Sii'piapaikkana (Night Shining), Dakota Wadsworth's time at the University of Lethbridge is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the strength of community. As a proud First Nations student and single mother, she has overcome financial barriers and personal challenges to excel in her studies, all while being inspired by, and inspiring those around her. Her story is a shining example of breaking through barriers to achieve dreams and create a brighter future.
I used to be so scared to come to the University. But when I got here, I met some professors who were kind, encouraging, and truly there to assist when they could.
Meet Dakota | Resilient. Outgoing. Beading Artist.
Program: Bachelor of Health Sciences | Major: Addictions Counselling
Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?
When I graduated high school many years ago, I thought I wanted to be a correctional officer. I started at Lethbridge College, but I lost my interest a year later. I then went into general studies for a year and transferred into the Child and Youth Care Diploma program. I finished my first year but failed a class by about 2-3%, and then I lost all motivation. I quit school and had my first son in 2016. A few years later, in 2019, I had my second son, and I became a single mother to them. A family member mentioned the Indigenous Student Success Certificate (ISSC) program at ULethbridge in 2023, so I figured I would give it a shot and apply. Iām now pursuing my Bachelor of Health Sciences in addictions counselling.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?
Convocation Spring 2024. After a stressful year of figuring out how to come to class financially, take care of my sons and my grandpa and maintain good grades, I felt like convocation was the icing on the cake, making all the troubles and trials of the year worth it to make it to convocation with a 4.0 GPA.
How have your professors impacted your education?
I used to be so scared to come to the University. But when I got here, I met some professors who were kind, encouraging, and truly there to assist when they could. The encouragement and support from many professors kept me going, and coming back this year in a different program. I still have their support, especially as a First Nations student, which gives me the confidence to keep trying in my studies.
Is there anyone else who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?
Michelle Hogue (MEd '04), the Coordinator for the ISSC, kept me on my assignments. Tara Froehlich (BA '11) is also with the ISSC and offered so much support. Finally, Indigenous Student Advisor Jodie Flamand Tailfeathers ((BA '14), for her support for my younger son and me, who was always coming to classes with me and doing powwow performances here at the University.
If success is truly the sum of all one's small efforts, Dakota is truly on her way. ā Michelle Hogue, Coordinator, ISSC
Have you received any scholarships and awards?
Yes, I have currently received the following scholarships: Alumni Association John Gill Memorial Bursary, Zella Dague Forsyth Memorial Award, and the TD Bank Group Indigenous Student Success Cohort (ISSC) Bursary. These scholarships/bursaries have benefited my family and me by allowing me to enjoy coming to school and focus on my studies rather than having the financial stress barrier weigh on me.
Are you participating in any extracurricular activities?
I do try to attend events hosted by Iikaisskini when I can. I also facilitated an Orange shirt beaded pin event in the Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, offering my beading expertise to students who stopped in and wanted to learn how to bead and create an orange shirt/pin.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I come from a family that is highly engaged in our cultural ways. My two sons enjoy going to powwows to dance and sing. Usually, on weekends, we are found at a powwow. Going to events like this helps with my mental health and physical well-being while doing what I love.
What are some awesome things about you?
I'm outgoing when I want to be when I'm not so shy. I'm living proof that intergenerational trauma can't stop me.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
I hope to graduate from the Addictions Counselling program while I remain a good, active mom for my sons. I also want to continue healing so that I am the successful addictions counsellor I am striving to be.
What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?
Ask questions! Reach out when you need someone, study, and never give up on yourself and your studies. Barriers are meant to be broken.
Is there anything else you want to share with us about your decision to pursue a university degree?
Living as a First Nations individual who decided to pursue post-secondary, I have struggled with issues that come up; I faced many obstacles last year with financial stress to live, to provide, and to get to class. I had to begin coming to class with my youngest son every week because he was only in school half of the day (the faculty that knew him said he graduated with me in spring 2024). I had to go home and be a mom to my sons, put their needs before mine and wait until they were sleeping to complete homework and readings. On the verge of almost throwing in the towel, Tara and Michelle gave me light at the end of the tunnel with bursaries to make it through the semester. In the second semester, I finally received my student loan. Losing sleep was another big thing with me. I struggled to keep up with my studies, home life and powwows.
I did not give up and gave it 110% every day. I figured, if I'm going to do this, I am going to do this with everything I have and prove to my sons that mom could do this. They thought it was the coolest thing seeing their mom walk across that stage in spring 2024.
Quick Answers:
Favourite class: Indigenous Studies 1010. Learning about other Indigenous cultures was very intriguing, and I passed the final paper in that class with an A+.
Favourite social activity at ULethbridge: Being a part of the Powwow Dance Performances. Showcasing my dancing style.
Favourite place to study: Iikaisskini, Library, or Level 4 Indigenous area.
About Shining Students
Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.
Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Dakota!