Driven by a desire to help others

“I got to wear the gown and I graduated with distinction,” she said. “My grade point average was 4.375. It took a lot of time, effort, energy and persistence to maintain that GPA but I’m so happy I did. I was also the valedictorian of our graduating class.”

Tammy began working with the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation in 2025, and after graduating this month, is now the organization’s general manager.

“I love being in the community,” she said. “I have always been a grassroots person. I’m a highly-motivated individual that believes in community supports, empowering individuals that are dealing with marginalization and discrimination, and don’t know where to access these wonderful programs and services that are offered in our Parkland region.”

“When you see someone who needs help, I’m the first one to jump in and say ‘Hey, I got you.’”

She says no day is the same in her new role. “I don’t know what’s going to come, hour to hour,” she laughed. “As an NRC, our budget is quite limited, so we have to rely on other avenues for funding and supports. We are constantly applying for proposals, and we are also a proponent for other community service providers.”

Regarding her choice to enroll at Assiniboine in her late 40s, Tammy said, “This was the best decision that I’ve made for myself personally. I am so glad that I did it, even though it was later in life. It was really, really wonderful. It felt like family, and I’m so happy that we have a campus that was close to home.”

“I really enjoyed the whole environment— the faculty, the staff, the students there, were just all amazing. It was such a happy place to come to, and just to have a campus here in Dauphin just made all that much of a difference,” she said. “My instructors in the Business Administration program were all wonderful. I can’t say enough about all of them, honestly.”

Asked what advice she would give to someone who is currently in the position she was in five years ago, Tammy says “You’re never too old! You learn something new every day! If you don’t, you should aspire to learn something new. Every day.”

She emphasized that, “Someone who makes this decision late in life does not do it lightly. You are normally the one that is responsible for finances, for family, for your community. Weigh all of the options, and if this is something that you truly desire – to pursue education – I would be the person in their corner, rooting you on, supporting you.”