One day, Ryan Hansen hopes to return to Britannia, not as a student, but as a teacher. After completing his final year at Britannia, Hansen says his life has been transformed by the opportunity to learn under the guidance of the inspiring and culturally aware teachers in Britannia's Outreach program and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre's ARIES program.

A member of the Metis Nation, Hansen regularly inspires other students with his strong personal commitment to positive change in his life.  However, this wasn't always the case.

When he was younger, Hansen was frequently removed from class for misbehavior. It took a smaller class and some incredible teachers at Britannia to help him realize how much potential he had. 

After graduation Hansen headed to Langara College, where he is working on completing a few courses before transferring to Simon Fraser University to launch into his teaching degree. 

"I want to become a teacher and go work at ARIES, or maybe the Outreach program, because I want to help other people change their lives, just like they helped me," said Hansen. "I know I wouldn't have graduated in June if those programs didn't exist."

Hansen's newfound commitment to academic excellence is inspired by his mother. He says she's a role model for him because of her hard work as a single parent.  A driving force in his life, ultimately he says he just wants to make her proud.

Click here to read a Vancouver Sun story about Hansen and his success.