Returning to school as a mature student is never a simple task. Brooke Ghostkeeper can attest to that. In spite of the challenges, her advice to others is concise: “Just do it! It is a life-changing experience. Things just fall into place.” It is evidently worth the sweat and tears, as Brooke’s…

A former combat soldier and kindergarten teacher, Matthew Oostvogels blends his unique experiences with his passion for education and international development. He recently co-authored a children’s book, Akiki’s Journey and the Rights of the Child. The book chronicles the journey of Akiki who,…

Ken McKen says he has returned “home”. After seven years away, he is back with Northern Lakes College (NLC), to assume the role of Chair, Trades & Resource Technology and Continuing Education & Corporate Training. Ken has an extensive background in the trades industry and a sincere passion to mentor…

Alumni Joline Lambert In conversation, Joline Lambert is vibrant and energetic; it’s evident that a day spent with junior high students is a day she enjoys. “From the age of five, I aspired to be a teacher. I don’t ever want to leave the classroom,” she comments. Joline teaches at Oski Pasikoniwew…

Northern Lakes College alumni Kris Porlier has worked in the field of paramedicine for 20 years and is passionate about the contribution paramedic practitioners bring to the health system. Kris returned to studies in 2016, after 15 years of paramedical experience, to obtain his Advanced Care Paramedic…

It all started with an invitation from the alumni of the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) program to their Northern Lakes College instructors to come and see them putting their learning into action. In her email, alumni Gloria Fierro’s excitement was palpable, “I just wanted to drop you a note…

Ashley Sturgeon has accessed her Academic Upgrading courses while travelling. She has accessed them from home. However, her favorite place from which to access her courses is from the Northern Lakes College campus in Peace River. The flexibility of the NLC LIVE Online™ delivery model that allows her…

When Elder Ekti (Margaret) Cardinal arrives for her OnCourse with NLC podcast interview, she is bubbling with energy. It is a beautiful fall day and she has just made the drive from her home near Joussard to the Northern Lakes College campus in Slave Lake. Moments after stepping into the building, she…

Northern Lakes College has always been a part of Andy Alook’s life. As a youngster, he would often accompany his dad, Russell Alook, to the campus. Russell was an instructor in the College’s Academic Upgrading program at the Wabasca Campus for over 30 years. His mother, after raising her family,…