I was originally born in Scotland but immigrated to Canada with my family when I was very young. I did not start university immediately after graduating from high school. I was not even sure that I wanted to go to university. Instead, I took five years off to work (e.g. at a ski hill) and travel (e.g. I bicycled around New Zealand and went diving on the Great Barrier Reef). At 24, I returned home to study biology and geography at the University of Victoria. Like most people, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career; I just knew that I wanted to work with animals. Starting in my first year, I had a work study position taking care of live reptiles and amphibians. The professor I was working for saw my passion for biology, which led to an opportunity to do graduate work on the movement ecology of garter snakes. As a graduate student, I had the opportunity to teach biology labs. I had never considered a career in teaching because I am shy and do not like being the center of attention. But, by the end of the very first class, I knew that I love being a teacher. So, at the age of 30, I could finally tell my family what I wanted to do for a career, which was work as a field biologist in the summer, and teach biology labs in the winter. After graduating, I did field research primarily studying the ecology of reptiles and amphibians. I also helped others collect data on small mammals, birds, spiders, and plants. In December 2001, I was very lucky to be hired as a Lab Faculty for Biology 140. I taught this course for almost 16 years until they revised the course. For the past 5 years, I have been teaching Biology 121, an awesome lecture course that explores major themes in genetics, evolution & ecology. Six years ago, I joined Jump Start as a Faculty Fellow and I am super happy that I did. If you are familiar with Joseph Campbells tale of A Heros Journey then you will know what I mean when I say that I consider each of you heroes in your own journey. You have accepted the call to adventure (studies at UBC), and you will definitely be tested and face challenges in your journey here. But, you will also meet mentors that will help you achieve your goals. I hope, in some small way, to be a mentor for my students.