It’s the end of a memorable chapter and a future filled with possibility for Selkirk College’s Class of 2025.
A spring tradition, Selkirk College Convocation 2025 celebrates graduates in all programs who have earned a credential that will power them onto careers that will bolster the communities where they live. The college’s mission to inspire generations of changemakers through relevant, inventive and sustainable education will be on display at the Castlegar Campus for the May 22 ceremony.
Two valedictorians have been chosen to represent their peers at the two different ceremonies—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—and deliver a farewell address for the Class of 2025. A time to reflect and share gratitude, Applied Environmental Science & Planning Technology Program student Charlie Murdoch and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program student Hannah Mounsey will do the honours this year.
To learn more about these outstanding students, we asked each valedictorian six questions about their time at Selkirk College.
An Education from Around the World to the West Kootenay
When Hannah Mounsey stepped into post-secondary for the first time, she recalls being terrified. Growing up in a family that moved every two years, Mounsey lived in England, Wales, Spain, Italy, the United States and Canada while her parents provided a rich homeschool environment.
Stepping through the doors of Selkirk College into the Academic Upgrading Program was a completely new experience and by the time those initial nerves faded, she was all-in. From upgrading to the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, Mousey excelled inside the classroom and out.
“Hannah is a dedicated nursing student who consistently shows professionalism, excellence and commitment to supporting her community, be that of her peers, her patients, or her colleagues,” says one of her instructors.
A leader in the program, Mounsey spent time as a member of the Canadian Nursing Student Association, worked with community stakeholders on a number of projects, and was part of several student groups and activities.
Living in the beautiful community of Glade, the 24-year-old took whatever available extra time she had from her studies and training to get involved in her community as a volunteer fire fighter and first medical responder.
Six Questions with Valedictorian Hannah Mounsey
Why did you choose Selkirk College as your place of study?
I first came to Selkirk as an adult upgrading student, and I didn't have a concrete idea as to where I wanted my future to go. As I took biology, chemistry, English and math, I was doing a lot of self-reflection about what I wanted from a career.
Growing up, I had always wanted to go into the medical field, and I began to research the nursing program at Selkirk College. I talked to some neighbours who did the program and they told me that it was great. I realized that I could actually meet the application requirements through the upgrading I was completing, which was really exciting for me, as I hadn’t ever really felt like I would be able to succeed in post-secondary education given my untraditional background.
I chose Selkirk College as my place of study not only because it was local (in one of the most beautiful places on earth, in my opinion), and allowed me to remain with my family while in school, but also because I found it to be such a supportive environment. My interactions with the amazing adult upgrading staff, and my family and boyfriend’s support, pushed me to apply for the nursing program. Knowing it would be a small class size, and that I’d be able to work in the hospitals in my local area, were great bonuses. I wanted to have an educational experience that felt supported and personal, and I feel like that has been my experience in the nursing program.
What impacted you the most in your time at Selkirk College?
I feel so grateful to have has so many opportunities to learn and grow as a person. The experiences I have had through the nursing program have exposed me to many different people, and thus many different perspectives and lived experiences.
I also feel that I had the most wonderful cohort—I truly feel so lucky to have been able to navigate the past four years with them all. The community and friendship has been incredibly impactful on my experience in post-secondary. As someone who moved around every two years growing up, I feel so lucky to have made so many connections that I feel will last a long time.
I think that despite being located in a rather rural area, Selkirk College does a great job at providing opportunities for its students to find their community at the school. There were so many times I walked into The Pit and there was an event going on to promote mental health, or consent, or even just providing food for the students. I think this really helps to foster an environment where people feel welcome.
With your new credential earned, what is your next step?
The next step for me is working as a registered nurse in the local community! I'm very fortunate to have been selected for the Rural Emergency Department Education Program, which has allowed me to take my emergency nursing training while in the last year of school. Delving into this very new and exciting world has been overwhelming in the best kind of way, and I’m excited to continue growing as a novice ER nurse in my community.
How do you hope to make an impact on your community?
Throughout my time in nursing school, I feel like I’ve seen sides to my local community that are often overlooked. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been able to work with and learn from people who have experienced many different hardships in life. As I continue my journey as a nurse, I hope to be able to advocate for my community, and help get people connected with the resources we have available. Living in a more rural area comes with many wonders and difficulties. I’m really passionate about continuing to be involved in pre-hospital emergency care through my fire department, and delving into ways the nursing perspective might be beneficial in this area. I’m a strong advocate for sexual and reproductive health, and supporting, and eventually (after getting more experience as a nurse) becoming more involved with the support systems we have in our community for people who have experienced sexual assault.
Any advice for those thinking about coming to Selkirk College or just entering post-secondary?
I think that entering post-secondary—especially for people like me who have little experience of the educational system—is a very daunting experience. Knowing the resources available to you helps to alleviate some of this stress—and there are a lot of resources at Selkirk College. I am a huge advocate for Adult Upgrading, the teachers are all so passionate about what they do and so helpful and supportive. I would advise anyone who wants to refresh themselves and improve their knowledge before taking the dive into post-secondary to use upgrading!
In terms of ways to cope with being in post-secondary, my first piece of advice is always SLEEP! I can’t understate how much my mental and physical health improved when I began to prioritize sleep in a more proactive way. It truly allows you get the most out of your education when your brain and body get the rest they deserve.
I think my biggest piece of advice for entering post-secondary is to be curious. Ask questions, because even if you think they might be stupid, there are no stupid questions. There is so much knowledge out there in the universe, so many different perspectives and experiences. By asking questions, you open yourself up to all sorts of wonderful opportunities to learn, grow and enhance your understanding and way of being in the world.
What should the outside world know about the Selkirk College Class of 2025?
I think the outside world should know that the Class of 2025 is resilient. Throughout the past few years, British Columbia been impacted by the long-term effects of COVID-19, devastating wildfires, heatwaves, the ongoing drug toxicity crisis, and an ever-changing political landscape. Everyone has been touched by these events in some way or another. I think that throughout all of these events, the class of 2025 has shown a passion for and commitment to the future—to improve and support local communities, to reduce harmful environmental impacts, to promote equity regardless of socioeconomic status. I feel that the class of 2025 will move forward to create a better, more sustainable world.
Learn more about programs at Selkirk College.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.