Welcome Darwyn!
Hello fellow Quest Alumni!
I’m Darwyn, (Class of 2013). My question was “How can we use science and media to more effectively communicate and advocate for social and environmental justice?”. During my studies I was particularly interested to understand what motivates people to act in more environmentally and socially conscious ways. I think I took almost every class of Mai’s that I could, I’m not sure if there’s a record but I expect I’d be in contention for that.
I was so fortunate to take advantage of several exchange opportunities, and was part of the 2 month Borneo expedition over the 2010 Olympic break, a semester studying in Friedrichshafen, Germany at our partner Zeppelin University, and I’m sure I have forgotten nearly all of the language studies from a 2 block Arabic immersive in Fez, Morocco (our patient teacher would probably be so offended by that!). The quality and depth of the friendships and connections I found at Quest and abroad continue to surprise and delight me, it’s what I cherish most about those years.
I did a little travelling following graduation, but continued to live in Squamish working for the District, and building a small beekeeping and bee breeding business before moving back to Vancouver Island in 2019. I am gratefully living, working, (and playing as much as possible) in the unceded and traditional territories of the K’ómoks, Kwalikum, and Snaw-naw-as peoples, in a community now known as Errington. We’re right next to the famous Goats on the Roof, maybe you’ve heard of it.
I’m now working with 4TVI (Tourism Vancouver Island) in Destination, Development and Stewardship, supporting community-led tourism, climate resilience, and restoration initiatives, with a strong emphasis on centering local and Indigenous voices in decision-making and strategic planning. I am grateful for my Quest education every day.
When I’m not at work, I might be getting my hands dirty in my home pottery studio, helping my partner and Quest Alum Michi with her seed business (cicadaseeds.ca), or adventuring around this beautiful island by boat.
I’m thrilled to be joining the QUCAA board and excited to be more involved in the celebration and preservation of that magical Quest Spirit. Kermodes forever!
