Leslie Wensmann (2000)

I grew up in Spruce Grove, Alberta, near Edmonton. After high school, I enrolled at the University of Alberta in the Bachelor of Science program majoring in Zoology. After two years of poor grades and not really knowing what I wanted to do, I decided to take a break from school and do some soul-searching. After a two year break, I decided that I needed to have a job where I could make a difference and help protect the environment. After this revelation, I enrolled in the Biological Sciences Program at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). In my second year at NAIT, I opted for the Renewable Resources option, and loved every minute of it. While at NAIT, they switched the requirements of a Park Warden (at that time, my dream job!), to include a BSc degree. I then chose to apply to the transfer Environmental Science Program at the University of Lethbridge. I didn't want to go back to the U of A, and I thought it would be great to live closer to Waterton. So I moved south and graduated in the spring of 2000. I enjoyed the small classes and being with students who had similar beliefs and goals. I spent my first two summers in Lethbridge working in Waterton for Parks Canada, where I got first hand knowledge and experience about being a Park Warden. After various jobs, I finally got my dream job. I am now a Fish Habitat Biologist for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Lethbridge. My main responsibility is ensuring that our fishery resources and habitats are protected in accordance with the Fisheries Act. Although I have only been in this position for a short time, I know that I am making a difference and am helping to conserve and protect an important part of our environment. My words of wisdom - don't give up. If you try long and hard enough, your hard work and perseverance will pay off. And you never know, you just might end up with a job that fulfills all of your hopes and dreams!