Finding work was key to settling in a new country, but within the context of COVID-19, this proved to be a unique challenge. After countless applications, Bryony was able to secure a position at a plastic factory making face shields, COVID-19 test kits and other plastic material. As someone who cares so deeply for the environment, witnessing how much waste was being produced because of the pandemic really took a toll on her mental health. Reflecting on her situation, Bryony realized that she wanted to focus her sights on a career that would protect the environment, rather than hurt it. That was easier said than done.
As a newcomer, she faced difficulties securing work because her previous knowledge and experience wasn’t recognized by employers or deemed relevant to the green industry in Canada. In looking for ways to increase her employability, the Young Urban Forest Leaders (YUFL) Program stood out as an opportunity to enhance her skills within a Canadian context.
Over the course of four months in 2021, the YUFL program allowed Bryony to strengthen her skill set. Workshops and activities provided an opportunity to work in areas she had experience in (community engagement and leadership) while also gaining skills in a field that she was passionate about (arboriculture and urban forestry).
She loved hearing from and connecting with the guest speakers and educators throughout the program. She learned so much, not only from what they were teaching, but how that knowledge could be transferred to other aspects of her life. For example, Bryony learned that the urban forest is shaped not just by where trees are planted, but also how they’re managed. She compared this concept to her own mental health, realizing that ongoing management and maintenance is just as important for her own wellbeing as it is for the trees.
Another impactful component was leading an educational webinar series with her teammates. It was a chance to share her love for the environment and what she had learned through the program with members of the public.
Reflecting on her experience, she had the following to share.
“If your dreams or your goals involve urban forestry/arboriculture, then the YUFL program will help you reach them! I gained experience in things that I realised I really enjoyed, and because of that, the program influenced my career as I’m actively searching for positions that involve those things.
There is no harm in applying for this program. Things come and go in your life and it’s your responsibility to either let them pass you, or to hold on tightly.”
Interested in becoming a Young Urban Forest Leader? We are accepting applications for the 2022 program! Learn more or join our upcoming Info Session on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022.
Lam Tran is the Education Coordinator at LEAF.
This blog is part of a series intended to highlight YUFL alumni. The blogs were written by Lam Tran based on responses collected in 2022 with the purpose of sharing YUFL alumni experiences, as participants of the program and their journeys after graduating from it. Read other blogs on the Young Urban Forest Leaders program.
The Young Urban Forest Leaders Program is funded by a City of Toronto Urban Forestry Grant and the Canadian Tree Fund.