VoFLC: Lori Dykstra

Since working as a student news writer for my college in Michigan, I’ve been interested in marketing for higher education as a career. I knew that in that setting, I could work with, learn about, and impact many subject areas rather than focus on one thing. That fits my personality; I think—many interests. It’s hard to pick just one passion. I searched for jobs in Durango on a whim. My dad grew up in New Mexico, and we made many visits here through the years while visiting family, so I was familiar with the area. I found an entry-level marketing job at a local company, where I dabbled in web maintenance and the basics of front-end development. I discovered I love that work. After a few years in that role, the Web Marketing Specialist position opened at FLC. It was a stretch at the time, with my limited coding skills and experience. But it’s where I knew I could flourish: doing the work I loved in an industry I always hoped to be in, with a mission and strategic plan I am deeply passionate about. I can’t believe how much I’ve learned between then and now, with the support and confidence of my team.

I could name so many inspiring and educational events I’ve experienced here with the students, staff, and faculty. So is it weird that the first one that comes to mind is the holiday cookie bake-off this past December? I entered with banket, a Dutch pastry with almond paste filling that my family makes every Christmas. It was fun to share some of our cultures that way, and it won the Traditional category! But there was one specific moment - when the choir sang carols, and I looked around at students having fun right before exams as I sat alongside some wonderful colleagues…it was magical. It had been a challenging semester personally, and I felt refreshed and energized by that event.

My name is Lori Dykstra, and I am the Web Marketing Specialist at FLC.