Sometimes not knowing where you are headed can lead to the greatest discoveries.
Spencer Dakin Kuiper’s time at College of the Rockies began when he was recruited to play volleyball for the Avalanche. The Lethbridge, Alberta native was familiar with the College through his sister, who completed the Mountain Adventure Skills Training program at the Fernie campus, and he was excited for an opportunity to live in the mountains.
Though he knew he wanted to experience mountain life, and to play volleyball, Spencer was less sure about what he wanted to study. Rather than committing to a specific discipline, he instead completed an Arts and Science certificate which afforded him the opportunity to take a variety of courses. He soon found his niche, and in his last semester his courses were all environmentally-focused.
After completing his certificate, Spencer transferred to York University in Toronto where he joined the varsity volleyball team and worked toward a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. In the summer he would return home to Alberta where he worked at Waterton Lakes National Park, first as a part of the vegetation restoration crew and, in his last year, as wildlife guardian.
After completing his Bachelor of Arts in Geography from York in June 2018, Spencer was hired as a conservation lands technician for Credit Valley Conservation Authority in Mississauga, Ontario. He aims to return to school in a few years to complete his Master’s degree.
Learn more about University Studies Arts and Sciences.