Christine Naturkach

Cherishing Elders

I spent several summers, during my teenage years, at the lake with my grandparents. Ryan, my younger brother, and I would drive up with them in their truck, help unload the gear, and spend days together around the campfire, the dock, or on their boat. My grandfather taught me how to tie the line and clean fish whereas my grandmother showed me how to cook the fillets over the open flame. Some of my favorite memories are of the four of us on the boat listening to stories while we waited for the fish to bite.

I come from a large family; meaning I have a lot of experience of in saying good-bye to the older generations. Eventually the sadness passes and I am left with happy memories. They shared experiences with me and taught me life lessons, for which I am grateful. This gratitude is likely why I have chosen to pursue a career in old age and development.

Putting health first

If nothing else, my academic journey has taught me that physical and mental well-being are essential to living a meaningful life. In my early twenties chronic hip and back pain lead to the discovery of me being diagnosed with a hereditary spinal condition. I live with chronic pain and it affects both my mobility and my focus. When I read or stare at a computer screen for too long inflammation in my eyes, caused by my condition, gives me severe headaches. Going to school posed many challenges and the added stress of school work and health was overwhelming at times.

I set high goals for myself and these goals where challenged at every step of my academic career. In the beginning, I believed that excellent grades were the source of happiness and maintaining health was secondary. The pressure of achieving excellent grades, covering tuition, and living expenses took a large toll on my health. It became impossible to receive adequate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

Receiving the donor funded Joyce Underwood Indigenous Undergraduate Student Scholarship, the L. and G. Butler Scholarship for the Disabled and the BC Paraplegic Association/Rotary Club of Victoria Scholarship were instrumental in reducing my stress. The financial aid allowed me time to re-evaluate how I prioritized health and school. The university’s Centre for Accessible Learning granted me access to study aids and test environments that met my needs.

Thriving, not just surviving

When I began my academic journey the goal was to achieve academic excellence. Along the way I realized it is the journey that matters more. Existing in survival mode is not a life worth living but being able to appreciate the journey and accept support allows for a thriving future.

My own grandparents are both gone now, but I thankfully have many wonderful memories of them and the lessons they taught me. I want to give back to the individuals who so graciously helped to raise the generations that followed them. To achieve this, I hope to one day complete a Masters in Gerontology.