News

Brooklyn Malone, Recreation Management (BSc)(BMgmt)

What inspired you to choose your field of study?

I originally started in the Bachelor of Management (BMgmt) program because I was interested in the business of people. My time with the Dalhousie Management Society (DMS) revealed my passion for community and bringing people together. So, in my third year, I transferred into the Recreation Management (BSc(Rec)/BMgmt) program to continue pursuing my interest in people-centred business but with a community focus.

What was a moment at Dal that you’ll never forget? 

One moment I will never forget during my time at Dal was being elected as president of DMS. DMS had meant so much to me throughout my time at Dal and I was incredibly eager to give back. There were so many other people that would have made great candidates and I was honoured that the society chose me. I was also so grateful for the professors and faculty members that helped me polish my speech and who encouraged me to run in the first place.

Who supported you along the way and how?

My mom was definitely my biggest supporter. It was just her and I growing up and she instilled her value of education in me at a young age. She has always shown me unconditional love that gave me the confidence to believe I could accomplish anything.

Is there an academic or non-academic (eg: on-campus clubs, sports, employment) experience, project, or hands-on learning opportunity that really impacted you? 

I’d say the opportunity that had the biggest impact on me throughout my undergraduate education at Dal was participating in DMS. When I moved from Thunder Bay without knowing anyone in Halifax, DMS gave me a group of like-minded people I could enjoy new experiences with. As I progressed through my program, I grew alongside my peers in the society and was so proud of what we accomplished. Becoming president in my final year really felt like a full-circle moment, where my hard work had paid off and I had the opportunity to celebrate others in the program.

What motivated your decision to complete a dual degree?  

While I joined the BSc(Rec)/BMgmt program to pursue my newfound interest in community building, I also just felt that it was such a unique and valuable opportunity. The program is one of the only ones in the country where a student can receive two degrees in five years. I am now 22 years old with two bachelor’s degrees and that is something that not many other people can say.

Did you receive a scholarship, bursary or other award as a Dal student? If so, how did that impact your Dal experience and what did that support mean to you?

Upon being accepted to Dal I was awarded the Dalhousie General Entrance Award and the Dalhousie Entrance Renewable Scholarship. I was incredibly lucky to continue receiving the renewable scholarship as well as a position on the Dean’s List throughout each year of my undergraduate education. In my final year, I was also awarded the Vincent Chew Memorial Award for graduating at the top of the BSc(Rec)/BMgmt program and demonstrating strong leadership, organizational and communication skills through volunteer work, extracurricular or school activities.

I was not only grateful for these awards because they recognized and valued all the hard work I had done throughout my undergraduate education. I was also grateful for these awards because of the financial contribution they made to my education. The support of these awards meant I only needed to take on part-time work positions in order to focus on my studies.

What does graduating mean to you?

Graduating to me represents my resilience. I was so privileged to have met so many amazing friends and made so many cherished memories while I was here. But there was also a share of obstacles that challenged me to grow as a person. Completing the program demonstrated to me that I am capable of great things as well.

What is next for you?

I am now beginning the Corporate Residency MBA (CRMBA) program here at Dalhousie. I decided to pursue my master’s degree here because of the amazing support network I gained throughout my undergraduate education. I am looking forward to continuing to grow this network and giving back to the Dalhousie community that has treated me so well.