Beginning a new chapter in your life is exciting! As you transition, there will be some challenges, new experiences, and rewarding opportunities that you will face while attending college or university. Despite these challenges, as you go through this toolkit you will find helpful resources and supports offered on and off your campus to promote health and well-being. This section will help prepare you for your journey into post-secondary and outline some key things to keep in mind as you make the transition.
The Ontario Native Education Counselling Association (ONECA) has developed great transition resources for Indigenous students entering post-secondary. For example, they provide resources specifically for students transitioning from “high school to post-secondary” and from “post-secondary to post-secondary”, such as college to university (ONECA, 2023d). ONECA’s resources can provide further insight and information that can be used alongside this toolkit. You can find these resources and more in the resource section.
Pursuing a post-secondary education
Making the decision to enhance your learning is an important milestone in your life. Obtaining a degree or certificate is a big accomplishment. With the knowledge and skills you will acquire, you will be able to help your community and/or benefit the lives of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people. You will become a role model for future generations of Indigenous youth wanting to pursue higher education.
Leaving home and/or your community
Depending on your academic journey, you may need to relocate to a different city or community near your new post-secondary institution. This may mean moving far away from supports, your home community, and possibly your friends and family. For instance, you may have to take a plane or drive a few hours away from your loved ones. These experiences may seem overwhelming and challenging depending on your personal circumstances at home (family obligations, finances, etc.). As you go through the toolkit, we have included some resources that offer recommendations and tips to overcome those obstacles and barriers in the resource section. With moving to a whole new area or city, you may not know anyone and feelings of loneliness may develop. As you read through the section on homesickness, we hope you find the tips on how to manage it helpful.
