Finding Your Path: How Sorority Life and Marine Ecology Shaped This Alpha Gamma Delta Leader

Academic Journey and Pivotal Shift

• 💡 Quinn initially pursued Political Science and Women's Studies at the University of Alberta, but felt a yearning for environmental sciences.
• 🐠 A pivotal moment came after getting scuba certified in Italy, sparking a desire to change her major to marine biology.
• ⚠️ Despite initial rejection from the environmental studies program, her sorority sisters provided crucial support to appeal, revealing an admissions error.

The Power of Sorority Community

• 🏡 Quinn found a sense of belonging and community through Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD) after feeling lonely during her first university semester.
• 🤝 Her sisters rallied around her during the program rejection, demonstrating that community is an essential thing to have for support and advocacy.
• 🌟 She held multiple leadership roles within AGD, including Director of Property, VP of Administration, Campus Relations, and Chapter President, valuing the experience and sisterhood.

Hands-On Research and Awards

• 🔬 Quinn received the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Scholarship and the University of Alberta's Undergraduate Research Initiative Award, enabling her to focus on full-time research.
• 🇲🇽 She gained hands-on experience through a field course in Mexico, conducting scientific scuba diving to study coral reefs and fish communities.
• 🦈 During her field research, she encountered a friendly nurse shark, highlighting unique and memorable experiences.

Embracing Change and Future Aspirations

• 🌱 Quinn emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut and making changes, even if it means extending your academic path or facing initial setbacks.
• ✅ She believes that learning from adversity and challenges makes successes much sweeter and builds resilience.
• 🚀 Her future plans include pursuing a Master of Science to continue her work in ocean conservation and reef studies, potentially in a warmer climate.