Tracy Parkes

TRACY PARKES

What education have you taken?

I am just twelve courses away from completing my Liberal Arts degree and my second degree in Education. I have been enrolled in this program for four and a half years. I also hold a current hairdressing license from the Brandon School of Hair Design.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

• During my first year back at University I received recognition for my GPA.
• I donate as much time as I can at my children’s schools.
• I am a current 4-H head leader.
• I sit on the North Interlake 4-H council.
• I volunteered at the Western Manitoba Science Fair last year.

Tell me about yourself.

My husband and I will celebrate our eighteenth wedding anniversary this summer. We have three spectacular children. Together, my husband and I managed a home-based business (with heavy equipment). And yet I still find some time to do some hair from home. I decided to return to university when my eldest daughter turned twelve. I always wanted to go back to school, but was a little uncertain as to what direction. When my children were young, I was extremely active in their education. I would volunteer whenever I had the chance. I loved being around the school environment. I started out working in a preschool setting (I ran our local head start program, called “Build a Bridge.”) Then I heard about the concurrent program that was being offered in Dauphin through BUNTEP, applied, and was immediately accepted. I have been traveling ever since (because I live in Eriksdale, which is a four-hour commute Monday to Thursday), and I have loved my studies. I am also excited for the program to end and to get into the classroom. I am extremely ready to take on the role of an enthusiastic teacher. I am so proud of what I have accomplished so far in my life – it has been a lot of hard work but it has been worth it.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I have three children and I have enjoyed being their mother and teacher. I am a very involved in their education. I believe in education. I want to be a source of inspiration for future generations of children.

What is your philosophy in life?

I believe that hard work will allow anyone to attain his or her goals. I am walking proof of this statement. I believe that I will make a difference as a teacher. I want to be an inspiration to future generations.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself furthering my education. I will be a constant student! I have become addicted to learning. I hope to obtain a job close to home to cut out some of the commute time, but I see myself in front of a classroom in the not so distant future.

Nominator’s Commendation

“Tracy Parkes is enrolled in the BUNTEP program in Dauphin. She travels from her home in Eriksdale Manitoba to class Dauphin, Monday to Thursday, which is a commute of about two hours each way. Tracy is currently in her last year of the program, as she has also summer course at the University of Manitoba. She is actively involved in local 4-H programs in her area. Tracy is the head leader of the Lundar 4-H beef club and sits as a board member for the Manitoba North Interlake 4-H council. She has been married for eighteen years and has three children (Jade-16, Megan-14, and Evan-12). She continues to be active in the family business.”