Blog #4: Seizing opportunities and facing fears

August 1, 2017 2:57 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Since being offered my job with Canfor, I have tackled more things that scared me and taken advantage of more opportunities than I ever had in my life. Honestly, being offered this position was terrifying and, at the time, I couldn’t imagine leaving my friends and family. The thought of finishing my degree and graduating alone was something I never thought I would be capable of doing. However, I realized how lucky I was to get the job offer and to have the support behind me to make it happen. That led me to ultimately make the choice to come to Taylor. On my first day at the mill, it looked a little intimidating. I knew I would need to learn the whole process in as much detail as possible and I also had never worked in an industrial environment before. Luckily, due to Canfor’s safety training and the expertise of the people who work here, I always feel safe in the mill and have learned how to be aware of my surroundings.

I learned very quickly that (as cliché as it sounds) the things that scare you in life often end up being the best things to do! If I turned down this offer, I likely wouldn’t have the same appreciation and understanding for how great the forest products industry is and I wouldn’t have gone on all the amazing adventures I’ve gone on. I have grown so much in my knowledge of process engineering and understanding the workplace, but I have also grown a huge amount personally.

The thing about my co-op position is that, though it is amazing, unique and special, it isn’t the only opportunity for young people – there are tons of opportunities in this industry. I truly believe more university graduates and co-op students should be exposed to this industry, it takes you to beautiful places for those who are willing to explore it!

Along with all this great stuff, I have faced some other fears of mine. Last week, I had the chance to go skydiving outside of Fort St. John, and I did it! I never thought in a million years that I would have the courage to jump out of a plane, it was pretty amazing. Sometimes you just need to trust that even though something scares you, it will better you in the long run!

Skydiving with Skydive BC on July 22nd.

My roommate and I spent the weekend of July 13th in Jasper and did an amazing hike in the Columbia Icefields: Sunwapta Peak. We continue to be adventurous and take advantage of summer weekends, I hope you do too!

Melanie

Taken just after reaching the summit of Sunwapta Peak in Jasper July 14th.

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