Going back to school was an important decision for Michael Victor and one that involved his daughter.
"It's something for my daughter to look forward to," says Victor. "It will be easier to be a role model for her and also the rest of the family back home and my wife's family as well."
At 37, Victor is a mature student in the Capilano University bachelor of business administration degree program. The North Vancouver resident is also a member of the Sto:lo Nation, and says his decision to go back to school pulled from various directions.
"There were different variables," says Victor. "I didn't like my current work at the time, I was expecting a child. I just wanted more options."
He had been working in the food service industry for around 15 years as a manager and supervisor, and that played a role in determining which program he would go into.
"I had quite a bit of experience," says Victor. "I already had knowledge of it and I liked the business aspect of it, so I thought that was a better, more comfortable way to go."
His decision to go back to school was greeted with a positive reaction from his family. "Everyone was pretty excited and supportive. They liked the idea," says Victor. "Education is pretty big."
Victor is one of four recipients of the Ch'nook scholarship, an initiative created in 2002 by UBC's Sauder School of Business to promote business education in Aboriginal and First Nations communities.
"It's good, they give you opportunities to meet other business students across B.C.," he says. "You get to meet with those students twice a year and then they help you so you can organize events to mentor high school students for their education after they graduate."
Juggling the time around being a parent and studying at the same time has been the biggest challenge for Victor returning to school.
"Trying to get all the work done just in the time frame, because then after school I take care of my daughter while my wife's at work. It's kind of hard to balance stuff out."
His daughter, who turns two years old in October, attends the Capilano University Children's Centre.
"The daycare's really great, all the employees there are great with children and it's convenient," says Victor. "When I go in, she goes in and when I leave, she leaves."
The size of Capilano University as well as its campus was a definite draw for Victor.
"I wanted something smaller," he says. "I liked the feel of it, it was a nice area."
He says the class sizes also allow for more interaction between students and teachers and, so far, age difference has not been an issue.
"There's a lot of younger students, but I'm not the only mature student," says Victor. "There's a few of us. I don't stand out too, too much."
Victor is expected to graduate in the summer of 2017. He is already thinking about what he hopes to accomplish afterwards.
"Maybe something where I could have a position where I can contribute back to the community," he says.
"It's not just me that's going through this education, it's also people helping out along the way, so I'd like to be able to give back once I've completed."
