Northern Lakes College has long been a catalyst for transforming lives through education, and Holly Friesen's inspiring journey from student to instructor exemplifies the College's commitment to empowering individuals to achieve their dreams. Through dedication, perseverance, and a passion for learning, Holly has navigated her way from the Business Administration Certificate program to her current role as an instructor at the Peace River Campus, leaving an indelible mark on both her students and the College itself.

Holly Friesen's educational journey began in 2010 when she enrolled in the Business Administration Certificate program at Northern Lakes College. With a background in office administration, she aspired to transition into the human resources department of the school division where she worked, and also sought greater professional security.

“I wanted to play a larger role in the school division, but I also knew I needed to build on my education. My husband is not from Peace River, and I knew that if we decided to move, it would be very hard for me to find a comfortable job with only a high school diploma. So, I enrolled in the program.”

Balancing work with her studies, Holly took two courses each semester, attending evening classes to accommodate her busy schedule. Encouraged by her success in obtaining the certificate, Holly's academic pursuits eventually led her to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration before completing a Master of Business Administration degree in 2021. Supported by over 16 years of combined experience in administration and human resources, as well as her necessary academic credentials, Holly was soon hired into an instructor role at NLC, where she now teaches in the same Business Administration program that she once completed herself, as well as other NLC business department programs.

As an instructor, Holly is keenly attuned to the unique challenges faced by mature and rural students. Understanding the importance of flexibility in education, she prioritizes developing flexible course schedules to accommodate students' diverse learning needs. Additionally, Holly advocates for students who may be hesitant about returning to school, advising them to start with one course in a certificate program to gauge their interest before committing to further studies—a testament to her commitment to supporting her students' success.

“Students don’t have to do every program full time. They can start with one or two courses and see if post-secondary education is for them. There’s no need to speed through college. At NLC, students can do what works for their schedules.”

Looking ahead, Holly aspires to obtain a Master in Adult Education degree to enhance her career prospects in post-secondary education. She also entertains the possibility of pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration, perhaps to further advance her career in human resources in order to provide a voice of advocacy, a testament to her lifelong commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and assisting others. As she concludes, "Education, to me, is always worth the effort.”