Try new things to discover options

When Calgary-born Traelyn Rachar began thinking about university, she describes the experience as “nerve-racking.” She was unsure of what her academic interests were and what type of career she wanted to pursue. So, she says she started her post-secondary journey with a wide view.

“I wanted to meet different people and keep options open to learn and grow personally,”says Rachar, a Bachelor of Science — Environmental Science student, who began by taking courses in general science. “I didn’t even consider environmental science — I didn’t really know about it.”

That was until she began to draw connections between classes, noting that much of what interested her was drawing her toward environmental science, despite not being an “outdoorsy person.” She enjoys nature and wants to protect it. “It’s a passion of mine. You don’t have to be outdoors for your work in the future — there are so many options.”

However, Rachar discovered she enjoyed the hands-on experience of field trips such as aquatic ecology, where she tried electrofishing, a common survey method used to sample fish populations, for a full day. “I got to touch a real fish! Identify the fish, collect invertebrates and see them under the microscope, which links to the class material. Hands-on learning really helps with the class.”

Crediting her professors for her continued confidence pursuing environmental science, Rachar says, “they are so experienced and have done so much. I feel privileged to learn from them. You’d think they’d be intimidating but they are not. They’re friendly and approachable. It’s a warm community feeling - they care about you.”

In addition to support from professors, she has worked with Career Services to secure work terms and volunteers with the Students’ Association’s free breakfast program. Rachar says these services have helped her build interpersonal skills, like starting conversations. “You can go anywhere to get an education but it is these services that make MRU the place to be.”

Rachar will be starting her first work term this year and will continue to explore her options by volunteering with Friends of Fish Creek, building a network in the environmental community to last for the long term.