One of the most rewarding things in this life is to be able to do something you love for a living. If that involves giving back to one's own community, so much the better. Kelly Jean Kariwaiens Thompson, a fifth-year student at Trent in the Indigenous Environmental Studies (IES) program, was aptly named to give back to her community. Kariwaiens is her Mohawk name. It means "Bringing a good Message".

The challenge of learning disabilities

Ms. Thompson knows first-hand the struggles youth face in First Nations communities, and when compounded with learning disabilities, some would be at tremendous risk for never achieving their potential. Growing up on the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation, Ms. Thompson battled in her education with a diagnosed learning disability. She never lost sight of her goal however, to finish her B.A. “This would be a great achievement for me because of the struggle I have had dealing with a learning disability," said Ms. Thompson.

Ms. Thompson's interest in art, and in particular in beading, provides her with an artistic release that allows her to cope with the stress of the academic program. "Throughout my years of struggling with my disability, I have always turned to my art to make me feel good and to balance my mind," she said.

Her brother, Christopher Thompson had preceded her at Trent, making it a natural and somewhat familiar choice, but there were others along the way who re-affirmed her choice, in particular, Dr. Dan Longboat. "When I met Professor Longboat in my first year of studies he had an impact on me with his knowledge. Prof. Longboat understood the difficulties of being away from my community.”

Ms. Thompson's choice of program was also a natural fit for her, having grown up with a passion and love of the earth and the knowledge that comes from studying it. "I have learned with many Elders in my community that our mother earth is alive and that every plant and species is spiritual. There were many different focuses when we worked in the environmental field such as working with trees, traditional medicine plants, or animals. Learning how the environment was for my ancestors and how it is today is very meaningful to me."

Discovering a passion for helping others

Ms. Thompson's break-through moment about her future came when Lindy Garneau, an Aboriginal Counsellor with Indigenous Student Services at Trent, asked her to conduct a workshop about coping with a learning disability in the academic environment. As those with disabilities tend to be hands on, Ms. Thompson decided to use her art as a method to bring the group together and focus their discussion. Each participant emerged from the workshop with a better understanding of others and a positive feeling, though none more-so than Ms. Thompson, who realized that this was precisely what she wanted to do with her life. The students understood they were not alone in struggling with their disabilities and Ms. Thompson learned that helping others gave her an overwhelming sense of pride and determination to succeed.

"My dream is to bring this back to my own community here in Akwesasne,” says Ms. Thompson, “where I can provide a safe environment for students struggling with learning disabilities. Knowing that not all learning disabilities are the same, I will create an environment that supports different disability needs.”

At Trent University, and in particular within the IES program, Ms. Thompson found a place where she could feel safe and ask for help. "Reaching out for help was the best thing I have ever done." Ms. Thompson met her challenges head on and has found her life passion. Not a bad way to spend an education!