Virgil Cardinal
Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Management

My name is Virgil Cardinal. I am a full-fledged Saddle Lake Member, treaty number 5426. I fell blessed and much honored to finish my education at MacEwan University. I am very fortunate, to have had the opportunity from Saddle Lake Education Authority be part of my support system, on my education journey. The lovely ladies who run the department was and will always be understanding, supportive, and empathetic to their students. There are no words for the time and effort they put in for the success of the students.

I went back to school as a mature student. Previously, I have work experience in the oilfield and construction industry. I kind of did things backwards. I worked on my contingency plan and currently have my Class 1 license. I expressed to myself that this would be my backup plan, if things did not work out in university.

It was not until I had my first born son that I decided to go back to school. All I had was my high school diploma and Class 1 license. In retrospect, the choice to go back was the best decision I made. I did it for the right reasons and for the right people. I needed something to share with my sons. Through university there was life and education experiences that I can share with my sons with the extra-curricular activities I enrolled in.

I am a firm believer in the heavenly spirit. I have my sons on my mind every day and I make decisions based on their accountability. I love raising my sons, I like to lead by example by showing them my perspective on life. I do it by doing things right. I always talk to my sons about leadership and how important education is.

My advice I would give to mature students going back. University life offers so much other opportunities than class time. I had the honor to be President of the Aboriginal Student club for two years at MacEwan University which improved my confidence. These newly gained skills helped me and potential students in their career choices. A lot of employers look for these kinds of understandings. Do not be afraid to push yourself and never be complacent.

I would like to thank Debra Cardinal, Bernadine Houle-Steinhauer, Betty-Ann Cardinal and supporting staff for accepting my application, the guidance, and the re-treats. The education department is so successful and has been producing university graduates for many years. The vision and direction that you ladies achieved is through your hard work and determination. It is awesome to see the staff do what they can to have all students have a successful experience in university.