I am from originally from Swan River Nation, but as a young teenager my mom switched my band to Samson Cree Nation. As a child I was always athletic and played basketball, volleyball, badminton, and others as the years went by. I had a good life as a child, a caring mother and a dad who taught me how to drive, play sports, show me how to be a people person with good manners. Unfortunately my dad passed away in 2021. I miss him, but I know he is proud of me and how far I have become.
As soon as I graduated high school, I got a job at Smitty’s as a line cook. I instantly knew I loved cooking. I was a fast learner, I was good at it, and I felt connected to everyone—I had a second family there. I devoted seven years of my life to that job.
Then one day, I woke up and realized I wanted more. I moved to Red Deer for a year and got a job as a line cook at a seafood restaurant. It was a great experience, learning new techniques and dishes that were different from what I was used to. But then COVID hit. I lost my job and struggled for a while.
Determined to keep moving forward, I put in the work to get a job in a camp kitchen. It took a lot of steps, but I stayed committed, and sure enough, I got the job. I stayed there for over two years, learning new skills and meeting some incredible people. The routine worked for me—two weeks on, one week off, and sometimes even three weeks on, one week off.
I loved camp life. It was an amazing experience, and I know I’ll explore it again in the future. Cooking has always been my passion, and it always will be. But I also found myself admiring the women working in construction. I knew I wanted to be in the trades, but I doubted myself—especially because I was never great at math, which was my biggest worry.
When I told a few men that I wanted to get into the trades, their response was, “Are you sure? It’s hard work.” That little bit of doubt made me want it even more.
I went through a lot when I was in my early 20’s. I started dating an alcoholic so naturally I became one. At that point in my life I thought drinking all the time with your buddies was cool and normal. Then one day I decided I didn’t want to be that person anymore. Break the stereotypical cycle. I stopped drinking, but then started again. It was on most of the time.
It all changed when I met the love of my life. She made me want to be better. She encouraged me to put myself out there and to believe in myself and that I can do anything. Since then I graduated from Trade Winds and I am on an amazing journey with friends and family. I feel good about it. I have tons of support which I am super grateful for. As of today I have been sober for many months. Trade Winds has really helped me. I am very grateful for the experience I have gained in such short time. I never been more motivated to keep going!
