Alumna Interview - Heather Dyck
Heather Dyck was born and raised in Winnipeg and took piano lessons since the age of 6. She currently live in Abbotsford with her husband Calvin Dyck. He received his doctorate in Performance Violin from the University of Southern California in 1991. They were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Alumni of Northwest, Calvin and Heather have two adult children, Christine and Andrew, who are both school teachers.
What did you appreciate about your studies at Northwest?
During high school, a touring singing group from Northwest came to our church. I thought they were really great and because my sister had gone east to Bible school, I thought going west would be a good idea. Plus, the idea of travelling across the country playing piano for a singing group appealed to me. So, I’m afraid that my interest in attending Northwest wasn’t very spiritual or lofty, but I did have an interest in delving deeper in my faith.
I appreciated meeting Professor Wayne Reese on my first day at Northwest. I auditioned for him and became the pianist for the choirs and ensembles in Northwest, as well as the pianist for a touring group.
My classes at Northwest exceeded my expectations. I have great memories of classes with Professor Wayne Reese and Professor Gwen Reese, as well as Old Testament with Dr. Sturhahn and Revelation with Dr. Dressler. This was the kind of in-depth learning I was looking for.
I so appreciated the opportunity to play the piano for a travelling singing group as part of my studies at Northwest. I also appreciated the social opportunities I had with the professors in out-of-class events.
How did your time studying at Northwest prepare you for the years ahead?
I completed a course in public speaking while at Northwest which has come in handy more than once in my life. The opportunity to play for choirs, ensembles and chapels at Northwest prepared me for my years after graduating as I used my music in many ministries - teaching piano and other music ministries. So as I look back on my days at Northwest (some forty years later!), I still have fond memories of my time there.
What was the impact of dorm life while attending Northwest?
Dorm Life was very impactful -nothing can prepare you for living with dozens of other people when you’ve only ever lived at home. Conflicts and opinions and love and fun abounded. We had many crazy times living in dorm. Lots of happy memories.
Describe how God has used seemingly bad situations in your life.
As with anyone’s life, there have been peaks and valleys - but I see God’s faithful hand in my life as I look back. He had/has a plan and I trust in His good plan.