Quesnel students are making a difference and succeeding in their studies at University of Northern British Columbia.
One proud Quesnel resident, Torrey McKenzie, along with Haylee Seiter, were selected as the 2016 UNBC valedictorians for the Class of 2016.
They each gave a brief speech during the Prince George convocation celebrations May 27 at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre. Their presentations were intended to signify a moment of celebration and respect to all those who have made the journey through classes, papers, projects and exams to the final culmination of all the hard work – their degree.
McKenzie is graduating with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biomedical Studies. She chose UNBC since it was close to home and to her family. She also enjoyed being outdoors. UNBC’s campus is surrounded by beautiful lakes and forests and provided her with an ideal mid-day trail run between classes.
While attending the university, McKenzie had the opportunity to experience many extracurricular events and activities which aided her finding new depths and interests within herself.
She’s now a supporter for sustainable food procurement and after volunteering and working with UNBC’s sustainability team, she discovered her true passion. She loves food advocacy work – from food waste management and community nutrition to food security and equitable food production. She has her time at UNBC to thank for awakening this inner drive.
During her four years at UNBC she thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all aspects of university life.
McKenzie has accepted a job with the Canadian Fair Trade Network, a non-profit organization in Vancouver. She will be the National Fair Trade School program co-ordinator.
“UNBC gave me a leading academic institute to develop my intellectual capabilities as well as a home which motivated and supported me to explore and nurture my own passions,” McKenzie said.