How VIU’s Pathways program helped Kylie rebuild confidence, discover purpose and step into a nursing career
When Kylie Fraser enrolled in the Pathways to Post-Secondary program at VIU, she wasn’t sure what career direction she wanted to go. In fact, she wasn’t even sure if she belonged in a classroom at all.
With just a Grade 7 education and in the early stages of addiction recovery, while simultaneously trying to rebuild her “sense of self” and figure out what she wanted to do with her life, Kylie had her doubts. However, she knew one thing for sure: “I wanted to give back to those who supported me and helped me through my addiction.”
Pathways helps students get where they want to be, whether it’s successfully completing a class they’ve been wanting to finish for a long time, acceptance into a program that they want, or a move into a new career, says Program Coordinator Roberta Jenkins.
“The support is holistic and individual – everyone needs different support to be successful, so Pathways provides that personalized support for each student.”
For Kylie, the program added something else: the chance to start fresh. “Pathways was the chance to start over in a structured, supported environment instead of trying to navigate everything alone.”
Kylie had “very low expectations” of herself when she began the program. School had always been a struggle and previous attempts at returning to school as an adult hadn’t worked out.
“I was nervous, unsure and honestly expecting that I might fail again,” she remembers.
Still, she entered the program with “a willingness to try and that changed everything.”
The program meets students where they’re at with their needs and helps them build their skills step-by-step.
“Every successful class helped rebuild my confidence,” Kylie says, adding it wasn’t just about the subjects and her grades. Before Pathways, Kylie struggled with feeling like she belonged in “normal life,” and often felt like an imposter in any room she walked into.
“The program helped me realize that not only do I fit into the world, but I also have something meaningful to contribute.”
Kylie took a Biology 12 class during the program, which ultimately led her to a decision about her future.
“I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I found myself completely drawn to it, especially to human anatomy,” she said. “That class sparked my interest in a medical career.”
Now, as a second-year Licenced Practical Nursing student at VIU, Kylie’s favourite part so far has been the hands-on learning that connects classroom skills directly to patient care.
“Seeing how those skills translate to real patient care has been incredibly meaningful,” she says. “Pathways has played a huge role in making my desired career feel achievable. It changed ‘I hope I can’ into ‘I know I can.’”
Kylie also credits Roberta for her success.
“She created a space where I felt comfortable asking questions, navigating challenges and was such an important part of my journey,” she says. “She advocated for me and so many others and I truly believe the program is as strong as it is because of her support. I’m incredibly grateful for everything she did.”
For current or future Pathways students, Kylie offers some advice: “Don’t underestimate yourself. Pathways isn’t just upgrading, it’s a chance to rebuild your foundation and discover what you’re capable of. I expected to learn academics. I didn’t expect to learn who I was.”
Ready for your move into a new career? Learn more about the Pathways program