every single semester . First semester , I had two of my kids who were 5 and 12 years old and in my second semester , I had just my youngest . In my third semester , I left home without any kids to attend the spring semester .”
Each semester , leaving home was a struggle : “ It was so hard to board that airplane , but I didn ’ t turn back and I constantly reminded myself that I am doing this for them . The first few weeks away were brutal , but as soon as I got into a routine , time went so fast . I went home in between semesters so that breather really helped me get pumped up and prepared for another semester .”
In Copland ’ s second year and final semester , she had the unexpected pleasure of studying alongside her daughter . Copland says , “ My daughter , Michaela , decided to come to study at the University of Regina because she wanted to ‘ take the road less traveled .’ A number of our young high school graduates go to Ottawa or Winnipeg , but she wanted to try something different . She was accepted to the Faculty of Arts , but now she is thinking about majoring in Education .”
Copland says , “ We both felt so lucky to study alongside each other . I think it ’ s rare for a mom and daughter from Nunavut to attend the same university at the same time . The best part of it all was the support I was able to give her . We are from a small community and there was a big change in scenery so being there for her when she was trying to adjust to all the change was something I ’ d want to do with all my children . I want them to know that there is a whole world for them to explore out there —‘ it ’ s a small world after all !’”
Julie Machnaik and Pauline Copeland at Spring 2019 Convocation
the adjustment so much easier to cope with . My friend helped me in more ways than one : she took me and my kids to our new home and made sure I was settled before she left us . She was also my ‘ go-to ’ person as both campus and city life were new to me . I am thankful she was part of this journey .”
Living on campus gave Copland the opportunity to meet new friends who also gave her support throughout her program , and helped her deal with the hardship of being away from her children . “ I met amazing people throughout the program ; it was a bonus to have the support from my circle of friends ,” says Copland .
Copland graduated with a Master ’ s of Education degree in June . She says , “ It was an amazing feeling to walk across the stage even for a short moment . Time went way too fast so the convocation ceremony was a great way to wrap up my thoughts around being a long time student .”
Her education has fortified her vision for education : “ Every child deserves to learn in a safe and respectful environment . I think each individual should be valued in the classroom as we all learn at our own pace and time . More importantly , giving them the opportunity to learn with respect to their culture and background is something I strongly support ,” says Copland .
Reflecting back on what she has accomplished , Copland says , “ I close my eyes and I see and feel the campus atmosphere — I never thought , 18 years ago , that I ’ d get back into books and study alongside my daughter . I was a young mother so I thought I had lost all my chances of getting back into something that I liked doing and dreamed of becoming . Turns out , there is no age limit ; you just have to go after your dreams and never stop believing .”
Copland has returned to Nunavut and started her teaching career in the fall , teaching Grade 3 students . She says , “ I start in my home and comfort zone , but who knows where I ’ ll end up in a few years time .”
" Turns out , there is no age limit ; you just have to go after your dreams and never stop believing .”
When Copland first arrived , the only person she knew was Faculty of Education Instructor Julie Machnaik , whom Copland had met through Machnaik ’ s work as coordinator with the NTEP partnership program for several years . Copland says , “ Julie ’ s nice warm welcome to Regina made me feel closer to home . I live in a close-knit community , and she made
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