A Passion for the Environment – Arik Collins

My name is Arik Collins, and I am a 2nd year Master of Applied Science student at Queen’s University. My passion for adventure from a young age led me to join the Award program through my high school science teacher, Mr. Daniel Oster. I had already integrated the framework of the Award through my involvement with 856 Pickering Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. Air Cadets provided me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills while working towards my Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, as well as the ability to earn my glider and private pilot’s licenses.  

Throughout my time in the Award program, I volunteered as a part of (and later worked alongside) the Air Cadet program, which included tree planting, taking part in Remembrance Day, Christmas, and Easter parades, and as a recruiting officer. Being able to train young cadets on leadership, citizenship, and aviation allowed me to further the future generation’s knowledge and skills to make their own positive impacts in communities across Ontario and Alberta. My passions have allowed me to live a healthy life where I challenge myself every day to make each day better than the last. I have been able to keep fit and work towards my future goals of completing the Nijmegen March and climbing the Seven Summits. 

The Award showed me that hard work pays off and has allowed me to experience adventures across Canada. It showed me that one can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it. It has guided my interests in the environment, which lead me to complete a Master of Applied Science focusing on environmental remediation and sustainability. The accomplishment I am most proud of when completing my Award was attaining my private pilot’s license. Three years of studying aviation culminated in a 7-week long intensive course where I would be flying almost every day, alongside studying for the written exam. With my entire family in the aviation industry, I was proud to receive my license in 2015. After I graduate with my master’s, I hope to continue flying recreationally.  

I would recommend the Award because it challenges youth to step beyond their comfort zone and try new experiences that may lead them to a new passion, or an interest in a career path that they never considered. 

My hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, camping, and working out. Completing the Award requires dedication above all, and I have taken the skills I have learned throughout the program and apply them in my everyday life. I cannot thank the Award enough for shaping me into who I am today. 

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