Fort St. John, B.C. – When Megan Wilson began considering a career in health care, she wasn’t sure where that path would take her. What became clear early on, though, was that she didn’t want to leave her home community of Fort St. John to pursue it.

After completing the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NBNP) in Fort St. John, Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNBC and received the 2025 Governor General’s Silver Medal. The award is presented annually to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing. She completed the accelerated program with a GPA of 4.31.

“Being able to study here, in my hometown, made a huge difference,” she said. “It allowed me to stay connected to my support system, reduce financial stress and build meaningful relationships in the same community I now have the opportunity to serve.”

Wilson is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John. Before entering the NBNP, she completed an Associate of Arts in Health Studies at Northern Lights College. When she learned about the nursing program’s focus on rural and northern care, it immediately felt like a natural fit.

“What drew me to nursing was the opportunity to combine scientific knowledge, critical thinking and empathy,” she said. “And what drew me to this program was its commitment to the North.”

Her clinical placements were all based in the community, including her first experiences at Peace Villa, the long-term care facility attached to the Fort St. John Hospital. That local grounding helped her grow both professionally and personally.

“The early days of clinical were intimidating,” she recalled. “But the support from instructors and the sense of community in our small cohort helped me find confidence and purpose in those early challenges.”

The experience became even more personal during the program’s first semester, when Wilson lost a close family member. Balancing grief and the demands of nursing school was one of her biggest challenges, but also one of the most formative.

“It deepened my understanding of what it means to care for people in vulnerable moments,” she said. “And it reminded me why this work matters.”

Throughout the program, Wilson earned several awards, including the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Award. Instructors and preceptors consistently described her as professional, accountable and empathetic. She became known for her ability to communicate clearly and advocate effectively for patients—skills that continue to serve her well in practice.

Wilson is now working full-time as a primary care nurse with Northern Health in Fort St. John. The position reflects her passion for holistic and preventative care and aligns with her long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.

“I’m committed to working in northern and underserved communities,” she said. “This program gave me the training, confidence and local experience to take the first step toward that future—right here at home.”

For Wilson, being able to complete her post-secondary education without leaving Fort St. John has meant more than academic convenience—it has helped her grow into a confident and community-connected health care provider. Her story highlights how regionally delivered education can empower students to stay, learn and contribute to the places they call home.

Wilson is one of a small number of regional campus students to receive the Governor General’s Silver Medal. Her journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when local talent is supported, nurtured and encouraged to thrive in place.