Robyn is a shining example of what it means to be a high-achieving student with limitless potential. Her interest in birds, and her love of nature, is inspiring and her application reflected her hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence. All of us at RPBO wish her the very best as she continues to pursue her dreams!
In her own words:
"When I think about what is most important to me, I think about a book called Why Fish Don’t Exist. My copy is worn and annotated, and it has taught me my most important lesson: that nature is something we will never completely understand. I have always had a passion for biology and this book, along with many others, has taught me the value of a community based perspective when it comes to conservation, as well as the value of simply just observing nature.
Birds, much like every element in nature’s web, are vital to our ecosystems. On the most basic level, they provide an ecosystem with pest control, help pollinate existing plants and spread seeds to create new ones, and many are keystone species in their given environment. The example of birds provides us with insight into just how interconnected all ecosystems are. Although birds may not be completely unique in their ecological importance, they are unique in their ease of observation. Everyone has seen a bird, unlike other keystone species like bears or otters, birds are easy to observe. The hobby of birding makes birds a key ambassador for the natural world to folks of all ages. These creatures have inspired countless citizen scientists to contribute their observations to science in backyard bird counts, allowing scientists to get a snapshot of bird populations. Community-based conservation is vital to combating climate change and habitat destruction, we are nothing without each other.
As I have grown up I have found huge motivation in nature, especially my local ecosystems. I plan to become an ecologist, through post-secondary studies yes, but also through hands-on community service experience working with and for the natural environment. I have already begun with this through volunteering weekly at the Goldstream Salmon Hatchery, working in my school’s community garden and even observing banding at the Rocky Point Bird Observatory. My biggest motivator aside from my simple love of nature is my desire to have a hand in saving it. I believe that creating community and connecting with nature together will only inspire conservation. Birding especially is something that creates this vital community and motivates everyone to do what they can for their local ecosystem and I believe it is a useful tool in increasing community-oriented conservation efforts. "
