When Sydney Stonehouse graduated from the Bachelor of Recreation Management program in June 2025, she was already making an impact in the field she is passionate about. Working as a Recreation Coordinator with the Tla’amin Nation in the qathet Region (Powell River), Sydney was able to apply her education in meaningful ways while supporting the health and well-being of her community.
Over two years with the Tla’amin Nation, Sydney gained valuable experience developing and delivering recreation programs, fostering community relationships, and supporting initiatives for people of all ages. The role provided a strong foundation for her growing career and reinforced her commitment to creating positive recreational experiences.
Today, Sydney has taken the next step in that journey as Sport & Recreation Program Coordinator with the City of Powell River. In her current role, she continues to build inclusive and engaging opportunities that encourage community participation and connection.
“I’m grateful to continue building my career in recreation while creating meaningful programs and opportunities for the community,” says Sydney.
Reflecting on her time in the Bachelor of Recreation Management program, Sydney says the flexibility of online learning and the strong sense of connection among students and instructors stood out most.
“The best part of the program was having the flexibility to learn online while still feeling connected to my classmates and instructors,” she says. “I had the opportunity to learn alongside people who shared the same passion for recreation, and being part of such a supportive group made the experience incredibly rewarding.”
One of the most memorable aspects of her educational journey was the friendships she built along the way.
“One of the greatest highlights was meeting a lifelong friend who I was fortunate to complete the entire program with. Together, we supported and encouraged each other every step of the way, making the journey even more meaningful.”
Sydney’s story reflects the power of combining education, practical experience, and community connection. As she continues to grow as a recreation professional, she remains dedicated to creating programs and opportunities that make a positive difference in people’s lives.