b' HOPE Wachay, Bonjour and Hello, My name is Hope Koosees. I am an Indigenous Student Recruiter and Pathways Navigator at Northern College. I am Ojibway and Cree heritage which is commonly known as Oji-Cree. I affiliate with Attawapiskat First Nation. I grew up in Moosonee, Ontario where I graduated from Northern Lights Secondary School. I am also a graduate of Northern College where Ive graduated with my post-secondary diploma in the Police Foundations program. I was 15 years old when Northern College was introduced to me through a Youth Leadership Camp, known as Lightning Trail. With this initiative, I took a Northern College tour and had a chance to explore the campuses of Northern College and their programs.As I was in my final year of high school, I made the decision that Northern College was where I wanted to be. I had a lot of support from the faculty, support staff and my coordinator in making my decision. I was known by my first and last name, which made it more personable. I wasnt just a student number. I mattered. When I first arrived at College to study, I was enrolled in the Nursing (BScN) program but then realized after a week that it wasnt for me.I knew there were other ways to help people. Then the Police Foundations program was introduced to me and I gave it a try. Two years later, here I am helping other students do the same! To come from a small knitted First Nation community, I really liked the idea of smaller class sizes here at Northern College which means more one-on-one support, personalized support for each learner.For someone like me, I was already usedt o smaller class sizes in my high school in the North, which made my experience at College a lot easier. With their high quality programming and caring environment, Northern College really helped me gain the skills I needed and I was employed a month after graduation.Now, I work for the very institution that supported me in getting a College education.It feels good to be back in a new roleone where Im pleased to help others with their educational goals, and find ways to make those dreams come true.Just like Northern College supported me in my post-secondary education, we can help your students and youth, too.Explore the options available for study and connect with your Indigenous Recruiter and Pathways Officer to learn more about how Northern College can be a pathway for the learners studying with you. Why?Because they matter. And so do you.Thank you for supporting your students as you havewe look forward to continuing the good work you started by doing the same.Chii Miigwetch!Merci!Thank you!HopeTo learn more connect, with Hope Koosees, Indigenous Recruiter and Pathways Navigator, Northern College Email: kooseesh@northern.on.caPhone: 705-365-8382'