A Lakeland College business administration student is among the hundreds working to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

As a contact tracer, Shelley Taylor helps Albertans by communicating with people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

“I research through an extensive database and pick a person to see if they tested and, if they have, I look at their results. I call to inform them that they were in contact with someone with the virus and give them their isolation mandates. The information varies depending on their results and if they encountered the variant. Then I input when I contacted them on their chart, so they are aware of their isolation dates. Sometimes, I'll also help book tests,” says Taylor.

Taylor is happy to help her fellow Albertans since retiring from nursing in 2015 due to a vehicle incident. The accounting major has been tracing full-time since February while balancing her studies. She says her virtual studies have given her the time to take on the role and improve her computer skills. “I'm much more proficient now in business computer applications, which I'm using for contact tracing.”

Taylor enrolled at Lakeland following her vehicle incident. Intent on carving a new career pathway, she's working towards becoming a chartered professional accountant and kickstarting her bachelor's degree in commerce. She's on track to graduate from Lakeland this May and will then continue her studies at the University of Calgary. Taylor explains she was able to transfer some of her Lakeland program credits to enter the UCalgary's program.

She adds she's been able to thrive at Lakeland because of its smaller class sizes and with support from instructors. She's also learned beyond the classroom and applied her knowledge with the Lloydminster and District Co-op Business Club Concession during Rustlers Athletics' home games.

Taylor says she'll be working as a contact tracer until October, with a possible extension if her studies allow the time.