Nichelle Wilk
Give a brief bio about yourself/your background/your history.
I am a proud Metis woman born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba. I am a single parent of an 8-year-old boy.
What education have you taken?
I attended St. Augustine’s Catholic School from K-8 and graduated high school from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School in 2009. In 2011 I received my Certificate of Medical Laboratory Assistant from Robertson College. I am currently in my second year at BU, working towards a 4-year Arts Degree.
How did you become interested in your field/area of study?
Due to unhealed intergenerational trauma, I lived in addiction for many years prior to coming to university. I hit a pivotal point in my life where I knew that I needed to make changes and start my healing process. I was 9 months into my sobriety when I decided that I wanted to be an inspiration and to help others heal. I want to show others that it is possible to live a life free of substances and I believe that obtaining an education as well as having the lived experience will benefit others that are struggling.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how far I have come in the past 2 years.
Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to undertake or accomplish once you leave BU?
I see myself as an addictions counsellor in a high school or as a therapist, helping others that are struggling with mental health, unresolved trauma and addiction. Once I leave BU, I plan to attend University of Manitoba to obtain a Bachelor of Social Work.
What is your philosophy in life?
Let go and let God.
In one sentence, how will you #EmbraceEquity?
I will #EmbraceEquity by continuing to use the voice that was given to me.
First Nominator’s Comments:
Nichelle is an avid life-long learner with a desire to help others. Her life goals include assisting others through community development in a social work or positive psychology model, combining western and Indigenous methodologies. She demonstrates a joyous excitement in gaining new information and understandings, from beading practices to new technologies. Nichelle’s engagement with her studies, and her desire to give back to the community make her an excellent candidate for International Women’s Day.
As a single parent starting at Brandon University last year in the Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program, Nichelle had to address issues of equity in a new and sometimes overwhelming environment. Through dedication and initiative, she was able to connect with resources and services in the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre and in Student Services. Now in her second year of studies, Nichelle is a leader on campus working as a Learning Coach to assist other students. A Learning Coach is a senior student who helps to show their peers how to improve their study skills and subsequently increase their confidence and sense of belonging. In this capacity, Nichelle has helped other students learn how to make a study plan, use lectures and textbooks more effectively, and prepare for tests. Whether she is working as a Learning Coach, taking notes in her own classes or studying in the IPC, Nichelle will be found encouraging others to persevere. Her engagement with her studies and her willingness to share her experiences with others has made a meaningful difference in the lives of the Brandon University community.
Second Nominator’s Comments:
Nichelle was a student in the Al & Bee Wagner Indigenous Student Transition Program. She is currently in her second year and has a 3.59 GPA. Nichelle is an active student of the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre. During her first year, Nichelle utilized all supports offered to her, including the Learning Skills workshops. Last summer Nichelle was hired as a Learning Coach and has walk in hours at IPC once a week. Nichelle is aware of the struggles that first year Indigenous students face when starting post-secondary. She has demonstrated her commitment to equality by ensuring that Indigenous students are aware of and have access to the supports offered in Student Services. Nichelle has overcome many obstacles to get her here today and continues to thrive at BU. Nichelle is a single parent to a son and finds the balance between school and parenting, modelling it for other students. Nichelle has a positive attitude and is always willing to help others.