A year ago, I participated in the Indigenous Pre-Cadet Training Program camp – where we were introduced to aspects of policing and even did a practice run of the police fitness test assessment. I was one of the top performers. It was pretty fun! 

The first week, I was just hurting. But by the time I left there, I had grown so much physically and mentally – I was just tougher. I was only training for a month. So when I do the six-month RCMP training, I’ll be ripped – look out for me!

In high school, I had struggled a bit with what to do for a career. At first, I wanted to be an x-ray technician, but math was kicking my butt. My cousin was going through boot camp training at the RCMP academy and I got to watch his process. It kind of inspired me to follow in his footsteps. 

Then, the summer after my first year of the police studies program, I was asked to help lead the same Soaring Eagles Indigenous Youth camp I had participated in when I was 15 – a five-day program geared toward youth who are curious about policing. Helping in that camp solidified everything for me. 

The police studies program has changed the way I go about my daily life. I used to need to be forced to go to the gym or get out of bed to go for a run, but now I do that just because I want to – that’s become part of who I am.  

The program has been very good for my emotional maturity, too. I can handle a lot more mentally and emotionally. Before, I had a very fixed mindset on things, but now I’m more open and willing to hear other people’s opinions, their voices, their concerns – and I think it’s just really changed me for the better. 

The second I started this program, I realized I needed to dial in. I’ve just been working so hard and now here I am – so excited to graduate. I’m ready to go!

– Eden Melnyk, Police and Investigations - Police Studies student

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