Finding her way forward: Kaylynn’s return to NSCC

Returning to a place that felt like home 

When Kaylynn Isles returned to NSCC as a mature student, she was recovering from a medical emergency that had put her life in jeopardy. Unable to work for several months and relying on social assistance, she struggled financially and emotionally.

Kaylynn had previously graduated from the Human Services program at Burridge Campus in 2012 and built a career in the non-profit sector. She also started a small concession business, which sparked an interest in entrepreneurship. After watching a friend return to NSCC, she enrolled in Business Administration at the Digby Learning Centre.

“I had such positive experiences at NSCC in the past that, when I came back, it felt like coming home,” says Kaylynn.

The welcoming learning environment and support from her instructors helped Kaylynn regain her confidence. She became involved in student government, pursued leadership opportunities and travelled to Finland through NSCC International.

“Through all of those experiences, I fell back in love with life, and I rediscovered how wonderful it is to learn,” she says.

Receiving help when she needed it most 

While studying, Kaylynn relied on student loans to cover her education and living expenses. Managing school and employment alongside her disabilities was more than she could handle, and financial pressures continued to build.

At times, dietary needs made groceries particularly expensive, and Kaylynn felt she had to choose between food and medication. Campus food security supports gave her access to food in a familiar and trusted environment without travelling long distances from her rural community.

“It is much easier to learn, concentrate and succeed as a student when you don’t have to worry about where your next meal is coming from,” she says.

Kaylynn also received a Cost of Living Bursary and accessed Urgent Aid when health complications and limited income left her unsure whether she could continue her studies. An NSCC counsellor encouraged her to apply.

“At first, I questioned whether I deserved it,” Kaylynn says. “The counsellor and other mentors reassured me that my struggles were valid and that Urgent Aid existed to help students like me continue moving forward.”

Support that protected her education

Rapid Response-funded programs helped Kaylynn regain her footing. Urgent Aid eased enough financial pressure for her to remain focused on school, while food security support helped ensure hunger did not become another barrier to completing her education.

“Urgent Aid helped ensure that I didn’t have to choose between surviving and continuing my education,” she says.

Kaylynn also received three student awards, the R.G. Sobey Leadership Award, Dave Saxton Community Leadership Award and the Office Interiors "Love The Tay You Learn" Award. Receiving the awards helped with expenses and gave her a meaningful sense of recognition, encouraging her to acknowledge the progress she had made and continue saying yes to new opportunities.

“Knowing that someone read my story and deliberately chose me made me feel incredibly thankful and proud,” she says.

Coming full circle at NSCC

After graduating from Business Administration in 2025, Kaylynn continued her education through NSCC’s two-plus-two articulation agreement. She is now completing the final year of her Bachelor of Commerce at Saint Mary’s University.

Her journey has also brought her back to Burridge Campus as an NSCC employee, where former instructors are now her colleagues.

“Just as I was fully supported as a student, I feel equally supported now as a colleague and employee,” she says.

Kaylynn credits donors with helping protect her education and giving her the hope and relief she needed to continue.

“Your contributions remind students that their future, and they themselves, are worth investing in,” she says. “Contributions like yours are one of the reasons I can stand confidently where I am today.”

Make a difference today

Join us this Season of Giving to support students like Kaylynn through Rapid Response, ensuring they have support when they need it most and that there’s enough food for all.

Show your support by donating to Rapid Response today, supporting your Campus Food Bank or contacting us to discuss how you can support students facing food insecurity this Food for All Fall.

By phone: 902-491-2181 or 1-866-745-7919 (toll-free) 
Email: foundation@nscc.ca 

To see options for giving online

Donate to Rapid Response

Link to list of Campus Food Banks