Student Spotlight: Perseverance and Passion in the Arts
In this edition, we shine a light on an inspiring student, whose journey through post-secondary education in Montreal is marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community. Pasa Mangiok from Ivujivik took a moment to share some of her journey with Kativik Ilisarniliriniq.
After completing the Nunavik Sivunitsavut cursus in 2022, Pasa continued on to Concordia University, where she is currently enrolled in the Studio Arts program.
Pasa is driven by a desire to be a role model for her younger siblings, while also encouraging other Inuit youth to pursue college. Thus, she has embraced the challenges of adapting to life in the South. Her long experience as a KI student has equipped her with valuable insights, which she hopes to share with future students navigating similar paths.
We can achieve anything. We can succeed in all the things we dream of… Not just for ourselves but for every other Inuk out there. We are next to shape the future.
Pasa’s passion for the arts is boundless. She is determined to explore every medium available, with dreams of becoming a skilled art teacher or a full-time artist. Alongside her studies, she has built a freelance career, contributing to projects such as Laissez-nous raconter, where she illustrated Inuit and Indigenous legends like Sedna and the Three Sisters.
Balancing academic demands with financial pressures, she has developed strong organizational skills by scheduling her time meticulously and seeking support from teachers and student services. She also finds strength in community, building friendships and support networks that have helped her thrive.
What she’s most proud of is her perseverance and independence. She has learned to navigate systems unfamiliar to her and continues to push forward, driven by curiosity and a desire to see how far she can go.
Her message to fellow Nunavimmiut students is one of hope and empowerment: a reminder that they have the strength to achieve their dreams—not just for themselves, but for their communities. She believes that Inuit youth are the next to shape the future, and that success is within reach for all who dare to dream big.