College of the Rockies

“I started to understand how my curiosity and passion were my best tools,” she said. “Being a good learner is really about asking the right questions and exploring your own thoughts.”

Maya moved from Edmonton to Kimberley to follow her passion for nature and to chase the lifestyle she loved. What she found at College of the Rockies helped turn that lifestyle into a meaningful career path in environmental science.

She chose the Associate of Science in Environmental Science diploma for its small class sizes, diverse coursework and transferability. Through hands-on learning and strong faculty support, she developed the confidence and practical skills for success. By the time she graduated, she had been accepted into multiple universities, including Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.

Maya’s highlights:
- Studying glacier retreat in British Columbia using satellite imagery tools. The project aligned with the United Nations’ International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and culminated in a presentation to a group of outdoor leadership high school students.
- Taking on a leadership role for a Riipen project analyzing ammolite fossils where she collaborated with industry partners while experimenting with x-ray imaging and laser ablation techniques.

She also got involved beyond her coursework through the Math and Science Program Advisory Committee and the College’s Sustainability Committee. One class project even grew into the foundation for COTRSustainabilityClub.

With her diploma complete, she is building on that momentum through hands-on experience in the field. After a successful co-op placement, she is continuing to work in ecology and environmental restoration, travelling throughout the Elk Valley to collect native plant seeds for reclamation projects. She plans to continue her studies at Simon Fraser University with a focus on applied biology, with the long-term goal of contributing to environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

Thinking about running for local office? Get the real story first.

On Wednesday, August 26, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, a panel of past and outgoing elected officials will share what serving in local government actually involves: the time, the pay, the impact on family and work, and what they wish someone had told them before their first campaign.

Free and open to anyone in the East Kootenay curious about running for council, mayor, or electoral area director this October. Attending doesn't commit you to anything. A virtual option is available.

Register: https://forms.gle/Hep95qC2zd49armCA
Election rules and key dates: https://elections.bc.ca/

“At the end of the day, I think what we all want is to feel like we belong.”

For Cassandra, the path forward has always been rooted in one simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.
“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been naturally drawn to helping people, especially those who might feel overlooked: children, seniors, and individuals facing unique challenges.”

That belief made the Education Assistant program a natural choice. Combining her compassion and ability to connect with others, the program offered a meaningful way to support others.

Her interest in supporting those with diverse abilities started early.
“I remember in kindergarten being drawn to students who were part of inclusive education,” she recalls. “I wanted to spend time with them and get to know them.”
That early instinct is now a clear philosophy: every student has strengths, even if they aren’t immediately obvious.
“I’m passionate about creating spaces where every student feels understood, supported, and welcomed, where they’re not defined by their challenges, but recognized for who they are.”

The hands-on practicum experience helped transform theory into meaningful practice. Having previously worked as an uncertified EA, she found that applying what she learned in real classroom settings was especially impactful.
“The most rewarding part was seeing how what I learned could actively remove barriers and build connections, sometimes in ways people thought were impossible.”

As she steps into her career, she is clear about the kind of EA she wants to be.
“I want students to feel safe, respected, and genuinely supported. More than anything, I want them to know someone believes in them, even on the days they don’t believe in themselves.”

Her goal is to help foster inclusive school communities where every student feels they belong.
“Sometimes it’s not one big moment that makes a difference, it’s the small, consistent acts of care, patience, and encouragement,” she explains. “If I can help even one student feel more confident and supported, then I’ll know I’m making the difference I set out to make.”

Our campuses will be closed on Monday August 3rd for the long weekend. We will return to regular summer business operations on Tuesday August 4th.

📸 This photo comes from our Mountain Adventure Skills Training program.

Calling all Local Businesses!

Are you looking for a great way to connect or promote your business or services within the College's student population?

Reserve a table for our Orientation Day on Tuesday, September 8th!

Contact the Student Life team to reserve your spot via email: [email protected]

Don't be left out!

Tuition fees for many of our programs and courses are due on August 7th. Paying your fees by the deadline ensures you have the class schedule you signed up for.

You can find information about your class schedule and fees at access.cotr.bc.ca

Meet Neha Parmar, a College of the Rockies graduate whose journey from Punjab, India to the Kootenays is defined by curiosity, resilience, and a passion for sustainability. Discover how she found her voice, embraced new perspectives, and is preparing to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Read Neha’s story and see why she’s a Graduate to Watch: https://cotr.bc.ca/blog/cotr-graduates-to-watch-neha-parmar-from-global-perspective-to-local-impact/

Think it's too late to follow your dream?
Spoiler: It's not!

At 45, Dianne Lund made a decision many people only think about - she started over.

After nearly 12 years in a stable administrative role, Dianne realized she wanted more than reliability. She wanted meaningful work that made a difference in people’s lives.

With the support of her family and a move back to Cranbrook, she took a leap, returning to school to pursue College of the Rockies’ Education Assistant program.

It wasn’t easy. Balancing coursework, family life, and practicum placements meant finding a new rhythm and pushing through moments of doubt. But along the way, something clicked.

Through hands-on experience in schools, Dianne discovered not just a new career, but a sense of purpose.

“This work isn’t easy, and it’s not glamorous,” she says. “But it’s incredibly important.”

Today, she’s focused on supporting students, fostering inclusion, and helping young people build confidence, one connection at a time.

Her advice?
If you’re not happy in your career, it’s never too late to make a change.

👉 Read Dianne’s story and see why she’s a Graduate to Watch: https://cotr.bc.ca/blog/cotr-graduates-to-watch-dianne-lund-finding-purpose-through-change/

For Aruni, now a Post-Degree Diploma in Sustainable Business graduate, moving from Sri Lanka to Cranbrook was as much about finding purpose, connection, and the confidence to keep growing as it was expanding her education.

During her time at College of the Rockies, she embraced new ideas, built meaningful relationships, and discovered how learning from different cultures and perspectives could strengthen her own passion for storytelling.

Today, success looks different to her.

"Success means gaining the wisdom to live a meaningful and peaceful life, and continuing to learn every day."

Read Aruni's story at https://cotr.bc.ca/blog/cotr-graduates-to-watch-aruni-kalupahana-from-stories-to-strength/