2024 graduates chart their paths to success

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This article was published 01/06/2024 (605 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Richard Waldner described his journey from a Hutterite colony to Brandon University and beyond as a testament to resilience and determination.

Leaving his colony with just $20, Waldner said he is the first Hutterite in Manitoba to earn a bachelor of arts with honours in political science.

“Politics is almost a forbidden topic in Hutterite communities,” Waldner told the Sun during the university’s annual convocation ceremony on Friday.

Pursuing education was not without its challenges, he said, relying on student aid and a flexible job at Birch Law, which helped pay his rent and was his saving grace.

“I pursued my mature student high school diploma at Assiniboine Community College while working as a welder for nine years.

“Balancing work and studies was tough, especially during COVID-19. Managing finances and adapting to the inflation during COVID-19 made the journey challenging,” he said.

Despite these obstacles, Waldner graduated with honours in political science, a significant achievement considering his unique background.

“If we could graduate with decent marks during such a challenging time, we are capable of achieving great things,” he said.

Looking forward, Waldner has his sights set on law school at the University of Manitoba, where he was accepted through an alternate entry path designed for individuals who have faced educational barriers.

“These experiences, coupled with strong letters of recommendation from my mentors, played a crucial role in my acceptance into the law program,” he said. “I plan to practise law, particularly to help the Hutterite community with legal services related to real estate, agribusiness and civil matters.”

Waldner is also keen on changing the perception of lawyers within the Hutterite community.

“There’s a stigma against lawyers in the colony, but I aim to change that by showing that legal professionals can be beneficial,” he said.

Nelson Dominguez-Galvez’s story is one of transformation and ambition. Originally from El Salvador, Dominguez-Galvez moved to Brandon in 2007 and began his studies in 2018, driven by a passion for programming.

He started working in manufacturing at Behlen Industries, but decided to pursue a computer science degree. After graduating, he was promoted to software developer at the same company.

“Adapting to university courses and different professors was challenging, but with support from the university and my family, I managed,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dominguez-Galvez aims to hone his coding skills and eventually manage a team of developers. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and continuous learning.

Enoch Ouskun’s path to success was shaped by support from BU’s faculty and transition programs.

He moved to Brandon at age nine and, despite dropping out of school at 19, earned his mature student high school diploma before entering BU.

Ouskun credits programs like the Al and Bee Wagner Indigenous Transition Program and the co-op program for helping him gain practical experience and confidence. He recently started working at MNP after receiving multiple job offers and is set to begin the CPA program in July.

“I hope to just trailblaze for Indigenous people,” Ouskun told the Sun. “I want to show that we can achieve these positions and careers.”

Jessica Acero’s journey began when she emigrated from Colombia to Canada at age 11. Despite initial aspirations to study out of province, she stayed in Brandon to be close to her family. Acero has worked various jobs through the co-op program, including roles as a research assistant and a communications assistant.

Her goal to become a physiotherapist was reignited after initially trying computer science. Acero now works full-time as a therapy assistant at West-Fit Physiotherapy and plans to apply for a master’s program in physiotherapy.

“The biggest challenge was learning to ask for help and realizing that I deserve to be here,” she said. “Professors are willing to help and offer references if they see you are dedicated to your goals.”

Co-operative Education Program co-ordinator Cora Dupuis said these stories of determination, resilience and ambition highlight the unique journeys of BU graduates.

She said the program played a significant role in supporting students like Acero and Ouskun.

“The program has seen great success, with over 150 students graduating with co-op work experience,” she said. “This experience makes them more employable and opens up many opportunities in the future.”

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