Technology students honoured during OFNTSC conference

Lac Seul’s Trista Keesic was one of four Student Achievement Award winners announced Aug. 24 during the 16th Annual Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation Conference and Tradeshow in Thunder Bay.
“It was shocking at first. I didn’t think I was going to get the award,” said the third-year chemical engineering technology student at Cambrian College. “I have a lot of doors open for me; I’m hoping to get my (university) degree.”
Philip Wawia, a Red Rock band member studying civil engineering technology at Confederation College, Trevor Wells, a Fort William band member studying architectural technology at Confederation College, and Zachary Hill, an Oneida First Nation of the Thames band member studying civil engineering at the University of Toronto, also received Student Achievement Awards.
“My experience working with (Ontario First Nations) Tech Services (Corporation) this summer was excellent,” Wawia said. “I got a lot of experience with administration and project management, also out in the field doing housing inspections.”
Wawia wants to help Aboriginals with their technical services after he graduates. He earned a 3.8 GPA in his first year of study and is entering the second year of the three-year program this fall.
Wells decided to study architectural technology after working in the construction business for over 10 years.
“I’m loving every minute of it,” Wells said, noting he will be entering the third year of his program this fall. “I’ve had my setbacks here and there, but I’ve learned to overcome things like that throughout the school year and keep on pursuing, keep on keeping on.”
“I’ve had my setbacks here and there, but I’ve learned to overcome
things like that throughout the school year and keep on
pursuing, keep on keeping on.”
– Trevor Wells