Michelle Armstrong
From: Boissevain, MB
Graduating Program: Natural Resource Management Technician (NRMT)
Campus: The Pas, MB
Why did you choose to attend UCN?
I was interested in taking some sort of natural resources. I did a quick Google search, and UCN was one of the first ones that came up! I liked how it looked online, but I also wanted to stay in Manitoba. So, it was the only technician-related school in natural resources that was close enough. So that is why I chose UCN!
Why did you choose the NRMT program?
When I first graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to take some sort of environmental studies, and actually took like 3-4 years off from school before I went back. But it wasn’t until I started working in a provincial park that I really found myself in Natural Resources and knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to learn about the things going on around me and why I felt so good being outside.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences during your time at UCN?
This year, we got the opportunity to go to Churchill, which was so amazing! Before this trip, Thompson was the furthest North I had been in Manitoba. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into or what to expect, but I knew I did not want to head home. It was a big change for me, but we had such a good time. It was so nice to embrace all parts of Manitoba!
How have your instructors and others impacted your time at UCN?
I think each and every one of my instructors has impacted me in a different way. Some are more education-based, some are more personal development-based. But overall, they played a significant role in my time at school.
Everyone influenced my time at UCN. They offered fresh perspectives, and I was able to take it all in!
What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at UCN?
If you have a passion for something or you care about something and want to develop it? Then UCN is definitely a safe space for it. Everyone is very helpful.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time at UCN?
Honestly, graduating. I am not a big fan of school, and for me to graduate is amazing and I am very proud of that!
What’s next for you? Tell us your plans and dreams!
I don’t really know what my five-year plan is right now. I am an interpreter with Manitoba Parks, and I really like the job because I get to be a liaison for the natural world and for Manitoba Parks. I get to know all the things that are going on and get to communicate that with people. That’s my current job, and it is pretty awesome!
But in the long term, I don’t really know. I have always been a huge fan of forestry and the trees. So, we will see!! I kind of want to experience different areas of Canada, maybe see what things are like out East or West.
What advice would you give to someone just starting at UCN?
Have fun every day and experience everything you can. I know that there are people coming to the north from different areas of Manitoba or Canada, and it is important to have the northern experience. It has been life-changing for me, especially being from the South. You don’t know what to expect, but my advice is to be open-minded and have fun!
Message for family, friends, and instructors.
A big old thank you to everybody. I really do appreciate all the support from friends, family, and instructors who have listened to me talk about school and all the fun things we have been doing for the last two years. Just a very big thank you. It is greatly appreciated what they do and what everybody does to help a person achieve their goal.