Lexie is a Bachelor of Business Administration – Sustainable Business Practices student. Recently completed as part of a course assignment, the following blog gives the perspective of a College of the Rockies student, in her own words. Thanks, Lexie!
Meet Me – A Business Student Who Loves the Outdoors
Hi – my name is Lexi! Business student by day, clinic administrator by profession, and wife & dog mom at home.
I am an outdoor enthusiast. I have a big vegetable and flower garden, I love camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, but telemark skiing is my all time favourite thing to do (the freeheel skiing where everyone yells at you off the chair because it looks so cool)!
Balancing school, work and all of life isn’t always easy – especially with the amount of computer time there is. But when I am outside, my brain switches ON and the real work gets done! I often go out for a dog walk on my nearby trails to reset, recharge and take a break from the computer – and this is when my mind starts to roll. I come up with new ideas, frameworks & visions, and then have to run home to get it all into words. I know that seems impractical, but it works for me!
The Moment Everything Clicked: Studying Sustainability in Andorra
In 2022, I went for a once in a lifetime trip to Andorra (I know, everyone says that about their holidays), but this one was REALLY cool! Offered by the college, the Mountain Sustainability Field School brought together a group of students who were passionate about sustainability and travelling – and off we went to the Pyrenees Mountains to learn!
Being in such a tiny country, surrounded by the mountains gave me a completely new perspective. Sustainability wasn’t just theory anymore—it was integrated into real life in the Pyrenees mountains, and right in front of me. My worldview expanded, and I started to understand the connection between how business and sustainability practices could work together with synergy, not against each other.
Why Online Studies Were the Right Choice for Me
After 3 semesters of in-person studies in Cranbrook, choosing to finish my degree online was the right choice for me. It meant I could move home; close to my family and start building my life in the place I wanted to – without dreading having to move again in the future.
Flexibility is THE essential element that drives my life. With 2 rowdy dogs, a house and property to care for, and a busy work schedule – I need every commitment to be somewhat flexible, including school. Online learning allows me to structure my time around all the other commitments in my life and work on projects when I want – like when I rush home from a dog walk with a spark of inspiration!
Online schooling also gives me the freedom to pursue my true passion: telemark skiing. I am part of a ski team (@tele_dogs), and during the winter, we always have creative projects on the go: filming new videos, competing in contests and skiing our brains out to ensure sanity for the remainder of the year.
Instead of having to choose between priorities, the flexibility that I have incorporated into my life ensures that I can juggle everything and supports ALL of my goals.
What I’m Learning – and How I Use It Every Day at Work
One of the most rewarding parts of my studies is taking what I am learning and implementing it at work.
I work for a small business in Williams Lake, and I am an integral part of an expansion phase. My job is very project-based, and my responsibilities vary everyday. Some days I am improving organizational systems, brainstorming big picture business growth strategies or making valuable connections in the community. No matter my task, I find myself applying sustainable business skills in my job that I only have in my toolbox because of my studies.
It’s incredibly motivating to be in the implementation phase my learning. Where sustainable business isn’t just theoretical—it’s a mindset that I use everyday.
How My Program Prepared Me for a Career with Purpose
Above all, my program has helped me think about the kind of future I want to build.
I’m not just working toward a job—I’m working toward a meaningful career. I want to be part of something that makes a positive impact, whether that’s through sustainable business practices, supporting communities, or contributing to meaningful change.
This educational journey has had its ups and downs, but overall has shown me that it’s possible to combine passion and education and implement it into a career that truly aligns with who I am and what I want to be doing.
And for me, this is just the beginning!