Harlan House

Harlan_House.jpgNorQuest College student Harlan House was grateful for the recent opportunity to educate his classmates about his passion for dance.

In particular, Harlan discussed the privilege of being one of 350 First Nations dancers from across Canada to participate in the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Harlan is enrolled in NorQuest College’s Academic Upgrading program. After choosing NorQuest based on positive feedback from his friends, he’s happy to be receiving the education he needs to realize his goals.

The Paul First Nation dancer talked about his Olympic appearance as part of the program's communication unit.

“It was amazing to be part of, a life-changing experience,” says the 33 year old with a smile. “It’s still amazing. I still watch the opening ceremonies video when I am at home. A lot, actually.”

While Harlan beams when talking about the Olympic opportunity and says it was definitely a lot of fun, he notes that it was also a lot of work. Vancouver was great, he says, but the necessity of rehearsals prevented him from seeing much of the city.

“For 13 days straight, we woke up at 5 a.m., drove an hour and a half into the city, spent 10 hours at B.C. stadium and then back to our residences,” he says. “The schedule was tough on us, but worth it.”

For Harlan, the timing of the opportunity couldn’t have been better. Years ago, before the Olympics and following a pow-wow, he had doubts about his future as a dancer – particularly as he didn’t own his own costume.

However, after praying to the Creator that night, the next day he received the gift of his own costume from a family that long admired his dancing.

It was a strong lesson, he says, that faith and perseverance pay off. It’s a lesson he continues to apply towards his education.

“I knew then, as I know now, that this is what I am supposed to do.”

Congratulations to Harlan! NorQuest College is proud to help learners complete or further their studies.