I wanted to create something meaningful while in my degree not outside of it.
I have worked in the environmental and agricultural sector for years but was looking for a new experience and ways to build my skills for future opportunities. The Master of Arts in Climate Action Leadership Program became just that for me, opening the door of the climate sector, which I believe is and will continue to be the largest job creator in the world moving forward.
In my final year, I decided to curate my own course with the supervision and incredible support of my mentor and program head, Robin Cox. I started a land-based climate action program for Indigenous Youth out of the Victoria Native Friendship Centre called the IndigeMind program. In the past year, I have had the unique opportunity to pair my work and schooling and really put to use the skills I have learned in MACAL and help encourage the next generation of youth climate leaders. I get to put into practice my knowledge and passion of climate action in a meaningful and practical way.
The program has impacted my professional pursuits in a very direct way. Not only am I obtaining a masters degree in a very important and rising field, but I was also given the freedom to utilize my creativity in an academic context. I wanted to create something meaningful while in my degree - not outside of it. Personally, having the opportunity to be in the drivers seat of my academic journey has given me confidence in my abilities to not only be a climate leader but affect change where I see a need. I wanted to be a change maker in my learning journey, and it was very important to me to integrate my values into my studies.
If you're considering the program my advice to you is be intentional and direct in what you want out of your experience at Royal Roads. It can be difficult to know exactly what you want out of your degree at the start, however, you will get more out of your time at RRU if you can be thoughtful and clear about your goals. I wanted to create something new and different and set out to do that. Additionally, take full advantage of the opportunity to embark on experiential learning in your final year. I am a firm believer that the best learning comes from the field, whatever that field may be. Living and doing the actual work. Try your best to carve out an experience at RRU that focuses on and prioritizes that type of learning and you won't be disappointed.