Mountain biking leads to forestry career

"Be open to new possibilities and new adventures."

That’s Rachel Dalton’s advice to anyone thinking about returning to school or making a career change. A third-year student in Malaspina University-College’s Bachelor of Science program, Dalton is studying to become a Registered Professional Forester – a major career shift from her previous job as a bank teller in Alert Bay.

So what led Dalton to Malaspina? In 1997, she was married, raising a family, and working part-time. Tragically, her husband Stephen was killed in a jet-ski accident, leaving Dalton – then 30 years old – a widow with three children under the age of eight.

Out of necessity, Dalton began working full-time at the bank, but she longed for a more fulfilling career. "Life is short and I wanted to make a difference," she explained.

An avid mountain biker, Dalton loved being outdoors, especially in forests. While riding, she began thinking seriously about a new career. Forestry seemed to be a logical choice.

Dalton enrolled in Malaspina University-College’s two-year Forest Resources Technology program on the Nanaimo campus in September 2002. "The program has an excellent reputation and studying at Malaspina allowed me to remain on Vancouver Island with my family," Dalton said.

Although moving to Nanaimo and returning to school full-time was a scary proposition, Dalton’s hard work, clear focus and determination to succeed eased her transition to university life.

"Completing the Forest Resources Technology program became the goal I focused on," said Dalton. "Failure or quitting was never an option." During her second year, Dalton dreamed about joining fellow classmates and instructors on an international field school in France, one of 30 such field schools available to Malaspina students.

"But traveling to a far away place didn’t seem realistic, with three children, a household to manage, never mind the cost," she said. Weeks before the trip, Dalton received a scholarship that covered all her travel expenses. She was selected by faculty to receive several other scholarships (totalling $7,000) and received the Canadian Institute of Forestry Gold Medal.

Studying overseas "was better than I ever imagined and a turning point in my academic career," said Dalton. "It allowed me to learn from forestry professionals in another country, and to learn more about myself." The experience boosted Dalton’s self-confidence and solidified her plans for the future.

Malaspina faculty encouraged Dalton to continue studies in forestry and pursue the title of Registered Professional Forester. They explained how credit earned during a third year at Malaspina can be transferred to the Forestry degree program at the University of B.C. Dalton plans to apply at UBC once she completes a final semester at Malaspina.

For anyone returning to school, Dalton offers these words of wisdom: learn how to break down your academic goals in manageable baby steps, adjust your plans as needed and keep your end goal in focus.

"Work hard and take full advantage of scholarship and bursary opportunities available through Malaspina’s Financial Services department, even if winning seems unlikely," she added. "If you feel that you are losing focus, or when your choices seem too difficult, Malaspina’s advisors, counselors and faculty members are wonderful. They can offer advice and support, and will help you find your way again. They are truly there for you."