We, the undersigned are writing to express our wholehearted endorsement of 23-year-old Mi'kmaq Tianna Benoit, the oldest of 3 siblings, as a deserving student. Tianna's journey is one of triumph over adversity, marked by resilience, dedication, and a passion for creating positive change in the world and throughout her community. Despite having developmental, mental, and learning disabilities, Tianna's gentle and kind soul remains undeterred.

Biography: Demonstrating Leadership and Achievements

Tianna's academic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary, considering the challenges she faces. Tianna's legally diagnosed conditions include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Panic Disorder, Selective Mutism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Phonological Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. She is also treated for hereditary asthma, heart disease, and diabetes. Tianna's determination and hard work are reflected in her outstanding academic performance.

In her first year, while living at the Anderson House Women's Shelter of Charlottetown, she achieved a remarkable 93% overall average and a 4.26 GPA, placing her at the top of her class. During her time at Holland College thus far she has earned 3 awards, the 2023 Kiwanis Club of Charlottetown Award, the 2023 City of Charlottetown Award, and the 2024 Easter Seals Workplace Readiness Scholarship.

Her Involvement in Extracurricular Activities and Community Work Further Showcases Her Leadership.

Tianna is an integral part of Holland College and her community. During the summer, she volunteered at Charlottetown watersheds, contributing to environmental conservation by picking up garbage, providing outdoor classroom sessions, planting over 500 trees, planting flower gardens at Spring Park Elementary School, and supporting the Fiona ReLeaf Project.

 You can watch her CTV interview here, regarding her work during the summer as a volunteer:
Hurricane Fiona Operation ReLeaf - CTV Interview 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From May 2023 to August 2023, Tianna led the Charlottetown Ecological Pond Study, conducting chemical analysis, collecting field and laboratory parameters, and documenting changes in the 12 Charlottetown ponds. She also supervised a team of students and presented an official report to the college.

 

 

 

 

She initiated and successfully petitioned for a memorial tree on campus to commemorate the losses from Hurricane Fiona, demonstrating her proactive approach to honoring the Islands' history. She inspired me to write another petition to let her grow as well.  

You can watch her CBC interview here, discussing her motivations:
Petition to Plant a Hurricane Fiona Memorial Tree on Campus - CBC

 

 

 

 

 Furthermore, Tianna's dedication extends to tutoring her peers, offering support in Microbiology, Chemistry, Soil Science, Water Quality, and Natural Science Math. Her commitment to education and helping others is evident in her involvement as a tutor for both her class and new EAST students. Many of the students she tutors have similar disabilities as herself.

Tianna has recently been interviewed by the college regarding her program. You view her program and her statements here:
Holland College: Environmental Applied Science and Technology Program

 

 

 

 

In addition to her academic and community achievements, Tianna contributed to environmental conservation by hand drawing aquatic invertebrates and non-invertebrates, creating infographic riverside signs to be placed at Andrews Pond with help from the Wrights Creek Watershed, Ellen's Creek Watershed, Holland College, and the City of Charlottetown. Stands for the signs are currently being built, and are planned to be installed in the Spring of 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tianna further showcased her artistic talents at the 2023 Art in the Open Festival, creating artworks centered around watersheds, water quality, and water security in front of a live audience. Tianna also proudly marched in the 2023 Charlottetown pride parade with Holland College.

 

 

 

 

 

Education, Work Experience, and Career Goals

Tianna's journey in education began in 2020, studying veterinary medicine in New Brunswick because of her deep love and personal gratefulness towards animals. After graduating in 2022, she worked in the field for a year. This is where she met her service animal Denver who has training in both voice and hand gesture cues. 

However, a challenging period and a near-death experience led her to reevaluate her path, and despite facing obstacles such as a three-month hospital stay and being confined to a wheelchair, she courageously pursued the Environmental Applied Science and Technology Program at Holland College the same week she was discharged.

 

 

 

 

Her ultimate goal is to receive an honors diploma, become valedictorian, and pursue a degree in science in environmental management, with a Major in People, Policy, and planning, with a Minor in Political Science. Someday working towards a Masters degree and a Ph.D. She has been accepted into the University of New Brunswick for the upcoming Fall 2024 Semester to make this dream a reality.

 

 

 

 

Tianna's career aspirations are rooted in a deep desire to promote sustainable choices, protect future generations, consult with Aboriginal peoples, and create positive environmental impacts.

Continuous learning is very important to Tianna, staying informed about the latest developments in environmental science, policy, and technology that contribute to the environmental field. 

Innovative solutions to environmental challenges and embracing a problem-solving mindset to address issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity are so important. Tianna has this mindset, and being on the autism spectrum allows her to problem-solve and look at situations differently and with a new perspective.

In Tianna's own words, she describes her deep love for her studies:

“Previously I graduated and worked in veterinary medicine. I know what it is like not to have a voice, and I don't want anybody to feel like that, including the environment, and animals. I want to give them that voice that I never had. I want to share the love, compassion, and joy I have inside, and my studies have become a way of expressing myself. I love waking up every morning, going to school, seeing my classmates and teachers, and learning. I will do whatever it takes, no matter how hard it is to help create positive changes.”
- Tianna Benoit, 2023

 

 

 

 

Commitment to Working to the Best of Her Ability and Her Personality

Tianna's commitment to her goals is unwavering, as demonstrated by her journey from a challenging hospital stay to becoming a top-performing student. Her story outlines the importance of hard work, dedication, and overcoming personal hardships. Despite facing diagnoses of various disorders, Tianna no longer feels like a victim, she feels victorious in many ways and is determined to contribute to creating a safer, healthier, and happier world.

 

 

 

 

As her partner, I hear and appreciate Tianna's classmates, instructors, doctors, therapists, and friend's outlook on her personality. Tianna is known for her exceptional kindness and caring nature, effortlessly making others feel special and valued. With a strong desire to form meaningful connections, she ensures that everyone she interacts with feels heard and seen.

Her work ethic is truly remarkable, characterized by passion and an unwavering drive in every endeavor she undertakes. As an outstanding team player, Tianna collaborates seamlessly with others, yet she also possesses the ability to independently accomplish tasks, taking immense pride in her work. Despite facing multiple disabilities, she has never allowed them to impede her progress; instead, Tianna has surpassed expectations and excelled in her pursuits.

One of Tianna's notable strengths lies in her keen awareness of when to take the lead and when to step back, demonstrating a rare humility that allows others to shine without ego interference. This skill, often overlooked, sets her apart as a valuable classmate and coworker.

 

 

 

 

Tianna's work ethic serves as a profound inspiration to those around her. Whether it's academic pursuits, community involvement, or any other undertaking, her dedication shines through consistently. Despite life's challenges attempting to knock her down, Tianna consistently rises stronger, fueled by a resolute determination to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her goals are truly commendable, showcasing a spirit that refuses to be deterred by adversity. Tianna is known to be a ray of sunshine wherever she goes, offering help to anyone who needs it. She always wears a smile and is easily amused and entertained, giggling throughout the day. I feel her personality traits are greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Summary

In summary, Tianna Benoit stands as a beacon of resilience, determination, and commitment to positive change. Overcoming a myriad of challenges, she has excelled academically, demonstrated exceptional leadership in community projects, and showcased an unwavering dedication to environmental causes. 

Tianna's remarkable work ethic, combined with her kind and collaborative nature, makes her not only a top-performing student but also a source of inspiration to those around her.  We believe that recognizing Tianna Benoit within her field of study will not only acknowledge her accomplishments but also empower her continued journey toward creating a brighter and more sustainable future.

Thank you so much for allowing me to create an opportunity to provide a better future, not just for Tianna and her studies but for the environment, persons with disabilities, women, and the LQBT community as well.

Thank you for your time and consideration when reading this petition.
I encourage all people who know Tianna or have been positively impacted by her ideas, community work, and kindness to sign this petition.