Interview with Sammy

We met with Sammy at the Riddell Library at Mount Royal University to hear about his involvement in the mentorship program. Sammy is 21 years old and from the Stoney Nakoda Nation. He is our featured mentorship program young leader of the month! 

 Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

 I am from the Stoney Nakoda Nation. I’m currently a student at Mount Royal University hoping to achieve a degree in sports and recreation management and then one day pursue helping the youth in Morley with physical fitness and to live a healthy lifestyle. Also, I’m a huge baseball fan and love to play the sport.

How did you first get connected to Canada Bridges?

 So Canada Bridges…I was about Grade 9 when I first got involved and I’ve just been involved through out my high school. Once I came to Mount Royal I got involved with the mentorship program in my first year and that’s when I teamed up with Levi.

What have been the best parts of the mentorship program?

 The best part? Maybe the monthly outings where we get to do everything and experience new stuff every month.

So you said your mentor’s name is Levi. What do you most appreciate about Levi?

 That he’s always available whenever I need him and he offers support through school and off school. We hangout and like to watch movies.

So you’ve moved here to the city and you’re going to school. What would you want to tell other people who are looking to move from their communities to go to university?

 That the reserve will always stay the same and nothing will change unless you be the change that you want to see happen in your community.

What are some other goals you have for the future?

 Travel – maybe after school, I want to travel. I want to tour Europe - I really want to go to Switzerland. And maybe the Dominican Republic.

 What are you most proud of to date?

 I think what I’m most proud of is making it to university. People think you have to go off the reserve for a good education in high school. I went to school on my reserve, graduating with my diploma and now am in university. It does not matter what school you attend, you have to be willing to work hard for what you want and work towards achieving it.  I had to endure a lot of difficulties in my childhood with the loss of my dad at a young age, with whom I was close to, and just it being tough at times.  

How did you persevere?

 With the support from my grandparents, my mom and also with family and friends that have told me to keep going. Also my grandpa was the huge factor for me growing up, he was like my dad, he taught me right from wrong and everything I needed to know and he believed in me and the person I could become one day.  

Anything else you want to share?

 Coming out here will open up new doors for your life and that anything’s possible. Also that you don’t have to be in school to be making a change for the better. We are all unique in our own way and you just have to go out there and discover it.

“Be who you needed when you were younger” is my favorite quote.

We want to thank Sammy for sharing his wisdom as well as his positive and motivational attitude. All the best to Sammy in his university career and beyond!