Hometown: Prince Albert
Program: Early Childhood Education diploma
Campus: Prince Albert
“I am showing my children they can do anything they put their mind to.”
Jamie-Lee Henderson is a Métis student who wanted early childhood education certification
because she was an acting manager of a daycare. She chose Saskatchewan Polytechnic
because it was close to home and she could be with her family of 10. She found out
that it’s also a place where she was not a number but a face and a person that was
cared for.
Jamie-Lee explains that she’s felt support from her Indigenous student advisor, her
instructors and peers. “I can reach out to them and know they care. They want to see
me succeed just as much as I want to see myself succeed.”
She’ll graduate with the Early Childhood Education diploma and credits the Summer
Transition Program for making her feel at home before she ever set foot in a classroom.
Jamie-Lee says, “They sat down with us and explained everything that was pertinent
to our studies and our success, like applying for scholarships.”
Jamie-Lee consistently attends programming at the Indigenous Students’ Centre which
consists of smudges, sharing circles, Elder services, traditional meals, bingos and
events. She shares, “I formed many lasting relationships I will carry with me forever.”
Upon graduation, Jamie-Lee envisions running her own 24-hour childcare centre. She
also wants to be a positive role model for her own children. Jamie-Lee offers this
advice to anyone contemplating a return to school, “You shouldn’t judge your age.
You are worthy of education.”