Stephanie

Potter

Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism, Bachelor of Arts in Geography & the Environment
Thunder Bay, ON

After a gap year abroad spent working and playing in New Zealand’s wild outdoors, I knew that Lakehead University would offer me the learning opportunities that I sought. Lakehead University’s School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism (ORPT) is one of the leading programs of its kind across the country. ORPT offers numerous practical experiences yet maintain a strong academic focus. Courses such as the Theory and Practice of Parks, the Theory and Practice of Tourism, and Programming fit directly with the education and experience requirements of my perspective employment opportunities. For example, in one of my classes, I was able to design a new program for the Friends of Jasper National Park, an organization that I had worked for the previous summer. Not only did this make the project more meaningful and reinforce the class theory, it offered me the opportunity to give back to a past employer/community. Through my geography classes, such as geomorphology, climatology, and GIS, I have been able reinforce and expand on my learning in ORPT.

Not only does Lakehead University offer individualized learning opportunities, it is located on the north shore of Lake Superior, in the midst of spectacular ice and rock climbing routes, an intricate network of lakes and rivers that foster endless amounts of flat and white-water paddling, world class cross-country skiing, and more. Lakehead University’s students take pride in making the Thunder Bay area fun and accessible, often through clubs and organized events. For the past two years I have been the co-president of the Northshore Telemark Ski School (join us on Facebook), a long-time club that strives to provide students with an affordable, inclusive opportunity to learn how to “free their heels” on alpine ski slopes. Such clubs and events are an important part of student life at Lakehead University as they help connect you with like-minded people and foster life-long friendships. Through a challenging and supportive environment, Lakehead University has helped make it possible for me to reach my academic and personal goals, while continuing to prepare me for the future.