Seizing opportunities: New grad made the most of her Lakeland experience

The college experience is about more than what’s learned in the classroom. Class of 2024’s Kyla Krahn took this lesson to heart during her two years as a student at Lakeland, taking as many opportunities as she could to get involved in campus life. Her efforts led her to be awarded the 2024 Vermilion campus President’s Medal at convocation.

Krahn, from Mather, Man., grew up on a grain farm and came to Lakeland looking for an education in agriculture and inspiration for her future. She was drawn to the school because of its strong reputation and on the recommendation of people she knew who had attended in the past.

Her college experience did not disappoint.

“I loved my time at Lakeland,” the agribusiness graduate says. “I had an amazing two years here. The atmosphere and sense of community is so strong. I got to know my classmates really well and my instructors on a first-name basis. In agribusiness, we learned the business side of ag, explored grain, cattle and other livestock aspects of farming and discussed various sustainability and precision ag practices. We also had a lot of opportunities to connect with industry, who came in to present to our classes. It was a very well-rounded approach to our education.”

Beyond the classroom, Krahn was involved in the Students’ Association, joining through a by-election in her first month at Lakeland. She enjoyed it so much that in her second year, she pursued a larger executive role. She joined Lakeland’s academic council as well, working with the college’s senior leadership team.

On the advice of her instructor, Krahn tutored her classmates in the mathematics and accounting courses of her program. She also volunteered at Open House and considers herself a Lakeland advocate for life.

Krahn also attended conferences, including the Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) Leadership Conference, Women in Ag Conference and the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Summit. She also stayed busy being involved in and attending on-campus events like Band in the Sand, rodeos and the Winter Gala.

As an Ag Tour Club member, Krahn could travel internationally to learn about different agriculture models. Together, the club would decide on a location and fundraise to get there. She travelled to Florida in her first year and then St. Lucia/Dominica in her second.

“It was an amazing opportunity,” Krahn says. “In bigger schools, they can’t have clubs like that, there are just too many students. Here, we had only10-20 students that attended and two instructors.”

The President’s Medal is awarded to two students annually, one from Vermilion campus and one from Lloydminster. It recognizes a student who goes beyond the classroom when it comes to leadership.

Winning the award, Krahn says, was a shock that made all the long hours worth it.

“It was an honour,” she says. “I gave it my all this year. Every spare moment was put into the life I have built at school. It made it feel like all the countless hours of studying and meetings and volunteering were worth it. It’s been a crazy year with everything I’ve been involved in and keeping my grades up as well. I know there were probably so many other students that were just as deserving and worked just as hard.”

Krahn is continuing her education, moving on to complete a bachelor of science in agribusiness at the University of Saskatchewan. She intends to find new ways to become involved at the university, like joining the Agricultural Students’ Association and other clubs – whatever she can find to fill up her time. She is considering working towards her CPA with a focus in farm accounting.