Metallica scholar Leticia Albert’s journey at Northland Pioneer College (NPC) has been one of persistence and resilience. Through it, she has learned that with hard work and the right support, dreams really can come true.
This May, Leticia walked across the stage as one of NPC’s very first Bachelor of Applied Management graduates. Leticia started taking college classes at NPC’s Whiteriver location in 2020, nearly 19 years after graduating high school. She had previously worked doing taxes within the community and as a manager at Hawley Lake for several years. She said, “As an adult learner, I was a little worried about going back to school, but I realized I wanted something more.”
With her loving father gently pushing her, she thrived. “My dad always would tell me his biggest regret was not getting his degree,” she said. “He really pushed me to continue my education and to always try my best.” She related, “I have a treasured memory of him staying up late with me night after night as I worked on my studies. We had set up an area in the living room to be my study station, and he would stay up with me deep into the hours of the night watching his westerns as I studied,” she said. “He wanted to be present. It was his way to show support. It was his influence and knowing that he was behind me all the way that kept me going.”
Her father has since passed away. He was able to see Leticia graduate with her associate’s degree several years back. “At the age of 85, he made the long trip to see me walk across that stage. I know he was proud of me then. He is even prouder now.” Her father’s photo now hangs in that study area in the living room. “He’s still watching over me,” she said.
The journey hasn’t been easy for Leticia. Losing her dad was devastating. In addition, she also lost her brother and extended family members, including a sister, three uncles, and an aunt. She began raising two of her young nephews. Leticia also spent over seven weeks in the hospital with a dangerous infection. Upon recovery, she had to relearn how to walk, talk, and complete everyday tasks. Reflecting on the trials, she said: “It’s taught me resilience and to really appreciate the good things.”
One of those, she said, is the Metallica Scholars Initiative. “I am a huge heavy metal fan, and when I saw a fellow student wearing the shirt, I wanted one too,” she laughed. “I’m so grateful for the program’s help. When I lost my dad, I lost my backup plan. I lost a support system, and I became the only support system for my nephews.” She continued, “With help from Metallica, I’ve gained a backup plan. They’ve provided a laptop, printer, external monitor, and gas cards.” She said, “It’s been a godsend.”
For Leticia, attending NPC and graduating with her degree was only a piece of her dream come true. “When I started attending NPC as a student, I told myself, ‘One day I am going to work here.’ I knew that by working at NPC I could make a difference.”
In time, she did just that. First as a part-time lab aid, then as a center assistant. Now, Leticia is serving as the lead manager for NPC’s Whiteriver location. “It’s truly a dream come true,” she said.
“Taking the leap of faith to apply for the center manager position at NPC was the first big decision I made without my dad’s counsel,” she said. “Getting a degree was my big goal. Working at NPC was my dream. Now I’ve gotten both.” She said, “I couldn’t have done it without my dad’s influence and the support of NPC and Metallica.”
