In this episode, we sit down with Sylvia Fraser, an Applied Business Technology instructor at Northern Lights College, to explore what trust really looks like in vocational education. Sylvia shares how her unconventional path, from retail to the classroom, has shaped the way she connects with learners who are building practical skills for real-world careers.
She highlights the small, human moments that create the strongest impact like taking time to have lunch with students, showing genuine interest in their lives, and bringing her authentic self into the room. These simple gestures, she explains, are often what help students feel seen, supported, and capable.
While Sylvia touches on her own experiences with imposter syndrome, the heart of the conversation focuses on how authenticity, consistency, and everyday interactions build powerful trust in vocational classrooms. Her stories remind us that you don’t need a PhD to change a student’s trajectory. You just need to show up, be yourself, and believe that what you offer matters.
00:00 – Introduction
4:12 Sylvia’s Background
9:00 – The Applied Business Technology Classroom
13:00 – Authenticity in the Classroom
20:10 – Fighting Imposter Syndrome
27:30 – The Differences Between PHd and Vocational Instructors 30:00 - Advice for New Educators
