Saalia Pijamini is fluent in speaking, reading and writing Inuktitut.

Those are skills that she looks forward to teaching students in classrooms in the years ahead.

SA国际影视传媒淟ately thereSA国际影视传媒檚 been more Inuit students graduating from NTEP (Nunavut Teacher Education Program), but when I was in school, there wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 many Inuktitut teachers and that was one of the reasons why I wanted to go into teaching as well,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Currently in her second year of the four-year NTEP, Pijamini said sheSA国际影视传媒檚 always enjoyed school and has long had a desire to become a teacher.

SA国际影视传媒淚 like learning, and ISA国际影视传媒檝e always looked up to my teachers. I have a few teachers that ISA国际影视传媒檓 still in contact with, that I keep in touch with regularly. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e the ones that have motivated me and inspired me to become a teacher,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Her cousin Monica was another positive influence as she earned her NTEP degree at the Nunavut Arctic College campus in Cambridge Bay more than 10 years ago.

SA国际影视传媒淪he was very encouraging with taking the program,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Pijamini, who hails from Grise Fiord, is pursuing her studies in Iqaluit, although most of her courses are online. She has six courses on her plate. Sciences, such as learning about chemistry, biology and astronomy, are her favourite areas of study. She finds English the most challenging course.

SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of good resources with the courses that weSA国际影视传媒檙e taking, and a lot of our courses try to incorporate the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Outside of daily lectures, she estimates that she spends an average of an hour or two each day completing her homework.

Another important use of her time is spending it with her two daughters, ages three and five.

SA国际影视传媒淟uckily my girls have a spot at the daycare, so when ISA国际影视传媒檓 done with my classes, I still have time to do my homework before I pick them up, so it hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 been stressful,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Scholarships have also made life easier. Pijamini earned financial support through the Atuqtuarvik Corporation, Baffinland Iron Mines, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Nunavut Tunngavik Foundation and Indspire.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 such a big difference. It relieves so much financial stress because being a student, our funding is not that great with FANS (Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students),SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Upon finishing her second year of NTEP, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 planning to jump right into work as a summer student with the Government of Nunavut. Last summer, the Department of Finance provided her a job.

Decorated student

Pijamini was a strong performer in high school, earning math and science awards along with the Governor GeneralSA国际影视传媒檚 Academic Medal when she graduated.

After taking a year off, she enrolled in the Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) college program in Ottawa. She completed the first year, but only after going home to help look after her mom in a time of need.

SA国际影视传媒淪chool was still there,SA国际影视传媒� she said of her choice to put family first.

Pijamini said she found NS to be beneficial.

SA国际影视传媒淭here was a lot I didnSA国际影视传媒檛 know about our Inuit culture, so I learned a lot about our history and language,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淲ith my school in Grise Fiord, I didnSA国际影视传媒檛 know much about essay writing in English, so I learned a lot of that when I took Nunavut Sivuniksavut.SA国际影视传媒�

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