On a regular basis throughout the year we will be featuring one of our alumni who will tell us what they have been up to since graduation and provide current Minis with valuable advice and insight.
Featured January 2017
THEN
NOW
What have you been doing since graduating from the Mini?
I studied kinesiology and health sciences at UBC then went on to work as a marketer for a local horticulture company. A rather unconventional route, I'll freely admit. But, 10 out of 10 would do again. Work is really fun and challenging. Plus, the flexibility allows me to travel. I've crossed 13 countries off my bucket list so far. Most recently, I spent 6 months living in Taiwan and travelling around Asia. I spent time with so many amazing people from all different walks of life, learning their stories and sharing meals. It was one of the most memorable and eye-opening trips of my life. And, as an added bonus, I can say that my previously non-existent Mandarin skills have been upgraded to mildly proficient!
What is your favourite Mini memory?
My one and only trip to Manning was the greatest school field trip I had ever been on. The leftover pie from that trip also initiated my class' Pie Day tradition.
What advice can you give to Mini students while in school and once they have graduated?
Don't get so caught up in the future (or the past) that you forget to appreciate what is happening here and now. Not everything will go according to plan. And that is completely okay. I had my life charted out before I even graduated from high school. I would be in grad school by this age and married by this age, kids, career and so on. But things don't always work out the way you want. Don't stress out too much if they don't. The detours and speed bumps are where you find the things you didn't even know you were looking for. Lastly, just travel. Travel as much as you can. It's the best.
What have you gotten out of your Mini experience?
Some of my closest friends. Well, that and overcoming my fear of chairlifts.