Growing up on Vancouver Island, Ava spent most of her time outside, building a deep connection to the natural world that continues to shape her path today. With a passion for adventure and a mindset always focused on the next expedition, she has discovered just how impactful a career in the outdoors can be—not only professionally, but personally. Now a student in TRU’s Adventure Studies program, Ava is turning that passion into purpose, developing the skills and confidence to pursue a future exploring remote landscapes and guiding others through meaningful outdoor experiences.
Tell us a little about yourself — where you’re from, what you’re passionate about, or anything else you’d like to share.
I grew up on Vancouver island, where I spent most of my time outside. Exploring a career in the outdoors has been one of my most fulfilling experiences and has drastically improved my mental wellbeing. If I’m not on an adventure I am probably busy planning my next one.
What drew you to this program, and what are you most looking forward to this year?
During high school, I spent three years in an outdoor education program where I got to explore the world of adventure guiding. I realized that the outdoors can be what I center my life around. It was from that program that I was introduced to sea kayak guiding and it eventually led me to the Adventure Guide Program at TRU.
I am most excited for the whitewater expedition in early May. I’ll be spending two weeks exploring new rivers with the people I have gotten to know so well over the past two years.
What do you hope to do with your training after completing the program?
My goal is to pursue a career in sea kayaking. The knowledge and training provided in the program has drastically increased my confidence and drive to complete further training and examination. My hope is that those skills will allow me to create a career exploring some of the more remote paddling locations.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying to Adventure Studies?
The adventure guide program is more than learning just hard skills. I have learned more about my personal capabilities and interests during the program than I even knew I had to learn. While the hard skills are a major advantage of the program, the support from faculty and peers is what makes the program so unique. Be open to anything and everything the program has to offer. And who knows, you might find out you love an activity you never thought you would.
