Randy Robinson is enrolled in the Aboriginal Studies Program at Langara College and will be transferring to the University of British Columbia after completing his two-year Associate of Arts Degree. During the course of his studies Randy, who is Algonquin from Timiskaming First Nation, has been awarded both the Irving K. Barber Scholarship for his outstanding academic performance and Langara’s Shirley Joseph Memorial Scholarship for his kindness and contributions to the College’s First Nations’ community. His outstanding academic record also means he has been designated as a Chancellor’s Scholar by UBC prior to his transfer.

“I decided to enter post-secondary education as a mature student – I am 27 years old now, and I will be 28 when I transfer to UBC – after taking several years to upgrade my skills through academic tutoring and volunteerism. I may not have been involved in post-secondary education in the traditional sense before attending Langara, but I gained valuable real life experience by volunteering for organizations such as Healing Our Spirit, The Urban Native Youth Association, and the Canadian Aboriginal Aids Network.”

“I entered the Aboriginal Studies Program at Langara in 2010 – a program that I would recommend to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal learners alike. The course material challenges learners to grow intellectually, and to think critically about Aboriginal issues that affect every one of us in Canada. I am especially grateful for the seminar element of this program, which provided us students with unique cultural and academic opportunities.”

“As an Aboriginal student I’ve enjoyed the many cultural and academic elements of the education I’ve received at Langara. I look forward to my studies at UBC – my long-term academic goals include enrolling in legal studies in order to increase the scope of my ability to give back to the diverse spectrum of communities I belong to.”