Resilience & Perseverance: Alyssa McDonald's Path to Education & Advocacy
Resilience & Perseverance: Alyssa McDonald's Path to Education & Advocacy
Alyssa McDonald has carved a path of resilience and perseverance in her pursuit of education and mental health advocacy. With her family living two hours away from her university, Alyssa had to navigate the challenges of moving out and living independently to pursue her studies.
"I didn't know about Métis Employment and Training (MET) when I started university; I heard about it through my friend who had a great experience with them," Alyssa explains, crediting MET as a crucial support system in her academic journey.
The support from MET provided her the financial means to complete her final year and live close enough to attend classes-an opportunity she is incredibly grateful for. "Without MET's assistance, I wouldn't have been able to complete my final year," she reflects, grateful for the opportunity to live close to campus and focus on her studies.
Alyssa McDonald with friends, celebrating her educational journey.
Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2023, Alyssa is now pursuing her Master's in the same field. Inspired by her family's history in helping professions, Alyssa was motivated to follow a similar path. "Knowing I can be there for people and foster hope in their lives is what I wanted to do with mine," she shares. MET's support proved to be a game-changer for Alyssa, not just financially but also emotionally.
"I didn't know about Métis Employment and Training (MET) when I started university; I heard about it through my friend who had a great experience with them...Without MET's assistance, I wouldn't have been able to complete my final year
"The financial assistance alleviated a significant burden, and the emotional support made me feel truly recognized and valued as a Red River Métis Citizen," Alyssa reveals, emphasizing how the program allowed her to focus on her studies without constant financial stress.
As a proud Red River Métis woman, Alyssa feels deeply connected to her family's history and the impacts of colonization. "It was painful knowing my family went through cultural genocide, but they worked really hard to get me where I am today," she reflects. Completing her degree was not just an educational milestone, but a personal triumph over historical adversities. "I am blessed to have chosen an education I love and was fully supported through," she says proudly.
Like many post-secondary students, Alyssa grappled with mental health challenges throughout her studies. By learning how to manage these obstacles by involving herself in community, talking to friends and family, and seeking professional support, she was able to persevere and achieve her goals. "I have learned to be patient, compassionate, and empathetic towards myself and others," Alyssa notes. "Coming from a family where my great grandparents were forced into an education system that destroyed much of their culture, being able to CHOOSE my education and have the support to do so is a significant achievement for me."
Alyssa McDonald at graduation
Currently thriving in her role as a clinical therapist working with Indigenous youth and adults, Alyssa credits the education and support she received for her professional success. "This is the best job I've ever had," she says with enthusiasm, grateful for the chance to make a meaningful impact.
Looking ahead, Alyssa dreams of opening her private practice and furthering her influence on social and mental health services. "I'm eager to contribute to community betterment and touch lives positively," she asserts, emphasizing her devotion to fostering systemic change, especially in mental health care for Indigenous populations.
As she embarks on her master's program at the University of Manitoba, she looks forward with optimism, knowing that each step she takes is not just for her advancement but for the benefit of those she aims to serve. Her ultimate goal of opening a private practice is not just a career milestone; it represents her commitment to providing accessible and culturally sensitive mental health services that support individuals in finding their own strength and resilience.
Envisioning a future where mental health services are inclusive and reflective of the diverse communities they serve, Alyssa is poised to contribute to this vision, driven by her passion for mental health advocacy and the empowerment of individuals within her community.
She remains committed to making a lasting impact through her work, not just at a personal level, but on a broader, societal scale. Her advice to fellow Red River Métis students navigating their educational or personal challenges is straightforward and wise: "Don't be afraid to ask questions and trust your instincts. You are the expert of yourself."
