’ve used the Indigenous Students’ Centre on a daily basis since classes started,”
she says. “And I’ve received student awards, which provided me with increased levels
of comfort and financial security.”
Mercedes’ advice to others, “Keep going. Time flies—graduation is so much closer than
you think.”