Shining Student Tyra Hercina

Tyra Hercina's professors have played pivotal roles in her University of Lethbridge experience, shaping Tyra's approach to education, and inspiring her to consider a future as a professor of Indigenous studies. To align with her aspiration to become an Indigenous educator and contribute to positive pathways for future generations, Tyra actively engages with the community, assisting Indigenous high school students with career planning.

I find that this work gives me great practice at engaging, planning events and presenting to a school-age demographic. It also provides me with a sense of accomplishment knowing that I am helping future generations of Indigenous youth find positive pathways to help build brighter futures, not only for them but for the communities they will live and work in.

Meet Tyra | Hard-working. Empathetic. Energetic.
Program: Bachelor of Arts | Major: General Major Social Science (Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, Sociology)
Hometown: Red Deer, AB

Why did you choose ULethbridge?

After looking at several universities, I decided on ULethbridge because of its renowned education program, along with a variety of courses in the Department of Indigenous Studies that spanned a large number of topics.

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?

When I started at ULethbridge I knew that I wanted to become an educator. However, what I wanted to teach and the grade level was unclear to me. Then, the year that I began my studies, the Indigenous education program became available, and it has helped provide me with a clearer path of what I want to do after graduating.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?

My most memorable experience at ULethbridge so far would have to be entering into in-person classes again in the fall of last year. My university path has not been what you would call typical, with two years of COVID and a strike, so when we were able to return to classes and be in the room with my peers again, I immediately felt a sense of joy and community that had been missing in my university experience.

How have your professors impacted your education?

Many of my professors have had a large impact on what I chose to pursue and how I valued my education. Brendan Cummins was the first professor to ever give me the space and encouragement to actively engage with course material in a meaningful and exciting way. After taking both his Liberal Education 1000 and 2000 courses it changed the way I approached my education. The second professor that impacted me greatly was Yvonne Tiger. In my second year I took a course with Yvonne and it was the first time in all of my schooling where a visible, proud Indigenous women was standing in the front of the room teaching not only me but a diverse classroom of students. Watching Yvonne teach with such a high level of expert knowledge, lived experience and the passion she had, made the young Indigenous girl inside of me so happy. Yvonne’s classes not only impacted me with course material but they made me feel like I could also break down the post-secondary barrier one day and become a professor as well. The last, and certainly not least professor, who has impacted my education would be Dr. Paul McKenzie-Jones. Paul does the most amazing job at making classrooms feel like a co-operative, inclusive and safe space to participate in discussion, engage with classroom material and above all, have honest conversations that have real-world implications. Paul has given me the tools and confidence to feel comfortable taking up space in conversations, particularly in an academic setting. The authors and sources that Paul has given me to read will sit on my book shelf for many many years to come and continue to be tools that I look back on when exploring new perspectives and topics. Overall, I would like to say ‘thank you’ to these professors and many more for the positive impact they have had on me over the years.

Tyra brings energy, commitment, and insight to every class she attends. She is a joy to know as a student and a person. – Paul McKenzie-Jones, Department of Indigenous Studies

Is there anyone else who has had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

To all of the amazing friends that I have made throughout my university journey, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You picked me up on the days I was low, and laughed with me in joy over success. We have lived through a lot together over these past years, including late night study sessions and early morning classes. I would not have been able to survive this journey without the love and support that this wonderful community of friends has provided me, so again I would like to thank you all so much for everything.

Are you participating in any extracurricular activities?

When I am not in school I am doing work in the community, particularly helping Indigenous high school students with career planning/facilitating to help create a path for future success. As someone who wants to become an Indigenous educator in the future, I find that this work gives me great practice at engaging, planning events and presenting to a school-age demographic. It also provides me with a sense of accomplishment knowing that I am helping future generations of Indigenous youth find positive pathways to help build brighter futures, not only for them but for the communities they will live and work in.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends or returning home to visit my family.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

My ultimate goal for my future is to become a professor in a department of Indigenous studies at a university or college someday.

What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

A university can seem like a big place, especially when you are just starting out. My biggest piece of advice would be to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There are so many resources you can access on campus, so take full advantage of every resource and opportunity that people offer you.

Quick Answers

Favourite class: Identity and Liberal Education
Favourite social activity at ULethbridge: Getting coffee at the Campus Coffee Company
Favourite place to study: Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre