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For Nicole Higgins, the Agricultural Campus in Truro, Nova Scotia has always felt like home. Growing up locally and attending Cobequid Educational Centre, she became familiar with the campus at a young age through annual open houses—memories that would later influence her academic journey.

Nicole knew she wanted to pursue something science-related but wasn’t entirely sure which direction to take. Enrolling in Truro Start at the Faculty of Agriculture gave her the flexibility to explore her interests while staying close to home.

“I had always heard good things about the AC and how small class sizes allowed students to have more one-on-one time with professors if needed so I thought that would help me get the best grades possible and that’s why I chose to do the Truro Start Science program.”

Truro Start allows students to begin their Dalhousie degree on the Agricultural Campus in Truro with a close-knit group of students along with dedicated resources and support. Students build a strong foundation in their chosen field before transitioning to Halifax for their second and final years.

It didn’t take long for Nicole to realize the Agricultural Campus had far more to offer than she had expected. “I was able to get the prerequisites I needed, and I really enjoyed learning about agriculture and exploring the different opportunities within it,” she explains. This discovery led her to transfer into the Faculty of Agriculture, where she chose to major in Animal Science.

Several aspects of the program stood out to Nicole. The small class sizes allowed for more personalized, one-on-one interaction with professors, creating a supportive learning environment. She also appreciated the unique experience of being around animals, which provided both hands-on learning opportunities and a sense of calm during stressful times.

Now preparing to graduate with her Animal Science degree, Nicole is looking ahead to a future in healthcare—specifically, she hopes to pursue a career in pharmacy. Her degree has equipped her with the necessary prerequisites to apply to pharmacy school, keeping her goals well within reach.

As the first member of her family to attend Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture, Nicole has forged her own path while staying connected to her roots. Reflecting on her experience, she highlights the strong sense of community as one of her favorite aspects. “You get really close with your classmates because you share so many classes together,” she says.

For those considering the Faculty of Agriculture, Nicole offers practical advice: take full advantage of the available resources. “The help from professors is incredible and supports like the Math Help Centre can really improve your understanding of challenging topics.”

Nicole Higgins’ journey is a testament to the value of exploring opportunities close to home—and discovering just how far they can take you.