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Eden Valley woman’s journey leads to degree

A husband’s love and confidence played major roles in an Eden Valley woman earning her university degree. “Without my husband, Rob Houle, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am,” said Laurel-Leigh Lefthand.
Laurie-Leigh lefthand
Laurel-Leigh Lefthand with her husband Rob Houle and their family at the University of Alberta campus. Lefthand became the first person from Eden Valley to graduate from the U of A in June.

A husband’s love and confidence played major roles in an Eden Valley woman earning her university degree. “Without my husband, Rob Houle, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am,” said Laurel-Leigh Lefthand. “He was one of the reasons I wanted to get my degree. “Being a high school dropout and then graduating from the University of Alberta is something not many people can achieve. My husband laid the foundation to show me to work hard. “He has definitely shown me an indigenous woman can overcome grief and loss, raise children… He has been my support through all of this.” Lefthand became the first person from Eden Valley to graduate from the University of Alberta when she walked across the stage during commencement ceremonies in June in Edmonton. The 32-year-old Lefthand graduated with a native studies degree and minored in political science, as well she received a certificate in indigenous governance. Bearspaw First Nations Chief Darcy Dixon attended the ceremony. “I was very honoured — I did not expect him to be there, it’s an honour to have had one of our leaders recognize my achievements,” Lefthand said. Dixon would later praise Lefthand as a role model for youth in Eden Valley when he spoke at the Chief Jacob Bearspaw School graduation ceremony later in June. Lefthand earned her diploma despite not graduating from high school when she was younger. She dropped out in Grade 11 at Chief Jacob Bearspaw School. “I actually didn’t even graduate from high school… I just wasn’t interesting in going to school at that age,” she said. “Growing up in Eden Valley there wasn’t enough influences for me to pursue a post-secondary degree. “My grandma was the one who actually installed education as an important part of my life and I was finally able to do it in my older years. “I am glad I achieved something so big for my kids to look up to me and hopefully will help them and guide them to pursue a higher education.” She doesn’t regret dropping out of school at the time. She said it gave her the chance to help her mother raise Lefthand’s brothers and sisters. After leaving Eden Valley, she met her future husband Robert. “He finished his degree at the University of Alberta and that’s when we first got serious about my getting a degree,” Lefthand said. She first received a diploma and certificate from Aboriginal Child and Family Services, graduating with honours. “I was introduced to native studies and I wanted to do more and I was accepted by the U of A thanks to my honours part,” she said. However, life got in the way. She stayed home with her newborn daughter and then her mother passed away in 2013. “Prior to that I had lost my grandma too,” she said. “It was really hard to focus on getting this degree. It was something I wanted to but after my mom died I wasn’t focused, I wasn’t there mentally.” Her grades slipped and Lefthand wrote to university authorities, telling of her situation and that she would get on track “And I did, and now I graduated,” Lefthand said. “It’s a university with high standards and I am very honoured.” It wasn’t easy – she and Houle have raised three children while Lefthand was in school. “I failed many times in trying to get to where I am now,” Lefthand said. “But I think what really helped me in my journey was becoming a mom first because then I really had standards to live by – I became the role model for my own children “Now I know the struggles, and I have the tools to help them also.” She was hesitant to call herself a role model for Eden Valley youths however, she did have some advice. “What would I say if I was talking to my younger self…” she said. “Just that if you have goals and are dedicated, anything is achievable.” She is like a lot of grads right now. “First of all, I want to get a job,” she said with a laugh.  

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