News Archives: Governor General's Academic Medal Recipient 2017
Friday, July 14th, 2017
Tiffany Dettieh came to GPRC to turn her passion into a lifelong career. The mother of two and Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) program graduate accomplished that while graduating with top marks in the college earning the Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal is one of the most prestigious awards a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The Collegiate Bronze medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall grade point average upon graduation from a diploma-level, post-secondary program, with a minimum two-year, full-time duration. The award includes a cast-bronze medal and a certificate signed by the Governor General.
Dettieh, born and raised in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, came to GPRC after being encouraged by her son’s preschool teacher, Berta Badine, to start a profession in something she loves—working with children.
“I have always loved working with children,” said Dettieh. “I was an on-call volunteer at my son’s school and seeing Berta interact with the children was inspiring and really made me realize that I had found my dream career right in front of me.”
GPRC offered Dettieh the opportunity to achieve her dream career and stay connected to her roots while being able to stay close to home, and be active in her most important role—being a mom.
“Moving to Grande Prairie was the perfect fit for my family,” said Dettieh. “My fiancé was able to find work and our families aren’t too far away when we need them. I also love that the college does many traditional things here for the community, like the powwow. I love bringing my kids and getting them active in the college community.”
Earning the Governor General’s Medal is a great honour for Dettieh, who said she was completely shocked when she received the email.
“I like to study hard and do my very best,” she said. “It’s also about setting a good example for my kids and showing them that hard work pays off.”
According to Dettieh, her children are definitely one of her biggest motivators.
“GPRC has really allowed me to start achieving my dreams but also not miss out on doing what I love the most: being a mom and being able to spend time with my kids. My son is already taking about going to college. He’ll say to me, “‘when I grow up I want to go to college like you, Mom’” and that is such an awesome feeling.”
Dettieh feels GPRC well prepared her and her classmates for the next step in their careers.
“The ELCC program is a family. I actually met my best friend in the program,” she said with a smile. “We are so comfortable with each other and know we can always lean on one another. The instructors do such an amazing job and their passion really keeps you inspired in the classroom and motivates you to get out into the work force.”
Next up for Dettieh is returning to GPRC in the fall to start her Bachelor of Education degree.
“I’m excited to be able to stay at GPRC for another four years, and not have to worry about up-rooting my family,” she said. “After my degree, I really want to work in an elementary school and continue to inspire children, especially my own, to dream big.”
Susan Bansgrove, GPRC Vice President Academics and Research, presented Dettieh with her award on June 15.
“GPRC is very proud to present this medal to our graduate Tiffany Dettieh on behalf of the Governor General of Canada,” said Bansgrove. “Tiffany’s achievements are exemplary, to have accomplished top academic standing at GPRC. The entire College community extends its congratulations.”