Stephen Raye, 2004 Garfield Weston scholar

2004 Garfield Weston scholar Stephen Raye is grateful for the foundation provided by his college diploma. He studied chemical technology at New Brunswick Community College before embarking on an engineering technology in environmental studies degree. “It is great to have a strong college education to build on,” he observes. “I am thankful to Garfield Weston Awards for encouraging me to study in the college system and realizing the importance of such an education.”

Studying the environment is not just a matter of classroom learning for Stephen. A year ago, he took part in a memorable Garfield Weston Award summer experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon. As part of a Global Vision International conservation and community development expedition, he lived in a remote part of the rainforest for three months. His team conducted ecological surveys, taught English, and provided practical assistance with everything from well digging to corn harvesting. It all made Stephen “feel like perhaps the luckiest man in the world…Scientifically, that region is by far the best educator possible; nothing compares to the diversity and beauty of the jungle and I will forever be enamoured with it.”

The Canadian environment likewise fascinates Stephen. He’s now working on a project to photograph and identify fungi growing near his campus. When completed, he will donate his findings to an educational organization. He has also volunteered as a tutor for fellow students and with an international student group at NBCC.

Not surprisingly, Stephen envisions a hands-on, nature-oriented career for himself. “My main goal would be to work in the conservation field either locally or internationally,” he specifies. “I’d love to work in ecosystems around the world or manage a nature reserve such as the one I volunteered on.”