Rooted In Home: Wright Sisters Build Their Future Without Leaving It Behind

For Hannah and Holly Wright, staying close to home for post-secondary felt right in their bones.

Raised on a ranch south of Lloydminster, the sisters found a way to chase their goals without stepping away from the life, the land, their family, and the rhythm they’ve always known. It means early mornings, shared responsibilities, and still being there for the everyday moments that matter, especially with their younger siblings.

For Holly, now in her third year of the university transfer community-based Bachelor of Education program through the University of Calgary, that balance has become part of her daily life.

“I spent every morning with my dad doing chores and helping out with calving,” she says. “I’m able to ranch and train colts and get a full education as well. Being the oldest sibling, it’s nice not to miss out on being part of my younger siblings’ childhood.”

Through the program, Holly completes most of her studies locally at Lakeland College’s Lloydminster campus, travelling to Calgary for a few weeks each summer. It’s a structure that’s allowed her to ease into post-secondary without losing the sense of home she values.

She’s known for a long time where she was headed.

“I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since Grade 6,” she says. “Hannah and I both went to school in Paradise Valley. There were only about 200 kids in the whole school, and 11 in my graduating class. Going straight into a big university would have been a big jump. This way, I still get that experience in the summer, but I don’t have to leave everything behind.”

Hannah’s path looked a little less planned, but no less fitting. Originally considering school in Lethbridge, she found herself pulled toward Lakeland for a mix of opportunity, familiarity, and the chance to be part of the college’s rodeo team.

“The rodeo team was definitely a deciding factor,” she says. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that in Lethbridge. I’ve always loved doing hair, and I really enjoy the hands-on side of the program and getting to work in the salon. The instructors are amazing, and I’ve made a lot of really good connections and friendships.”

That passion came to life recently at the Border Beauty Showcase, a student-led event that brings together industry professionals, students, and competitors for live competitions in hairstyling, barbering, esthetics, and makeup artistry. Competing in the avant-garde category, Hannah created a bold, peacock-inspired look. Doing both her own makeup and serving as her team’s model.

“Having something like that on campus is exciting,” she says. “It brings in new faces and gives us a chance to show what we can do. It was just a really fun experience.”

Outside the classroom, both are members of Lakeland’s rodeo team, competing in barrel racing and pole bending. Hannah leans more toward barrels, while Holly focuses on poles. This natural split keeps the competition friendly.

“Growing up, we were always entering little rodeos around home,” Holly says. “Now, it’s also about getting our young horses out there, letting them see new places and gain experience. When it comes time to sell them, we can say they’ve been off the farm and handled that environment.”

Looking ahead, their paths are taking shape in ways that still reflect where they started.

Holly plans to step into a classroom of her own one day, while continuing to spend her summers helping on the ranch. Hannah is preparing to begin her career in a salon. However, the two aren’t done building something together. After taking a makeup artistry continuing education course side by side, they’ve launched a joint hair and makeup service, already booking grad sessions and starting to grow their client base.

It’s just another way they’re building something of their own, together, without ever letting go of where they come from.

In a world that often tells young people they have to leave to find something more, Hannah and Holly Wright are proving something quieter, but just as powerful: sometimes, you can build a beautiful future right where you are.