A chapter closes—and a new one begins—for Selkirk College’s Class of 2026.
At the Convocation ceremony on May 21 in Castlegar, graduates celebrate the credentials they’ve earned and the futures they’re about to build. Two valedictorians will help mark the moment with farewell messages to their graduating class.
Launching a Career in Business
Barbara Yohanna Pares Villarroel, Business Management – Postgraduate Diploma, moved from Chile to Nelson, BC, with her family to pursue her interest in business and become part of the Kootenay community.
*This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Why did you choose Selkirk College?
I chose Selkirk College because the Business Management – Postgraduate Diploma Program felt like a great opportunity to strengthen my knowledge in the field. Its location in the Kootenay region also made it an ideal choice for my family and me, allowing me to pursue my studies while staying connected to the community we had chosen to call home.
How was your learning connected to the surrounding community?
During my studies, I had the opportunity to apply what I learned directly to my own small business. Through developing and selling alfajores (a traditional Latin American pastry with soft cookies, dulce de leche filling and a chocolate coating) in the community, I used knowledge from marketing, pricing and operations to guide my decisions and continuously improve.
Being part of a close-knit community like Nelson allowed me to build relationships with customers, receive valuable feedback and adapt quickly. This connection between my studies and real-world experience made my learning especially meaningful and reinforced my passion for business.
How has living in the West Kootenay shaped your approach to business?
Being part of a small and close-knit community like Nelson reshaped my understanding of business. It highlighted the importance of relationships, trust and supporting local initiatives.
I learned that success goes beyond financial results. It is also about creating connections, building trust and contributing positively to the community. This perspective has made my approach to business more thoughtful and people-centred.
How did your time at Selkirk College prepare you to launch your career?
My time at Selkirk College gave me the tools to understand different areas of business, from marketing to operations and management. It also helped me develop practical skills such as problem-solving, communication and adaptability, which are essential for starting and growing a business.
Overall, it gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career.
Now that you’ve graduated, what is your next step?
I will continue gaining professional experience while growing my business.
I look forward to applying what I have learned in real-world settings and expanding my business within the community.
How do you hope to make an impact on your community?
I hope to make a positive impact by contributing to the local economy and supporting the sense of community that makes Nelson so special. Through both my work at a local restaurant and my own business, I aim to create experiences and products that bring people together and reflect my cultural background.
I also hope to inspire others, especially those starting over in a new country, to pursue their goals with determination.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about coming to Selkirk College?
I would say that Selkirk College offers a supportive and welcoming environment where you can truly grow, both academically and personally. The smaller class sizes allow you to connect with instructors and classmates, making the learning experience more meaningful.
I also found that the people who work there truly care about students and are always willing to support you when you need it. It is a great place to challenge yourself, build confidence and become part of a strong community.