Band/hometown: Pelican Lake First Nation
Program: Media Production
Campus: Saskatoon
“You never know how it is going to go until you give it a shot.”
Farron Chamakese-Waskahat has a clear vision of his future once he completes his diploma in Media Production at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Plains Cree student sees himself working on film sets as a director, producer and screenwriter. “I imagine myself with a script in hand, working on a film I’m producing myself,” he says.
In 2015, Farron pursued the New Media Communications certificate at Sask Polytech but didn’t complete the program. Although he wishes he would have tried harder the first time, Farron has embraced his second chance and is excited about pursuing his dreams.
Like many Indigenous students who move away from their communities to attend post-secondary, Farron experienced loneliness from time to time. He found community and camaraderie at the Indigenous Students’ Centre. “It really gave me a place that I felt comfortable in and included.” He adds that some of his fondest school memories include “joking around with my fellow neechies in the Indigenous Students’ Centre” and singing at Wanuskewin Heritage Park at the end of orientation.
He says the key to a fulfilling student life is all about striking the right balance. “Work hard, study hard and have fun.”