Cat has built her life around seeking meaningful experiences in wild places. After living in eight different B.C. communities and spending a year in Queenstown — where she worked as a zipline guide and explored some of the South Island’s most iconic national parks — she discovered just how powerful it can be to connect people to the outdoors. Now a second year student in TRU’s Adventure Studies program, Cat is deepening her skills in adventure leadership and preparing for what’s next, including an upcoming ski expedition to Norway’s Lyngen Alps. With interests in emergency medicine and pursuing her ACMG ski guide certification, she’s charting a path that blends technical expertise, leadership and a lifelong passion for the mountains.
Tell us a little about yourself — where you’re from, what you’re passionate about, or anything else you’d like to share.
Hey, I’m Cat! I grew up in 100 Mile House, but since leaving in 2019, I’ve lived in eight different towns across British Columbia including Squamish, Whistler, and Galiano Island.
I’m passionate about the experiences that can be found in nature, either on my skis in the winter or in the alpine during the winter.
Fun Fact: I lived in Queenstown, New Zealand for a year!
I did lots of exploring all over the South Island including hiking Mount Aspiring National Park, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, and Fiordland National Park. Fiordland was my favorite because of the mix of stunning fiords, snowy peaks, and the ancient Southern Beech forests.
What drew you to this program, and what are you most looking forward to this year?
I was drawn to the Adventure Program after spending a year abroad in New Zealand. While I was there, I worked as a zipline guide. Through this, I had the opportunity to help connect people to the outdoors; a process I found to be very rewarding. Afterwards, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in outdoor adventure to continue to facilitate experiences in nature.
I’m most looking forward to going on our Ski Expedition this May to the birthplace of skiing—Norway. Our group includes five students and faculty member Jerry Isaak. We plan to complete a series of day trips to three primary ski objectives in the Lyngen Alps.
Read more about Cat’s upcoming expedition here.
What do you hope to do with your training after completing the program?
After the program, I plan to use the skills I’ve learned here to continue to pursue a career in the outdoor adventure industry. What that looks like, I’m not yet sure of, but I’m really interested in blending emergency medicine with outdoor pursuits, and also pursuing a career as a ski guide under the ACMG.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to Adventure Studies?
Advice? Take the leap! If you’re passionate about the outdoors, don’t mind sleeping outside more often than being at home, and are curious about how you can turn your love of the outdoors into a career, TRU Adventure Studies is perfect for you.
Thanks for sharing, Cat!
