Band/hometown: Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation/Deschambault Lake
Program: Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN)
Campus: Regina
“Go for it. It’s not too late. Going back to school has been one of the best decisions.”
It’s never too late to go back to school, says Alexxandra Ballantyne. A nursing student in her 30s, she says returning to school has been one of her best decisions.
Although starting school at the beginning of the pandemic was isolating, Alexxandra credits the connections with her classmates and instructors as a highlight of her student experience. “Everyone is so helpful and encouraging,” says Alexxandra. ‘It’s a welcoming environment and everyone wants to see you succeed.”
She also notes that the instructors, tutors and Indigenous advisors made her experience easier. “They helped me a lot and I am grateful we have that support.”
Based in Moose Jaw, Alexxandra would frequently travel to Regina for classes, “it was expensive, but I managed okay.” She applied for and earned student awards, which helped offset some of her travel costs. The financial cost of her four-year program was also challenging and she briefly considered taking a year off her studies to work. In the end, she opted to work part-time while continuing her courses.
Her advice to other students who may be experiencing similar challenges? “It gets a little easier every year! Keep going."
SCBScN is a CASN accredited undergraduate program that prepares you to become a registered nurse. It is offered through a joint partnership between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and University of Regina.