The beginning of Amelia Magee's Lakeland journey was unconventional.

It was 2020, classes were a blend of online lectures and in-person labs, and she wasn't sure what to expect thanks to the pandemic. Magee chose Lakeland because of its promise of hands-on learning opportunities in environmental sciences, hoping for a career working with animals. Even with online lectures, she's relieved that the in-person labs meant she was still able to participate in that experiential learning.

“I actually enjoyed the online lectures with labs in person and having the labs in-person really made the information stick,” Magee explains. “It was easy to get involved in more things because with the online lectures, I had more time to explore the different clubs and meet a bunch of people I didn't share classes with.”

With this extra time afforded to her, Magee seized many opportunities, making the most of her Lakeland experience beyond the classroom. 

“I worked with the Outdoor Rec Club to implement a signage project in the Vermilion Provincial Park with Alberta Parks,” she says. “I also worked on creating plans for the Pollinator Garden in Vermilion with the Environment Club. I jumped into the Sheep and Stuff Club, which played towards my love of all different types of animals.”

This much involvement only convinced Magee that she ought to get involved even more. As the treasurer of the Wildlife Club, she became interested in being a student member on Lakeland's Board of Governors.

“It really helped me learn how decisions are made and how much thought goes into them. All these experiences really taught me the importance of creating networks.”

Additionally, Magee was a member of the connectivity committee and the board effectiveness committee. She was vice president of The Outdoor Recreation Club and a member of the Rustlers rowing team. She was the recipient of the Jason Lang Scholarship, Board of Governors Scholarship and Environmental Science Student Award for Excellence.

Magee was recognized for her involvement at Lakeland with the President's Medal at convocation on June 3. The medal is the highest honour at Lakeland, presented to an outstanding student who has made a significant contribution to their campus. Each year, it is given to a student from Vermilion campus and one from Lloydminster.

“I'm surprised to win this medal,” Magee says. “There are so many students that I would have thought would have been chosen for it before me. I really appreciate the support from the college and my instructors and everyone who was willing to put me forward for this honour.”

Now that she has graduated from Lakeland, Magee isn't slowing down at all.

“I'm so lucky that I've got a really great job right out of college,” she shares. “I'm working my way towards being a wildlife biologist and working at Stantec is a great steppingstone towards that goal.”