News Archives: Donalda Balisky: Leading the Next Generation
Thursday, June 8th, 2023
NWP Alumni Donalda Balisky
Donalda Balisky always knew that she wanted to be an educator one day and was just waiting for the right time to seize the opportunity. Her mother was a teacher for 35 years, and Balisky grew up trying to emulate her. In fact, she would often mark up her books with red crayon, copying exactly what her mother did.
While living in High Level, Alberta and working as an educational assistant, the school where Balisky worked at was visited by NWP’s Education students.
This encounter, and learning more about NWP’s collaborative degrees, further fuelled her desire to become an educator. Although the timing wasn’t quite right due to Balisky’s existing commitments in High Level, it didn’t take long for things to fall into place.
In 2018, an opportunity presented for Balisky and her family to move from High Level to Grande Prairie. She was excited to finally be able to pursue her dream. Balisky applied for the Teacher Education North (TEN) program at NWP as soon as she knew she was moving and was proud to be accepted into the program.
Balisky began her education at NWP and graduated in the spring of 2022. Although she admits that completing her schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging, she didn’t let it slow her down. In addition to her course work, Balisky became a Student Ambassador.
“It was awesome and something I encourage students to do in a heartbeat because it's a great way to meet people and get to know students in other programs,” said Balisky.
Balisky has learned how much she enjoys being involved in the campus community and making a difference.
“Impact where you're at. If you can make something better, leave a place better than when you come through it,” said Balisky. “I was just trying to figure out ways that I could do that. The Student Ambassador program really aligned with who I am, and it was a great opportunity for sure.”
Balisky believes the Student Ambassador program helped her to think outside of the box, and to help her empathize with other people and their situations. The skillset she gathered from that experience is something she applies all the time in the classroom now.
Throughout her four-year program, Balisky found the environment and instructors were phenomenal. “My classes and instructors at NWP made me excited about learning and it left me wanting to pursue my education further,” said Balisky. This positive experience has inspired Balisky to pursue graduate studies one day.
“I think if you have a desire to learn, you will continue to find opportunities to learn for the rest of your life.”
In 2022, Donalda was honoured to receive the Honourable Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell Graduating Social Studies Teacher Award. The award was presented by Lois Mitchell at the Education building at the University of Alberta Campus. She is now teaching at Peace Wapiti Public School Division.
Are you ready to learn and inspire the next generation? Visit NWP.me/Education to get started on an impactful career path.
