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remember one unfortunate incident in a grade 5 math class. Although I was good in math, for whatever reason I was unable to solve a particular problem that the teacher had written on the blackboard. I stood there self-consciously, unable to answer the problem, and feeling quite embarrassed in front of all those staring eyes. As punishment, the teacher put me under his desk.
    There I was, crammed under the teacher’s desk along with another unfortunate student for the rest of the math class. After school, the teacher lined up the four of us who had had difficulty in math that day and lashed us with a willow branch. When our parents saw all the welts and bruises on our shoulders they were furious, and the teacher was immediately dismissed from our school.
    After I completed grades 8, 9, and 10 by correspondence courses, my parents sent me to complete grades 11 and 12 at Saskatoon’s Bedford Road Collegiate. I lived with the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, an order of Catholic nuns. My parents did not have enough money to pay for my accommodations, so they bartered with the nuns: my father’s potatoes and cabbages paid for my room and board.
    I must not neglect to add this memory. When living on the farm as a youngster, every summer for two weeks I walked each day with the other children five miles to our parish church. A fledgling community of Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate (SSMI) nuns taught us catechism and religious instructions. They formed in me a faith that I may often take for granted, but will always respect. Their guidelines were founded in the importance of following the precepts of a Christian life. Every individual’s talent was developed and valued with respect. I have always believed in and admired their tireless work. I am grateful to have had the SSMI in my life.
    Although I loved the sisters, and I once dressed up in a nun’s habit just to see how it felt, the thought of entering the religious orders never crossed my mind. I believe I was the only boarder who was not studying to become a nun. But I did love to study, and eventually in 1935 I attended Secretarial Success Business College. I worked for four years before going to Saskatoon Normal School to become a teacher. I graduated in 1941 and began my teaching career. I later attended the University of British Columbia to complete my undergraduate education. At Normal School I added my middle name, Marlene. Later, when I had to sign my initials, it didn’t seem right to simply write OK .
    I studied secretarial subjects, such as typing, shorthand, and penmanship, skills that became useful in later years. During the assembly at Normal School in Saskatoon, Principal C.P. Sealy asked for a volunteer to work in his office. Although I knew I could do it, I was too scared and timid to volunteer, but my friends pushed me to stand up. There I was, shaking like a leaf, my knees knocking together as I stood in front of Mr. Sealy. “Miss Shawaga, spell the word ‘ecstasy’.” With great concentration, I recited each letter and then plopped down in my seat.
    “I want to see you in my office first thing tomorrow morning.”
    I got the job. I was ecstatic! I thoroughly enjoyed working for my principal that entire year, all because I was able to type and to spell the word “ecstasy”.
    Your homework assignment:
    Remember those family members who have gone before you. They continue to live on in your heart and mind.
    Give thanks to your elders and ancestors, those who are known and those who are unknown.
    Remain close to the people you love and who love you. Have a positive attitude so that you will feel loved and needed.
    It is not too late to start good habits that can flow down to your future generations. Realize that you can enhance your whole life through your positive actions.
    May the love and protection of your ancestors keep you happy, healthy, and safe.

    A grandmother was telling her young granddaughter what her own childhood was like: “We