I completed my undergraduate degree at UNBC in Prince George from 2008-2012. During that time, I had a group of excellent professors that encouraged me to think critically about the material and how we could apply what we were learning to present life. While at UNBC I had the opportunity to assist one of my professors with a manuscript project. I received course credit while a student and after I graduated this translated into a paid research position working for the department.
While working as a research assistant I prepared to take the LSAT and apply to law schools. Some aspects of the LSAT were very challenging and an unfamiliar way of thinking for me. However, I really felt that my History degree helped me in the reading comprehension and essay portions of the test. In September 2013, I started my Juris Doctor (JD) degree at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. During my three years of law school I wrote numerous legal research papers. The research and writing skills I developed during my History degree definitely transferred to my law school papers and helped me succeed in those classes.
I graduated from law school in April 2016 and am now completing my articles at Heather Sadler Jenkins LLP in Prince George, BC. To quote one of my favourite professors, “the historian’s tools are empathy and imagination.” It may sound cliché, but everyday those two skills help me in my legal practice. Our law firm is full service and we have all kinds of clients from major corporations to people injured in car accidents. Every client is different and the skills I developed during my History degree help me empathize with them to understand the issues most important to them.
I’m very proud of my History degree and would definitely encourage any students who enjoy the subject to consider it for their undergraduate degree. It’s a great springboard to other areas and the skills you develop will help you succeed in whatever you choose to do.”