Community involvement is paramount for Edwards student

Robert is in her fourth year at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Edwards School of Business majoring in accounting. She is very active in her community through her involvement in fundraising events and organizing activities within her church.

Robert will receive an award for community engagement at this year’s Indigenous Student Achievement Awards on Feb. 6. Indigenous students from across USask will be honoured at a ceremony to recognize their academic excellence, leadership, research endeavours or community engagement.

The award ceremony is part of Indigenous Achievement Week (IAW), which celebrates the successes and contributions of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff and faculty. The festivities include a public art project, speakers and celebrations in various locations across campus.

We asked Robert a few questions about her time at USask and what motivates her.

Why did you choose the Edwards School of Business?

Edwards School of Business allowed me the opportunity to build off of my previous education in a field that interested me and to continue learning. Being from Saskatchewan and having the opportunity to go to school within the province has been amazing. Edwards School of Business provides a sense of community and offers many opportunities for its students.

In what ways has your accounting studies helped you to develop a sense of community?

It has allowed me to make connections with individuals throughout the province with similar business interests and has helped me to build a network of resources to use as I continue to learn and grow.

How would you describe the importance of being involved in community activities and what advice would you give someone looking to be more involved?

Being involved in one’s community is extremely important. Being able to give back and to help out makes a person feel more present and a part their community.

Has there been someone in your life who has inspired you to get to where you are today?

Growing up my parents have always inspired me. They have encouraged me to work hard and to do my best at whatever I set out to do.

This year’s Indigenous Achievement Week theme is Indigenous knowledge systems. How can Indigenous knowledge systems improve the world we live in?

Having knowledge and a better understanding of where we come from is so important. Being able to understand and grow based on the knowledge we have acquired, and the stories and information passed down to us helps to develop us into the individuals we are today.