Determined to Succeed

Clarence Huntley had had enough.

He had worked in the construction industry for more than 15 years – a job he was good at but one that didn’t offer the lifestyle he desired. He had struggled with addiction in the past and knew that he wanted more for himself. As a father to two young boys, 6 and 11, he also wanted to be a good role model for them.

“I saw how things were regressing for me,” says Huntley. “I wasn’t responsible for anything. I wasn’t committed to anything. I didn’t want to be in the same place my whole life. I didn’t want to be beat up and broken by the time I was 50. I felt lost and finally I had just had enough!”

This need for change brought Huntley to SAIT Polytechnic. He is currently working hard to complete his high school education through upgrading at SAIT so he can go on to take the Petroleum Engineering Technology program.

“I wanted to come to SAIT and complete a program and I’m determined. I will achieve my goal,” says Huntley.

Huntley had already tried to complete his high school diploma through distance education and fast track programs at other institutions but those methods weren’t working for him. He came to SAIT and someone told him to talk to the people at Chinook Lodge to see if they could help him. There he met Chinook Lodge coordinator, Lori Villebrun who told him that the Lodge could give him the support he needed.

Huntley jumped in. He began taking courses at SAIT while still working full time at his construction job. He went to school during the day and then to work in the afternoon. Sometimes, he would work into the night. Occasionally he would arrive at school after only having three hours of sleep.

“It was pretty tough, but I did well the first semester,” says Huntley. His determination paid off and he left the semester with As and Bs in all of his courses.

Huntley says Chinook Lodge helped him get through those tough times. “Everything that I do needs a foundation. Without it I would just collapse. Chinook Lodge was my foundation. Whenever I was going through a difficult time, I knew I could always go there.”

Last semester Huntley started a study group with some of his classmates and they used Chinook Lodge as their base. The group became so popular that at one time there were about 15 people from various backgrounds studying with him.

“I’ve seen it with myself and other students how this place helps people become good students,” says Huntley. “It helps them to stay focused and find the discipline it takes to succeed. I’ve never had this kind of support in my life. I feel welcome here.”