Roxanne Recollet’s story is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion and education. At the age of 55, she embarked on a journey to further her education in social work, driven by a deep-seated desire to serve her community and honor her cultural heritage. Her journey is marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.
Early Realizations and Initial Steps
Discovering a Passion for Community Service
Roxanne Recollet, a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory, discovered her passion for helping her community at an early age. Despite the demands of work and family, she was determined to pursue higher education. In 2015, she completed the Social Services Worker program at Northern College, laying the foundation for her future academic pursuits.
Her early educational journey was a significant step in aligning her personal ambitions with her genuine love for community service. Recollet understood the importance of equipping herself with the right skills and knowledge to be truly impactful. The Social Services Worker program proved to be the perfect starting point—it provided both practical and theoretical foundations essential for her role as a community helper. However, her responsibilities didn’t stop there. Balancing work, family obligations, and her studies required exceptional time management skills and an unwavering focus on her goals.
Overcoming Life’s Challenges
Recollet’s journey was not without its challenges. Balancing work, family, and education required immense resilience and determination. Her ability to navigate these challenges underscores her inspiring resolve and commitment to her goals. Personal sacrifices and sleepless nights became a part of her routine, yet she never let adversity deter her from her path.
Life threw its fair share of hurdles at Recollet, from unexpected family emergencies to financial constraints, but her spirit remained unbroken. She managed to turn these challenges into learning experiences, understanding that every setback was a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal. Such resilience is born out of an unwavering belief in one’s abilities and a steadfast commitment to one’s mission.
Returning to School in Mid-50s
Enrolling at Laurentian University
In 2020, at the age of 55, Recollet enrolled in the Indigenous Social Work program at Laurentian University. Initially taking online classes, she later moved to Sudbury to attend classes full-time. This decision marked a significant step in her academic journey, driven by her desire to serve her community more effectively. Choosing to immerse herself fully in her studies rather than balancing them with other responsibilities showcased her dedication to mastering the subject matter.
The shift from online to in-person studies illustrated not only her desire for in-depth learning but also her eagerness to be an active member of the academic community. Being physically present in Sudbury allowed her to engage more deeply with her peers and professors, facilitating richer discussions and fostering a deeper understanding of the curriculum. The commitment to learning at this stage in her life speaks volumes about her passion and the seriousness with which she approached this new chapter.
Integrating Cultural Heritage
Recollet’s academic journey is deeply intertwined with her identity and cultural heritage as an Indigenous woman. As a member of the Bear Clan, recognized within Indigenous culture as protectors and healers, her path in social work was validated. Her decision to return to school was not just about obtaining a degree but also about honoring her cultural roots. The synchronization of her academic goals with her cultural identity added a profound dimension to her studies.
The Bear Clan’s role of protectors and healers in Indigenous communities illustrated Recollet’s innate calling towards her chosen field. Integrating this aspect of her heritage into her professional development allowed her to bring a unique perspective to her studies. She seamlessly imbued traditional teachings and modern social work principles, creating a holistic approach to community service. This fusion of the old and the new underlines not only the richness of her personal background but also represents a progressive step forward in the field of social work.
Motivation and Positive Outlook
Serving the Community
Recollet’s motivation to pursue higher education was deeply connected to her role within her community. She aimed to expand her knowledge and skills to serve her community more effectively and become a role model for others. Her journey emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the impact of education on community service. Her aspirations were not confined to self-improvement alone; she wanted her journey to inspire others in her community, showcasing that age is no barrier to learning and personal growth.
Her desire to give back to her community was a driving force behind her academic pursuits. By broadening her horizons, she equipped herself with the tools necessary to address the unique challenges faced by her Indigenous community. Each academic milestone marked another step towards her goal of becoming a more effective advocate and support system for those in need. The ripple effect of her diligence in education extended beyond personal gains and into the heart of her community.
Embracing Positivity
Throughout her studies, Recollet maintained a positive outlook and resilience. She acknowledged the ups and downs of life but emphasized the importance of a positive mindset. Her optimism acted as a driving force in her academic journey, inspiring those around her. Her attitude towards life and education was a beacon of hope and motivation for fellow students and community members alike.
Recollet’s ability to maintain a positive disposition, even in the face of adversity, underscored the power of a hopeful and determined spirit. This optimism was not just a personal trait but a strategic approach to handling life’s inevitable challenges. It fueled her perseverance and enabled her to navigate through tough times without losing sight of her goals. This positive outlook became contagious, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for everyone involved in her journey.
Academic Experience and Cultural Integration
Supportive Community at Laurentian
Recollet’s time at Laurentian University was enriched by the supportive community and resources at the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre. This space provided her with opportunities for reflection, healing, and sharing Indigenous teachings, further aligning her academic pursuits with her cultural beliefs. The sense of belonging and acceptance at the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre played a crucial role in her academic success and personal well-being.
Being part of such a nurturing environment allowed Recollet to thrive both academically and personally. The center served as a haven where she could deeply connect with her cultural roots while obtaining modern education. This dual nurturing approach helped in grounding her studies in her identity, making her journey through academia a holistic experience. The support system at Laurentian formed a critical component of her educational achievements, ensuring that she never felt isolated or overwhelmed.
Practical Application of Knowledge
Recollet leveraged her academic experience to integrate Indigenous worldviews into her social work practice. Her career in social work spans several roles, including mental health worker, maternal-child health advocate, and facilitator of healing workshops for First Nations communities. Her academic journey equipped her with the knowledge and tools to bring even more to her community service. Each role she undertook was imbued with the principles and lessons learned from her cultural and academic backgrounds.
The practical application of her education allowed Recollet to make a tangible impact on her community. Her work in vital areas such as mental health and maternal-child health advocacy helped in addressing critical issues faced by First Nations communities. By facilitating healing workshops, she was able to provide much-needed support and resources, creating safe spaces for people to connect, heal, and grow. This integration of culture and education into her professional practice underscored the importance of culturally informed social work.
Personal and Professional Reinvention
Diverse Career Roles
Over her life, Recollet has taken on various roles, including hairdresser, wedding planner, dental assistant, and trainer. These diverse experiences, coupled with her role as a mother, have equipped her with a versatile skill set. She fondly describes herself as being akin to a “Swiss Army knife,” capable of recognizing and fulfilling needs within her life and community. Her eclectic career background provided her with a broad perspective and a wide range of practical skills, all of which contributed to her effectiveness in social work.
Each of these roles involved interacting with different people and understanding their needs, which indirectly prepared her for a career in social work. Whether she was managing the intricacies of wedding planning or providing dental assistance, every job added a unique skill to her repertoire. This variety in professional experience, along with her personal journey as a mother, molded her into a perceptive and empathetic individual. The adaptability and resilience gained through such diverse roles perfectly complemented her educational pursuits in social work.
Continuing the Mission
Despite the profound loss of two sisters during the COVID-19 pandemic, Recollet continues their shared mission. Together with her sister, she offers training such as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills and Mental Health First Aid, programs highly valued by Indigenous communities. She feels empowered by the spirit and presence of her sisters in her life and work. Their influence and shared vision continue to guide her, making her efforts in community service deeply personal and meaningful.
The loss of her sisters was a significant emotional challenge, but Recollet used this tragedy as a source of strength and motivation. It intensified her resolve to make a difference in her community, ensuring that their legacy lived on through her work. The training and support programs she offers are direct reflections of this shared mission, providing essential resources to those in need. This aspect of her journey highlights her ability to transform personal loss into a driving force for positive change, showcasing her exceptional strength and commitment.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Returning to Wikwemikong
Recollet plans to return to Wikwemikong to address the unique and complex needs of her community with her newly acquired education and skills. She envisions continuing her work by offering culturally grounded services and support to vulnerable populations alongside her sister. This return signifies not an end, but a continuation of her mission, now fortified with advanced knowledge and experience gained through her academic journey.
Her future plans are centered around addressing the specific challenges faced by her community, using the tools and insights she has gained. Recollet’s vision includes creating and implementing programs that are culturally relevant and deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, ensuring they resonate with the community members. This forward-thinking approach aims to bridge the gap between modern practices and traditional wisdom, fostering a more inclusive and effective support system for her people.
Transformative Power of Education
Roxanne Recollet’s story exemplifies that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams and seek further education. At 55, she took the bold step to enhance her knowledge in social work. Her motivation stemmed from a profound desire to aid her community and uphold her cultural values. Her journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to lifelong learning. Recollet’s path wasn’t an easy one, but every challenge she faced only strengthened her resolve. By pursuing an education later in life, she not only aimed to contribute positively to society but also set a remarkable example for others, showing that age should never be a barrier to self-improvement or giving back. Through her perseverance, she became an embodiment of the belief that one’s passion and commitment can overcome any obstacle. Her story inspires countless individuals to embrace their ambitions at any stage of life, reinforcing the notion that growth and education are timeless pursuits.
