A Mom and Her Three Daughters Find Their Way at Bow Valley College and in Life

28 years after she last walked out of a high school classroom, Stephanie Buckley and her youngest daughter took their first steps onto Bow Valley College campus. It was the start of something bigger: a family learning together, each on their own path, navigating challenges, change, and growth at different stages of life.

Stephanie and her three daughters have all been Bow Valley College students. Their journeys have been unique. Together, however, their story is about persistence, and the understanding that education does not follow a single, narrow path.

Back in the classroom

For Stephanie, choosing Bow Valley College felt like a natural step. She had already experienced the college through her daughters and appreciated how welcoming it felt, even before even starting classes. “Seeing how easy and user‑friendly the website is made things very easy to navigate and find answers,” she says. Just as important was the campus community. “The one thing that stands out most for me is the inclusivity and diversity at the college.”

Coming back to school wouldn’t be all sunshine, however. Stephanie has dealt with dyslexia and chronic pain and had to spend nearly a decade at home on Canada Pension Plan Disability. When she finally gained control of her pain, she decided it was time to reclaim her independence.

“Some would say that I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up.”

Returning to the classroom meant re-learning how to be a student – figuring out course requirements (she initially chose to enter the Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate), navigating the physical layout of the campus, and managing nerves about fitting in as an “older” student. Some things were surprises. A keyboarding course she thought would be easy wound up being somewhat challenging. “Who would have thought a keyboarding course would be so hard and frustrating,” she says with a laugh.

Over time, Stephanie also learned that progress sometimes means changing direction. While she is continuing in the VOA program, Stephanie applied to enter the Administrative Professional Certificate and will be starting next fall. The decision was about realizing it would be a better fit for her existing skills and interests.

“I wanted to show all my children that no matter my age or theirs, you can always try a new path in life by going back to college or university.”

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Three daughters, three paths

Each of Stephanie’s daughters came to Bow Valley College with different goals and at very different moments in their lives.

Her eldest daughter, Kylie, chose the college because it was accessible and affordable. “I wanted to further my education without spending too much,” she shares, noting her grades in high school were not quite what she wanted them to be. Once enrolled at Bow Valley College, she enjoyed the sense of community, participating in campus events like the Pride Parade and Halloween celebrations, and simply enjoyed learning.

But during her studies in the Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate, Kylie experienced a profound loss. Patch, her childhood dog and constant companion through multiple cross‑country moves, passed away. “He was my best friend when I had no one else except my family,” she says.

The grief came at a time when she was still fresh out of high school and trying to figure out who she was. “I was not in a state to keep pursuing veterinary practice after Patch passed away,” she says. Kylie then made the difficult decision to step away from her studies.

Looking back, she gives herself grace while being honest. “I do regret leaving,” she admits, adding that the skills would have been useful in her current office job. What she regrets more is not reaching out for help. “I closed in on myself instead of reaching out,” she shares. “I am sure if I had come out of my shell, I also would have been supported.”

While she did not complete her studies, Kylie did carry forward important life lessons and has some good advice: “Don’t run from your problems or emotions, even when they’re scary. Connection means so much more than we realize during hard times. It’s never too late to start.”

Learning challenges and self‑advocacy

Stephanie’s second daughter, Kelsey, took quite a different path. Living with autism and learning disabilities, she entered Bow Valley College with accommodations and support in place. She enrolled in the Early Childhood Education and Development Diploma and, as Stephanie recalls, “poured her heart into her studies.”

Kelsey asked lots of questions, sought clarity when needed, and advocated for herself. She completed her diploma, started working full‑time, and no longer relies on AISH support. “I am proud that she was able to find something to help her earn and not rely on AISH anymore,” Stephanie shares.

For Stephanie, her daughter’s success reinforced a lesson she now shares openly: “You are your biggest advocate, no one else once you become an adult.” Seeking academic advising and learning accommodations made a meaningful difference in her own experience as well. “I just wish more students would understand that asking for help is not a terrible thing,” she says.

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Onwards and upwards

Stephanie’s youngest daughter, Katrina, chose Bow Valley College because it offered programs that matched her interests. What stood out most to her was the classroom environment. She credits instructors who created “a very fun and friendly environment that encouraged students to participate and effectively learn.” Katrina also appreciates how her instructors connected course material to real‑world examples.

Partway through the Justice Studies Diploma, Katrina realized the program was not exactly what she expected. Rather than seeing this as a setback, she used the experience to examine her values and refine her goals.

“This has led me to apply for the Legal Assistant Diploma,” she says, explaining that the legal aspects of justice are what interest her most. She will complete her Justice Studies Diploma before continuing into the next program.

Her advice to students navigating potential changes in academic plans is practical and direct: “Speak with a learner success advisor about your program journey to ensure you complete all classes on time.”

A shared belief

Despite their different experiences, Stephanie, Kylie, Kelsey, and Katrina are united in the belief that learning is lifelong and deeply personal. Their journeys show that progress does not always look the same, but it is always possible.

“No disability can hold you back,” Stephanie implores. “Advocate for yourself. Ask questions. No question is a bad question.”

And sometimes, that advocacy starts with simply showing up.