Video: A day in the life: Molly

Category: Study at NSCC

Get to know Molly, Natural Resources Environmental Technology (NRET) student

Name: Molly O'Donnell
Program: Natural Resources Environmental Technology (NRET)
Campus: NSCC Strait Area Campus
Class: 2025

What kinds of things do you do in the Natural Resources Environmental Technology (NRET) program?

This program teaches students about our natural environment through different forestry courses. We get to spend a lot of time in the woods where we practice identifying trees, navigating, mapping and exploring all kinds of cool environmental topics. We learn about Two Eyed Seeing, a world view which combines both Indigenous and Western knowledge. It’s all about the love of nature and learning how we can make a difference in protecting it.

What do you like about learning among a smaller group?

There are about 20 students in our class and we all quickly became friends. Having a smaller class size is amazing because we get a lot of one-on-one time with our instructors and there is space and time for us to ask questions.

                         
     Two-Eyed Seeing, or Etuaptmumk in Mi'kmaq, is a guiding principle developed by Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall that encourages viewing the world through both Indigenous and Western perspectives, recognizing the strengths of both. - Source, Wikipedia
            

NRET students gather together for a photo with trees in the background

What do you like most about the program?

The class trips are my favourite. We get to connect with people who are already working in the field, explore new places and learn so many interesting things. During field days, which are 50% of the program, we study natural habitats, visit different job sites like a maple syrup operation, we helped plant ‘The Forest of Hope’ in Potletek, and we even got to attend a meeting where we met Mi’kmaq Elder Dr. Albert Marshall who started the Two-Eyed Seeing concept. That was a treat for sure.

What drew you to the program?

I’ve always felt most comfortable among nature so I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to spend most of my time outdoors. I had heard great things about the Natural Resources Environmental Technology program and that it offered some of the best courses in environmental studies, so I decided to apply.

"Our instructors make learning fun. When learning about velocity, for example, they showed us a method where you can use an orange to test - we dropped an orange in at one point and timed it for 20 seconds. Then, using math, found out how long it took the orange to float from one point to another. It was a different way of learning, and we were all engaged."

Molly O'Donnell

Student, Natural Resources Environmental Technology

What drew you to the program?

NRET students sitting on rocks and eating lunch by the ocean

How do instructors help students succeed?

Our instructors are amazing in so many ways. They have decades of experience and teach us in a way that’s hands-on and easy to retain. They teach with a great sense of humor. Their ability to make us laugh while we learn is incredible, and I’ve found that I absorb the material so much better in such a fun and engaging environment.

What does a typical day in the program look like?

There's not really a typical day because we're always doing something different. One day, for example, we learned about personal protective equipment and how to use a chainsaw before heading into the woods for hands-on experience with tools. Another day we spent the morning in the classroom reviewing projects then headed outside to the teepee in the courtyard for some learning in the fresh air. Another day, we travelled to the Fortress of Louisbourg and spent 2 days learning about different career opportunities in the natural resources sector and met with people who were already working in the industry. Every day looks different but we’re always learning and always engaged.

What’s something that you think is unique in your program?

One thing that I think is unique in my program is how close our class has become. We usually eat lunch together in the cafeteria - our class and teachers, which is awesome. We usually all sit down at the table and talk about life. Sometimes our conversations are course-related, sometimes not. Our instructors, Waddie and Dan, have many great stories to share.

What's your favorite place at Strait Area Campus?

My favorite place is the woods right outside Campus. There’s so much forest around us, and it’s awesome getting to learn while being surrounded by nature. I also love the Ceilidh Lounge—it’s next to our classroom and has games and comfy lounge chairs. The courtyard on Campus is amazing too! We play frisbee, hang out in the teepee, and do all kinds of fun stuff there.

What is your plan after you graduate from the program?

The NRET program provides opportunities for self-discovery and connecting with people in various careers. I’ve made some great connections already and am learning about jobs that I didn't know existed – including environmental jobs and jobs in forestry. The next step in my journey is to pursue Environmental Science and choose an area to specialize in. I’m excited to continue learning, exploring nature and spending my days doing what I love most!