Northwood Tech News

When she decided to pursue college, Pierre said she wanted her education to be a reflection of that commitment to change. “I wanted to better myself and decided to enroll here at Northwood Technical College because I wanted to give back to the community in some sort of way,” she said. “However, before my first semester started, tragedy reared its ugly head once more when I lost my two older sisters.”

That grief, she said, could have broken her again, but instead, it pushed her to continue forward. “The grief was so overwhelming that it shattered what little stability I had left, but it forced me to continue facing my issues head-on,” Pierre said. “I knew I had to keep going down my path of recovery to honor their memories and my culture. I wasn’t just fighting for myself anymore; I was fighting to build a life my daughter and sisters would be proud of.”

Choosing education as a path to healing

Pierre joined the Substance Abuse Education program to gain professional skills and credentials to provide structured, evidence-based support to people in recovery. “I am taking these steps not just for myself, but for my family and my community,” she said.

Finding support and belonging

What she found at Northwood Tech exceeded her expectations. “My favorite part is the genuine sense of community,” Pierre said. “The instructors and staff don’t just teach; they actively invest in your success. You feel known and supported, which for someone with my background is incredibly important, making it feel less intimidating and more like a family. I feel seen and respected here, not just as a student, but as a whole person with a complex history.”

That sense of belonging has carried her through difficult moments. “My primary obstacle has been managing the emotional weight of my past alongside my academic work,” she said. “My journey in recovery is ongoing, and moments of grief for my siblings still surface. There are days when the course material, discussing addiction, trauma and loss, is incredibly raw and difficult to process.”

Pierre said financial constraints and returning to school after years away have also posed challenges. But she found support through multiple resources. “Financial aid has been a big boon toward handling my expenses, allowing me to even attend school,” she said. “My family has also been supportive and provides a place of comfort for me. Lastly, I would say that being an employee at Northwood Technical College has surrounded myself with a positive network that has allowed me to grow as a person.”

Carrying culture into her career

“This education is about more than just a degree; it’s about breaking a cycle and becoming a force for positive change,” Pierre said. “By working as a substance abuse counselor, I can offer a hand to others who feel lost and hopeless, just as I once did. My story is a testament to the power of recovery and the importance of our cultural teachings in the healing process.”

Pierre said she hopes to provide culturally competent care to Native Americans struggling with addiction, drawing on both her personal experience and traditional knowledge. “I hope to give others the gift of mino-bimaadiziwin, a new beginning and the promise of a good life,” she said.

Of all her accomplishments, Pierre said she is most proud of transforming pain into purpose. “I am most proud of my decision to turn my tragedy into a testimony,” she said. “The loss of my siblings could have completely destroyed me, but I chose to honor their memory by continuing to live a purposeful and healthy life. I’m proud of the vulnerability it took to seek help and the courage it takes each day to stay on my path. I’m proud of how I’ve reconnected with my Anishinaabe heritage and now use those traditions to help me stay grounded and whole.”

Looking ahead with hope and gratitude

Looking ahead, Pierre said she is excited for what comes next. “After graduation, I look forward to starting my career and being a living example of what is possible,” she said. “I dream of working directly with the tribal communities, using my training to provide counseling and support for those on their own healing journeys. But more than that, I look forward to the simple things such as a stable life, a strong connection to my family and culture, and the ability to live in a way that honors myself and my siblings every single day.”

Pierre also expressed gratitude for the people who helped her along the way. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had so many wonderful people support me during my time at Northwood Tech,” she said. “First and foremost, I want to extend a big thank you to all my instructors. They have equipped me with the knowledge and skills I need to make a positive impact in the community.”

She also credited Jen Bednarik, who encouraged her to apply for the Campus Store/Welcome Center Assistant position. “That job has truly been a blessing,” Pierre said. “It has provided me with a stable and healthy work environment, which has made all the difference in my life.”

Additionally, she said, Melissa Weber has been a key influence. “She’s not only an amazing manager but also incredibly understanding,” Pierre said. “Balancing my roles as an employee, a student and a mom can be challenging, and her empathy has greatly helped me navigate it all. Miigwech [Thank you]!”