The long drive to class turned out to be worth it for Steinbach Campus student Carmina Dueck, who last week won a Literacy Partners of Manitoba (LPM) scholarship recognizing success in adult learners.

Dueck, who completed the Health Care Aide program through Steinbach’s Adult Learning Centre, was awarded an Eastman Region LPM Learner Scholarship at a Nov. 20 ceremony celebrating Literacy Partners’ 25^th anniversary.

Despite the 100-kilometre drive to campus, Dueck completed her Health Care Aide certificate on a part-time basis, received her mature high school diploma in June 2012, and is currently registered for RRC’s Bachelor of Nursing degree program.

She detailed her RRC experience in the most recent issue of LPM’s Write ON magazine.

“My horizons were broadened. My eyes were opened. My mind was expanded,” she writes.

“I felt vulnerable as I experienced worry about grades, frustration over assignments, and a pounding heart as exams were handed back. But everything was balanced out with joy, accomplishments, and higher levels. I persisted in my academic journey and won.”

Shown: Carmina Dueck (right) with Holly Banner, President of Literacy Partners of Manitoba