Golden Key Student to Head to Washington for Presidential Inaugural Conference

BRANDON, MB — It really pays to study. Just ask third-year Brandon University (BU) student Lyne Milette. As a member of the local chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society, she has received an unparalleled invitation — to the Presidential Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C. in January 2013.

“I received this invitation and of course accepted to attend. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” said Milette, who is also the mother of two teens and a military wife. “I really want to analyze the thoughts and the psychology behind politicians’ debates and speeches, to find out how they inspire the population to follow their ideas and become involved, how they promote patriotism and so on.”

A native of Sorel, Quebec and a French-only speaker, Milette first embarked in English-for-Academic-Purposes (EAP) classes in September 2010. After a three-month EAP course, she officially launched her post-secondary education — primarily in English — with a major in psychology and a double minor philosophy and French. With a GPA of 4.03 — that she achieved while her husband was away in Afghanistan for 14 months during her studies — she is on track to finish a three-year degree in two years.

“I’ve seen and have experienced a lot of life. This gives me a perspective and a great advantage that 20-something university students may not have,” she said. “My experience allows me to see beneath the superficial and allows me to focus on how people think and the long-term results of decisions. I have a good nose to know how things will turn out, more so than someone who simply listens to a speech and does not investigate it further. I’m not limited to the emotion of the speech, I like to dig behind the words and seek out their long-term motivation.”

One of her professors, Dr. Steven Robinson has witnessed Milette’s seriousness and determination, two qualities that have enabled her to shine in her studies.

“Of all of my students, Lyne was the one making the most connections between the course material and her own life and times,” he said. “I have also had opportunities to speak with her outside of class and learned that she is a very engaged and principled student who is committed to bettering her circumstances through higher education. I have high hopes for Lyne in her future educational and professional achievements. She is an excellent candidate to attend the Presidential Inaugural Conference in Washington, D.C., and I know she will make the most of this wonderful opportunity and will make Brandon University proud.”

Of this student’s achievements, Brandon University’s President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff said: “This is exactly why I wanted Brandon University to become members of Golden Key. This is just the kind of student that we need to encourage and I am so pleased that she will be able to attend this historical event. ”

Milette will be in D.C. from January 19 to 23, 2013, during which time she will take part in presentations and Q&A sessions with the Honorable John Ellis (Jeb) Bush and the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. as well as various debate sessions. She will have the opportunity to witness the Inaugural Parade as well as enjoy a private tour of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and take part in the Gala Inaugural Celebration. Upon her return from this event, Milette plans to give a lecture at BU. Details will be shared as soon as they become available.

“One of my goals in doing this is to encourage my fellow students, whether they’ve immigrated to Canada and they’re having a hard time with English or they’re finding their overall studies difficult. I know what it’s like,” said Milette, who added that the help she has received from her professors has enabled her to succeed. “The greater the effort you apply to your studies, the greater the benefits at the end of the line. Effort produces beautiful outcomes and great opportunities. Maintain your courage. You never know what’s around the corner.”
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