Aurora College President Dr. Angela James’s Welcome to Students – 2024-2025 Academic Year
Dear Aurora College Students,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year! It is both an honour and a privilege to welcome students to our Aurora College campuses: Aurora Campus in Inuvik, Yellowknife North Slave Campus, and Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. Collectively we embark on an exciting journey filled with learning, growth, and discovery at Aurora College.
To our new students, welcome to the Aurora College family! We are delighted to have you join our diverse and vibrant community. You come from various backgrounds, with unique stories and aspirations, and we look forward to supporting you as you begin this pivotal chapter of your life. To our returning Aurora College students, thank you for your dedication and for being the lifeblood of our campus. Your commitment to learning and collaboration truly enriches our community.
As you step onto our three campuses and into your classrooms, remember that you are part of a community that values both academic excellence and personal development. Aurora College is a place where you can challenge yourself, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of your potential. Our devoted faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance, mentorship, and encouragement.
This year, I want to emphasize the importance of three relational influences that that will ground you in your studies in the upcoming year: first please be aware of time: it is the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, the season of autumn is with us, with days growing shorter and cooler. As well it is the 21st century – an era of Reconciliation, Relationship Building, and Revitalization of Indigenous worldviews and culture in the Northwest Territories, particularly at Aurora College. Secondly, please remember the people of this land: The Elders, families, children, and communities around you – get to know them. And thirdly, to remember this place, the NWT, it is the Homeland of the Dene, Métis, Inuvialuit, and NWT Cree, and we must honour the Indigenous peoples of this Land.
As well, we ensure that we celebrate equity, inclusion and respect within our college community. At Aurora College, we celebrate our differences and believe that our unique perspectives enhance our educational experience. I encourage each of you to engage with one another, to listen, to learn, and to embrace the diversity that strengthens us. Together, we can create an environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
As you navigate your academic path, I urge you to maintain a healthy balance. Education is important, but your well-being is paramount. Take advantage of our counseling and wellness resources, participate in physical activities, and set aside time for relaxation and reflection. Remember that your overall health is made up of four parts: your mind, your body, your heart, and your spirit: balancing all aspects of your being will lead to your personal and academic success.
In addition to your studies, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the rich array of activities offered at Aurora College. Join clubs, take part in community service projects, and engage in extracurricular activities. These experiences not only enhance your educational journey but also help you build lasting friendships and develop essential leadership skills.
As we look to the future, we face a world of rapid change and complex challenges. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is imperative that you approach these challenges with creativity, resilience, and determination. Embrace opportunities to innovate and collaborate to find solutions that can impact our community and beyond.
Let us commit ourselves this year to striving for excellence in all that we do. Embrace every learning opportunity with curiosity, and remember that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is also about personal growth and making a positive impact in the world around you.
In closing, I want to thank each of you for being a vital part of Aurora College. I am excited about the remarkable experiences and accomplishments that lie ahead for all of us this year. Let’s make this academic year an unforgettable one filled with inspiration, achievement, and community spirit.
Marsi, Mahsi, Masi, Quyanainni, Merci bien, and Thank you, and once again, welcome to the 2024-2025 academic year at Aurora College!
