Chelsey's Story: Lifelong Learning at Northern Lakes College

For Chelsey Kinney, Northern Lakes College (NLC) has been more than just a place of education - it has been a foundation for growth, learning, and career advancement. From attending daycare on campus as a child herself, to her current role as program administrator, Chelsey’s journey is deeply connected to NLC’s commitment to accessible, community-driven education.

Chelsey’s academic path began with a plan to enter the nursing program, leading her to enroll in the Academic Upgrading program to complete her science requirements. However, she soon realized nursing wasn’t the right fit. Taking time away from school, she worked for a few years before discovering the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program (ATEP).

"I had some family members really encourage me. They said, ‘Teaching is something you’ve always talked about getting into.’ So, I returned to the College and completed my ATEP program and graduated with my Bachelor of Education in 2013.”

Chelsey also worked at NLC, first as a summer student in Facilities & Ancillary Services while still in high school, and later as a part-time employee during her post-secondary studies. After graduating, she spent five years teaching for the High Prairie School Division before an unexpected opportunity led her back to NLC. A former colleague reached out about a summer job at the College, and what began as temporary work soon evolved into a full-time position. "It grew from a summer position to part time, which allowed me to still sub in schools. And then they said, ‘We’d like to make this full time.’”

Recognizing her leadership potential, her supervisor at NLC encouraged Chelsey to pursue a Business Administration certificate to advance in her career. She completed the program in 2021, a decision that paved the way for her to step into a program administrator role in 2022, a position that blends her background in business and education. "It really drew on my skills through business, as well as my skills through my education degree. I feel like I get to utilize both.”

Like many students, Chelsey faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. Balancing full-time work with her Bachelor of Education program was particularly challenging. "There were times when I was in that program thinking, ‘I can’t do this. I’m working full time and trying to be a full-time student. I’m at my breaking point.’”

In those difficult times, Chelsey found encouragement from NLC staff who provided guidance and support. "I would go into my advisor’s office and say, ‘I just can’t do this. I’m not cut out for this.’ And he was always there to let me vent, collect my thoughts, and make a plan.”

Chelsey believes this kind of support makes NLC a special place for students. "Northern Lakes College truly does want to see you succeed, and we are committed to finding a path that fits your life, because we understand that you are more than just a student.”

Further encouraged by her supervisor, Chelsey recently began a Master of Education degree at Thompson Rivers University. She was drawn to the program’s strong emphasis on Indigenous Studies and appreciates the support NLC has provided for her continued learning. "I had thought about my master’s but put it on the back burner. Then, as of this past fall, I started working on my Master of Education. I’ve had financial and moral support from the College to go back and pursue higher learning.”

Looking ahead, Chelsey hopes to continue growing at NLC, possibly moving into instructional or coordinator roles. "I love my community, I love living in Slave Lake, and I love that I get to be a part of providing educational opportunities for others.”