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David Meuse
Community Minds
I realize how valuable our ways are and how we can teach and spread knowledge through the drum circle.
David Meuse
David Meuse needed to believe he could be a role model before he could become one. He credits NSCC with helping him find that path.
The 31-year old Mi'kmaq drummer, musician and actor is taking Academic & Career Connections which helps high school graduates like himself prepare for any career option or next level of education.
"This program took my skills and enhanced them," says David who now calls himself a "monster" to express how passionate he is about NSCC.
Whenever he gets the chance he shares that passion with the younger generation from his home community of Indian Brook First Nation and other aboriginal communities around the province. NSCC faculty members often encourage him to speak to potential students.
"There's a lot of hidden talent in kids they don't always see in themselves. I wanted to show them that if I can do it, they can do it."
At age 15, David joined an established Mi'kmaq drumming group called Eastern Eagle, which has produced 8 CDs. In a NSCC course called 'Building Community Capacity through Volunteers', he started two other young drumming groups at the Glooscap Friendship Centre. One is called High Tide Society and the other, A Tribe Called Mi'kmaq, is an internet sensation, reaching the final rounds of an online contest called Powwow Idol. Drumming, says David, is a powerful way of helping youth stay connected to their culture, their passion and themselves.
"I realize how valuable our ways are and how we can teach and spread knowledge through the drum circle. Everyone who sits in the circle is just as equal as everybody else."
David is also a steady support to his fellow students. He doesn't miss a day of classes and plans to get honours in every course by the time he graduates in June of 2011.
His goal is to start an entertainment business based in Millbrook and he says NSCC is already helping him get there.
"The community college is like a big family," David says. "Coming to class is like coming to an office where I am building myself and piecing myself together. There are always new people to meet, something to learn, new barriers to cross."
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