How Dual Credit Opened the Door to a Career for One High School Student
For many high school students, the future can feel uncertain. For one motivated student, however, a single conversation with a career coordinator at her high school became the starting point of a clear and confident path forward.
Encouraged to try something new that would meaningfully contribute to her post-secondary education, Addison Turnbull enrolled in the Academic Dual Credit program and began taking Recreation Management courses through College of the Rockies. What started as an opportunity to explore an interest quickly became a defining experience that shaped her education, career goals, and sense of personal achievement.
Addison’s interest in Recreation Management grew through hands-on experience. After working in a summer position overseen by professionals in the recreation field, she saw firsthand how leadership, planning, and community programming come together. When she began researching post-secondary options, College of the Rockies stood out. Its Recreation Management courses were unique compared to other colleges she explored and immediately captured her interest, prompting her to enrol while still completing high school.
Taking college‑level courses isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. For Addison, it meant carefully balancing academics with sports, coaching, volunteering, and other commitments. Over the course of her dual credit experience she completed seven Recreation Management courses, a pace that reflects both her personal motivation and her readiness to take on an added challenge.
“Making the shift from high school to college learning is huge,” Addison says. “Your learning becomes your responsibility.”
Careful planning, consistent routines, and keeping the bigger picture in mind helped her manage the workload. Every assignment and exam became an investment in her future. Dual credit gave her the opportunity to take that step early, at a pace that worked for her.
One assignment, in particular, confirmed that she had chosen the right field. As part of a course project, Addison designed a detailed seven-day children’s camp plan. The experience went beyond theory, she later brought the plan to life by running the camp during spring break at the Town of Osoyoos Community Centre.
“That assignment was so closely aligned with the jobs I was already enjoying,” she explains. “It confirmed that Recreation Management was the right path for me.”
Through dual credit, Addison gained skills she’s especially proud of, including time management, communication, leadership, and organization. Balancing the roles of student, athlete, coach, and college learner helped her grow into a more confident and self-directed individual.
This summer, she’ll be putting those skills into action as a Summer Program Coordinator for the Cactus Kids Day Camp. Having previously worked as a camp leader for two summers, she’s now stepping into a leadership role that includes programming activities, organizing field trips, managing registrations, and supporting camp staff. Her Recreation Management courses have prepared her with a strong foundation in behaviour management, planning, inclusive programming, and activity delivery.
Looking ahead, dual credit has changed how she sees her future. What began as a way to “try something new” turned into a clear vision for her post-secondary education and career. Graduating from high school in January with college credits already completed is an accomplishment she’s proud of, one that reflects persistence, planning, and a willingness to challenge herself.
“This achievement means I took on something challenging,” she reflects. “I stayed committed through demanding times and proved to myself that I could do it.”
She credits her success to the support of her family and educators, including her parents, Charlene and Boyd Turnbull, and her school librarian, Nina Ruck, who helped invigilate exams and provided ongoing encouragement.
When asked what success looks like to her now, her answer is grounded and personal: growth that shapes future goals. And for students considering dual credit but feeling unsure, her advice is simple.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new,” she says. “Challenges help shape your future and yourself. So, why not take the opportunity?”