In today’s blog, Parks Program Educator Abby Brown shares how working with Ontario Parks helped her gain some career clarity.
Hi, I’m Abby! I’ve been working for Ontario Parks since the summer of 2020.
Originally from Thunder Bay, my journey started as a Discovery student at Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, and progressed to five summers at Charleston Lake Lake Provincial Park, with a little bit of time spent at Killbear Provincial Park.
Pivoting from my plan
Throughout my time with Ontario Parks, I have had innumerable incredible experiences with visitors, wildlife, and coworkers alike. These summers have changed my perspective on life and even led to a career change!
In high school, I always planned on going into the medical field.
I wanted to study biochemistry and genetics to work on developing life-saving molecular engineering tools and gene therapies.
I firmly believed the best way for me to make an impact during my lifetime would be to help people deal with physical health issues and ailments. This led me to embark on an undergraduate degree in biochemistry.
After a few summers with Ontario Parks, I was so inspired by all the amazing work in parks, I ended up switching my major to biology.
Switching my major allowed me to get one step closer to achieving my goal of one day being amongst the people conducting the amazing research happening within parks.
My role as a parks program educator allows me to teach the next generation how to protect our planet and help everyone appreciate and connect with the nature around them.
Helping folks get in touch with nature made me realize that I, too, can have a great impact in the world.
Creating impact through connection
Throughout my time delivering programs, I discovered that I have a knack for teaching.
Whether children or adults, it’s so satisfying seeing the excitement on someone’s face when they learn something new — there is an overwhelming sense of joy seeing them implement these things into their lives.
I don’t think there’s a better feeling then when a child visits after a program and happily exclaims that they too want to be a park ranger when they grow up.
Going with the flow
I’ve also discovered that I adore wildlife.
Birds, snakes, turtles, mammals, insects; I think they’re all amazing, and working in parks has allowed me to experience these creatures in their natural habitat.
Seeing how wildlife interacts with each other and the environment has inspired me with questions. There are dozens of different research projects I dream about doing, and I have my career with Ontario Parks to blame!
Having now discovered my love for teaching and wildlife, my plans for the future have changed.
Instead of pursuing medical school or something similar, I’ve decided to go to teacher’s college or do a master’s program in wildlife biology.
These are avenues that I didn’t consider options for myself until I spent a few summers learning and sharing what I learned about how marvelous nature is!
My time with Ontario Parks has inspired me and given me a new perspective on what really is important to me, and I hope to spend the rest of my career sharing that love and passion with anyone who is willing to listen!
Whether I become a teacher or a wildlife biologist researching amazing critters in nature, just know that I’ll be happy and fulfilled!
Feeling inspired to work in parks? Visit our careers page!
