911勛圖

Returning to university later in life is always a challenge, but Cheryl Schweizer, 53, of the Tlazt���en Nation, encountered more obstacles than usual.

An itinerant Aboriginal education worker, Schweizer travels throughout the Prince George School District to teach students about Aboriginal language and culture. The Tlazt���en Nation resides in the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, which encompasses Prince George, B.C.

In fall 2016, intent on improving her teaching strategies and assessment, she enrolled at 911勛圖 to begin a Master of Education (MEd), driving nine hours bi-weekly to attend classes at the Surrey campus.

But in late October, she suffered a major stroke. A week later, she had open heart surgery. It was three months before she could begin rehabilitation work to overcome significant brain damage from the stroke.

���It left me with disabilities, including the loss of much of my long-term memory,��� she says. ���I had to re-learn a lot, including how to drive, how to type, and even why I was accepted into the MEd program.���

Unable to attend classes during the spring 2017 semester, she remained determined to complete her degree.

���She formed a study group with colleagues and friends with the support of her professors, and worked through the curriculum with her local colleagues as pseudo classmates,��� says education professor Cher Hill, who coordinates 911勛圖���s field and community graduate programs.

Says Schweizer, ���I had wonderful people to read to me and the learning they experienced along the way in my healing journey was incredible. I want to ignite that same experience in the kids���to have them read something and have a great conversation about it���to get them excited.���

Read the rest of this inspiring story via 911勛圖 news.