Meet the Agricultural and Food Sciences Class of 2022
The spring convocation ceremony celebrating Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences graduates is Thursday, June 9. Meet some of the members of this amazing group of students.
Lacey Calder
Diploma in Agriculture
Why did you pick your program?
I chose to pursue a diploma in agriculture because I have always had a passion for agriculture, I always knew that I would one day be pursuing agriculture in post-secondary. However, what made me chose the diploma program specifically, was hearing all the great experiences of those who took it before me.
Tell us about your academic journey.
Doing university completely online during COVID was challenging, we all had to learn how to adapt to different learning methods and had to keep ourselves focused. Though it was challenging, I believe that it also made us as students better prepared to face the real world. By doing this, we have become better at working independently and have learned to manage our own schedules.
What advice would you give a new student?
My advice for student’s considering the Diploma in Agriculture Program would be to try new things while in university. Joining clubs and participating in extra curriculars are great ways to build networks and new friendships.
Where are you going next?
In the fall I will be transferring to Olds College to achieve a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agri Business. After this is completed, I hope to come back to my family’s grain and beef farm in Carlowrie.
Adam Dmytriw
Diploma in Agriculture
Why did you pick your program?
I choose the Diploma in Agriculture because as a mature student I had a very specific needs. Complete my higher education, and develop the necessary skills and knowledge that will serve me as I grow in my career as a leader in business and management. Given my horticulture background and desire to learn more about Manitoba’s leading industry, Diploma in Agriculture was a perfect fit. I could skill up and get back into the workforce following the two-year program.
Tell us about your academic journey.
Completing my entire program remotely was a very interesting experience. Remote learning was beneficial as it allowed me the flexibility to create my own study schedule. Of course the downside was never meeting my classmates and instructors in person. However, we all found after a while our own unique way of communicating and actively engaging as if it was business as usual. I feel apart of a special club of Diploma Grads, as only we will know what it’s like to complete the entirety of Diploma remotely.
Favorite memory of your program?
I had so many wonderful experiences during my time. From discovering my love for soil, to joining the faculty as a student ambassador. Virtual farm field trips were still a blast as was connecting with and developing new relationships with the many people I came across during the past two years.
Where are you going next?
I have just accepted the role of Small Business Advisor for Scotiabank and will be assuming my post at the Winkler Branch next month. I have the School of Agriculture and all the amazing instructors and staff of Diploma to thank for helping me finding my place in Agriculture.
Kyungbin (Molly) Bae
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture – Animal Systems)
Why did you pick your program?
I have a love and empathy for animals and an affinity for working outdoors. I initially wanted to go to vet school.
Tell us about your academic journey.
The first half of my degree was in person, and the last half online. During COVID I definitely missed going to lectures in person, the labs and the farm facility tours which all ended up being delivered as videos. But I also learned to be flexible and adapt to a new style of learning, and many profs and instructors did their best to ease the transition and help students get the best out of the online learning experience, which I am grateful for.
Favorite memory of your program?
The first introductory agriculture courses were very memorable for me. It opened my eyes to a whole new world and perspectives of the agri-food system that I had been oblivious to, being from a non-farming background. The group debates, presentations and field tours were all very engaging experiences – I can never forget standing in a field just a few steps away from a pack of bison! These experiences were the first steps to developing various soft skills that I carried with me throughout my degree and will bring forward into my career.
Where are you going next?
In a literal sense – I am going to Ontario, where my family has moved to just at the start of COVID. I am still exploring options for my career path and I hope to experience a variety of things over the next while. Whatever doors open for me, I am excited and willing to go through them!
Alexandra (Alex) Broggy
Bachelor of Science (Human Nutritional Sciences) & Juris Doctor (Law)
Why did you pick your program?
After completing my Bachelor of Arts in 2016, I began studying in the Faculty of Science planning on completing a degree in Biology; however, I found myself more eager to learn about the human body. I took a nutrition class as an elective and fell in love! That’s when I made the decision to switch over to the Human Nutritional Sciences program.
Tell us about your academic journey.
The time I spent completing my Bachelor of Science was unique because I completed it while being a full-time law student at Robson Hall Faculty of Law – I am graduating with both degrees at this year’s spring convocation! This experience was challenging yet rewarding. Between studying, lectures, assignments, exams, working a part time job, volunteering, competing in moots, attending labs, and training at the gym every morning I became a master at organizing my time and completing my tasks efficiently! Over my years at UM I have learnt to stop focusing on what others are doing, and instead prioritize the things that make me happiest. I have always viewed myself as my biggest competitor – that has been a huge driving factor in my success.
What advice would you give a new student?
When I first began studying science at the undergraduate level, I always assumed that if you wanted to study the human body, you should major in Biology. After looking into the program requirements and finding that a lot of the coursework involved study of plants and animals, I quickly found myself losing interest. At the time, I didn’t know that students who find themselves more interested in learning about the human body, physiology, anatomy, etc. may enjoy studying in one of the other unique programs that UM has to offer, such as human nutritional sciences. The lab work, group assignments, volunteer opportunities, etc. were catered to my interests, making the entirety of my degree memorable and enjoyable from start to finish.
Where are you going next?
I have accepted a position articling with Fillmore Riley LLP, where I will receive exposure to various areas of practice including but not limited to corporate/commercial law, securities law, and intellectual property law. I plan to use this next year of my career as an opportunity to discover exactly which area I intend on practicing before receiving my call to the bar in June of 2023. I am excited to see how the diversity of my education will help me find a practice area that I am passionate about, and where my career will take me over the next 5, 10, 20+ years.
Kelsey Wog
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture – Plant Biotechnology)
Why did you pick your program?
I picked the plant biotech program because I knew I wanted to do something science related at university and it sounded like a very interesting program to me.
Tell us about your academic journey.
Taking classes remotely was challenging. I really missed the human interaction, and being able to talk with classmates.
Favorite memory of your program?
My favorite memory of the program was when I took the plant biotechnology class, and in the lab portion we got to transform a plant to make it herbicide resistant.
Where are you going next?
I am planning on taking the fall term off and just focus on swimming, I would really like to start a Masters degree in the winter while continuing to train in the pool with the goal of making my 2nd Olympic team in 2024.