Walking in Two Worlds
“It doesn’t matter how long or which path you took to complete your goals all that matters is that you did it! Walking in two worlds is not an easy thing to do but I believe that we as Indigenous peoples are so resilient and we have so much to offer even to those who are teaching us at post-secondary.” - Kaitlyn McMahon-White
We asked 2023 Kw’umut Lelum Indspire Award winner Kaitlyn McMahon-White to share her story with us - about her experiences in school, her education journey, and what advice she might have for others as they consider their future.
Uy’ Skweyul - good day my traditional name is Tłilinux̱w and my English name is Kaitlyn McMahon-White. I come from Snuneymuxw First Nation with roots in Da’naxda’xw, Tseshaht, and Ahousaht.
What are you studying and how did you decide which program to take?
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work at Vancouver Island University and will soon start my final year in the program. I decided to enter the helping profession of social work because my journey wasn’t always easy, but I had some very supportive people in my circle who made it possible for me to find my resilience that I always had within me. I entered this program with the hope of supporting individuals, families and communities.
Share a bit about your educational journey so far.
So far, in my journey I have taken classes of interest in my first few years such as history, anthropology, and Indigenous studies. This led me to later complete the Social Services Diploma program where I found passion and made the dean’s list for the first time ever in my final year of the program. My favourite part of being at post-secondary would be all the amazing people you get to meet and become friends with. Although I have had challenges being in university, I have been able to work through some of these by talking with my peers or my supports at Kwumut Lelum.
Who or what has been your biggest support at post-secondary?
Some of my biggest supports would be my mom, grandma and the staff at Kwumut Lelum. If I didn’t have the educational support that I received from the step-up team at Kwumut Lelum, I wouldn’t have been able to navigate the challenges that can come with university like time management and mental health.
What advice would you offer to either your younger self or Indigenous youth from your community?
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how long or which path you took to complete your goals all that matters is that you did it!
If I were to give advice to my younger self, I would tell her that although you are facing many challenges one day you will learn how to take those challenges and become strong and resilient so that you may be able to help others like others have helped you.
Walking in two worlds is not an easy thing to do but I believe that we as Indigenous peoples are so resilient and we have so much to offer even to those who are teaching us at post-secondary.
What is something you wish you knew before heading off to post-secondary education?
Prior to starting post-secondary, I was so scared and feared I wouldn’t be able to do it. I wish I knew that it is okay to ask for help and that you don’t have to do everything alone. There are so many supports and resources within the university to help you be successful.
What are your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future and what has the Kw’umut Lelum Indspire Award meant for your continued pursuit of these goals and dreams?
The KL Indspire award helped me to continue my educational journey free of financial stress since during my practicum since I was also taking three courses at the time and I was unable to work. There is already several stressful things occurring while attending post-secondary and to have some financial relief removes a big barrier for me in my journey of education. My hopes and dreams for the future is that we continue to uplift and empower our youth to continue their educational journey in whatever way that looks for them.
