Nicole Gutka Receives Soroptimist International Live Your Dream Scholarship.

More about Nicole Gutka

Tanisi nitisiyakson Nicole Gutka. Hello, my name is Nicole Gutka. I am in my fourth year as an Indigenous social work student at the First Nation University of Canada in Prince Albert.

For many years I traversed a variety of mental health challenges and addictions that sadly led to a very dark and lonely place in my life. Not only did I struggle to maintain a relationship with my children, but also to maintain a connection to my spirituality, creator, and the world around me.

On Aug 10, 2018, I fell to my knees in desperation and fear that I may not live to feel my children’s embraces again.

Since finding recovery, I have learned a new way of life that required me to overhaul every aspect of my living existence, including the people I associate with, the places I frequent, and the things I do.

I decided to apply to university as a mature student and felt a strong connection to working with individuals, who, like my past self, suffer and continue to suffer mental health challenges and addictions in the family home.

Throughout my university journey, I have acquired necessary skills and techniques to add to my toolbox of hope, experience, and courage.

An old timer said to me once in my recovery that you can’t help others without giving away what has helped you; illustrating why I am passionate about illuminating a beacon that recovery is possible with a whole lot of honesty with the ones around you and especially yourself. I recover loudly so that others suffering silently can see that there is hope.

As a single parent mother of two teenagers, I strive to set a vibrant example of determination in all my endeavors whether that is showing up each day and not using or ensuring that I stay connected and on top of my academic studies.

Doing so provides the space for them to challenge their own feelings and emotions but also encourages them to show up optimistic and ready to tackle the day. My little family is continuously evolving as we mature alongside one another. We have challenging days, sometimes even weeks, but one thing for sure, our home is rich with love.

I have successfully completed all requirements to convocate with a certificate in Indigenous Social Work in June.

During this same time, I will be completing a final practicum and will convocate in October with a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Social Work. This is a major accomplishment plus a celebration as I will be the only person in my family to have acquired higher education and successfully attain a bachelor’s degree. With that being said, other major accomplishments include celebrating Four years and Eight months of sobriety.

Being chosen as 1st place recipient for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award at the local and regional level, honours not only the above mentioned accomplishments and my studious demeanour but also honours my commitment to living a life free from the chains of addiction as an independent, courageous, and proud single mother to two amazing human beings!

Ninanaskomon (i am grateful)

Soroptimist International of Saskatoon is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with the access to the educational and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

SI Saskatoon has been serving Saskatoon and Saskatchewan for over 66 years. We are a vibrant community of generous women.

New members welcome and donations gratefully accepted.

For more information contact sisaskatoon@soroptimist.net.

by Soroptimist International of Saskatoon

Nicole Gutka Receives Soroptimist International Live Your Dream Scholarship.

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