When asked how she had changed and matured at BCSS, Class of 2013 graduate Brianna Elliot said that when she first came to BCSS from Revelstoke in grade 8 she was dead set on being a vet.
But that’s changed a bit as she’s been accepted to Olds College in the two-year Agricultural Management program. “After that I’d like to get my degree in Agricultural business,” she explains
As far as naming what she wants to be when she grows up though, these days she just says, “After that – my career in general – I’d just like to wait and get more experience.”
She is appreciative of those, including the teachers at BCSS, who helped her realize what she wanted to be and to set realistic goals around that. “The teachers helped me look at which subjects I really appreciated more than others. “
Although graduation isn’t until June, Brianna has finished all the courses required of her a semester early and is already out working to put money away for school this September
When this interview was done in January she was a couple of days from the end of her classroom experience and was still considering her job options
She has since taken a job at Christian Valley Service in Rock Creek. They are lucky to have her too as she brings valuable skills to the job. She lists a wide range of work experience on her resume - in restaurants, timber cruising in the forestry industry, at Phoenix Blossoms, and a lifetime of experience on the farm
“I have worked on a ranch since I was born,” she laughs. “I am a really committed worker – determined.”
She has eight years of 4-H experience with many awards behind her as well - starting when she was nine years old. “I have had various projects from a heifer, to a steer to a carcass animal.
As one of the first members of the local Ranch Horse 4-H club she helped get it up and running. Brianna has served as4-H club president for multiple years as well as in other officer positions. She explained that these roles put her in a position of responsibility. “The parent leaders weren’t allowed to step in. The youth are responsible for all the planning and final decisions for the club, including helping the younger members through mentoring and teaching.”
She has benefitted from 4-H through trips such as Youth Action Conference in Kamloops for a week and the Provincial Club week in Naramata with about50 kids.
“4-H is a great program that I benefited a lot from - it helped me from public speaking to record-keeping to the responsibility of keeping an animal,” says Brianna.
She says she has played hockey since she could pretty much walk. “I played for Midway – the Boundary Predators.
I’d love to play baseball forever as well – being part of the ladies fastball team is a great experience.”
Although she’ll be leaving BCSS a semester early she’ll be back for the graduation ceremonies.
She credits her family as her motivation for maintaining her place on the honour roll throughout school.
To which counselor Pam Storie replied, “Hard working! The Elliot motto.”