The Future Students Office is lucky to have a team of eight Future Student Ambassadors! We are current TRU students who help support our future students by leading tours, running our social media page (which you can see here and should definitely follow), writing blog posts, and answering your questions. We share our day-to-day experiences on campus, providing a window into the life of a current TRU student. Whether you’re strongly considering TRU, have already decided to attend, or are just considering your post-secondary options, the Ambassador team is here for you!
Want to see the Future Student Ambassadors in action? Book your TRU campus tour here.
The Ambassadors
abby
Hey there! I’m Abigail, but you can just call me Abby. I’m a Métis student in the Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in Geography and Environmental Studies. In 2020, I moved from a small town in B.C. to Kamloops to attend TRU. It was the best decision I have ever made! TRU offers small class sizes and many student supports which has made the transition from high school to university seamless. When I’m not studying, you can find me spending time doing a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping. I’m also an avid reader!
My biggest piece of advice for future students is to not be afraid to take the next step. It’s scary, but there are so many support systems ready to help you along this journey. We got you!
Alex
Hello everyone! My name is Alex, but you can call me “Al Pal”. I am a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Psychology while studying Marketing and Communications on the side. I am from Kamloops (otherwise known as Tk’emlups) and reside in beautiful British Columbia.
I am a former student athlete for WolfPack Cheerleading, a TRUSU board of director, experienced co-op social media marketing and communications student, Work Study research student, and have been a peer mentor for several student support departments on campus. On top of all that, I am a Future Student Ambassador for the Future Students Office of course!
As you can probably tell, I love to get involved at Thompson Rivers University. I’ve participated in awareness campaigns such as Bell Let’s Talk for mental health, provided feedback at provincial-wide post-secondary funding sessions, planned school-wide events such as TRUSU’s Back to School BBQ, presented at Open House, organized a Krispy Kreme fundraiser, helped at a student-wide food drive, and competed in the University World Championships of Cheerleading, placing fifth across the world!
One piece of advice I have for future students is to get out of your comfort zone. You might find that the best experiences come from those you least expect. Get involved, whether by means of the campus or the community. You will advance your network and might find passions along the way!
Bensly
Bonjour! Hello! My name is Bensly. I am a second year Bachelor of Science student and I am majoring in Computer Science. I am from the Caribbean; I am of Haitian heritage and raised in the Turks and Caicos Islands (in the Caribbean). I was brought up in a multicultural community and have always been immersed in many languages and cultures. As a result, I have developed a long-standing appreciation for the unique cultures found around the world.
I am stoked about programming, technology, and research. Beyond the classroom, my interests include singing, music, and photography. I also enjoy working out – you can always catch me at TCC or out on a jog around campus. This is my first semester as a Future Student Ambassador, and I am extremely excited to help support and connect with prospective students.
Believing in yourself is the first step to achieving anything. So, my advice to prospective students is to always believe in yourself and do not give up. Help is here for you! There are plenty of resources to guide you along the way, so you never feel alone. Whenever you get the chance, get involved in organizations and interact with more people, and be sure to find time to enjoy yourself and have fun with friends!
Cheltey
Hi! My name is Cheltey, and this is my third year attending Thompson Rivers University. I am a first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, and an Associate of Arts Degree graduate. Attending my third year at TRU also means that I have lived in Kamloops, BC for just over three years. In June 2020 I moved to Kamloops from a small town in Alberta, however, this was not my first big move. I have lived in a couple different areas within Alberta, including Stony Plain, High River, and Morinville. At the end of the day, and after all these relocations, British Columbia feels most like home.
When I originally began my studies, my plan was to take a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – however, plans changed, like they often do! Once I finish my BScN degree, I hope to further my education within a Master of Nursing Program, or potentially an MD Program (medical school). Wherever my educational and professional goals may lead me, I will always be thankful for my decision to attend TRU.
To future students, the person you enter university as will not be the same person who leaves; you will experience, learn, and grow. It is normal to be unsure, it is likely you will change your mind, and there is no need to put too much pressure on yourself. It is essential to ask questions, it is natural to make mistakes, and it is important that you know you are never alone in this journey. TRU is a community. It is helping hands, friendly smiles, support and guidance. It is home.
gabriela
Holaaa! My name is Gabriela or Gabby. I am a 4th year TRU student majoring in International Business and Human Resource Management. Spanish is my first language, and I am from a small country called El Salvador. One of the things that I enjoy most is travelling; I’ve had the opportunity to visit 18 countries, 14 states in the USA, and 4 provinces in Canada. I’m a social butterfly and enjoy meeting new people, so don’t ever hesitate to say hi! I enjoy dancing and getting involved around TRU and at various events.
My piece of advice to prospective students is to be as open minded as you can, to get involved whenever possible, and, more importantly, to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Encourage yourself to try new skills, on campus clubs, and make friends from different cultures. And remember, life is all about the ups and downs, so, if you’re ever stuck, it always gets better. Just take things one day at a time :)
Izzy
Hi everyone! My name is Izzy. I am a second-year student at TRU in a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology. My goal is to become either a clinical or experimental psychologist. I want to do research to advance our understanding of developmental disorders, namely Autism. I am passionate about improving our understanding and awareness of mental health issues. I am originally from Alberta but have been living in the Kamloops area for most of my life. I have been involved in the TRU Toastmasters Club as the vice president of membership, where I fell in love with public speaking. I would highly encourage everyone to try it at some point! When I’m not studying or working, you can usually find me reading, baking, or petting my cat. This is my first semester as a Future Student Ambassador, and I am excited to connect with prospective students.
A piece of advice I have for future students is that if you need help just ask! There are so many awesome resources on campus to help with so many different things. The transition to university can sometimes feel scary or overwhelming, but the TRU community is here to support you.
Maryam
Hello everyone! My name is Maryam. I’m a fourth-year international student from the Islamic Republic of Iran, pursuing a major in Communication and New Media. I’m passionate about getting involved in campus activities and that is what I like most about TRU. TRU has allowed me to engage in many activities, helping me to discover myself, meet many new friends, and most importantly experience new things. In my free time, I like to read, take pictures, hang out with my friends, volunteer, and travel. This is my first year as a Future Student Ambassador, and I am beyond excited to share my experience and connect with prospective students.
My piece of advice to prospective students is to not fear this new step. I know it can seem overwhelming at first, but as you get engaged in clubs or volunteer during on-campus activities, it will help you build networks with other students. Personally, I volunteered a lot during my first year which has broadened my experience at TRU. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things – you won’t lose anything by trying and it is absolutely worth it.
Taryn
Hi there! My name is Taryn and I am a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in Marketing. I am from Kamloops, BC, and have lived here for most of my life. I chose to stay in Kamloops and go to TRU because it allowed me to stay at home with my parents while I got used to university life. I am thankful for my decision as I love TRU for so many different reasons. The small campus and class sizes make knowing the people, the professors, and how to get around so easy. The campus is also beautiful with many different study spaces to choose from. I am so excited for my last year at TRU as I have learned so much along the way, grown as a person and a student, and met so many people. TRU is an excellent choice to get an education and make memories!
On top of doing my Bachelor of Business Administration, I am also in the Co-operative Education program, which is also known as Co-op. This allows students to work in their field and gain work experience while receiving credits for doing so! I have completed my first Co-op work term and now I have two left to go.
My advice for future students is to study and work hard, but to still allow yourself to have fun and enjoy the university experience! Make sure to take breaks in between studying and discover what TRU, Kamloops, and the people have to offer and make memories.
We look forward to meeting you!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know the ambassadors. Now that you’ve met our team, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us during your transition to post-secondary. Our friendly, companionable ambassadors want to be your connecting link between all the opportunities, resources, and support that TRU has to offer!
Connect with us on Instagram – @TRUFutureStudents
