From the Classroom to the Forest’s Canopy

University student Dayanna Fonte shares insights from her summer field experience

When University of Lethbridge student Dayanna Fonte set out to find a summer job, she wasn’t looking for something typical. As a third-year New Media major, she was comfortable behind a computer — designing, editing, and building creative digital projects. But what she really wanted was a new adventure. Something that would take her outdoors.

Through a connection with a friend and fellow student, Dayanna joined VAST Resource Solutions as a Junior Forest Technician. The position was far from her classroom routine — long days in the field, early mornings, mountain terrain, and hands-on forestry work.

“I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into until I got out there,” she laughed. “But I loved it. It was completely new; the kind of challenge that pushes you in the best way.”

Dayanna quickly adapted to the physical side of the work, helping prepare sites and collect data for upcoming logging operations. “Even though I go to the gym regularly, this was a totally different kind of work out,” she said. “Climbing steep terrain, carrying gear, staying dry or keeping cool— it was demanding, but it was so rewarding.”

A Team That Felt Like Family

Despite being new to forestry, Dayanna said the team at VAST made all the difference.

“I expected a group of super-tough, no-nonsense forestry people who’d take a while to warm up,” she said. “But everyone was so kind, patient, and willing to teach me. It felt like a big family. Everyone knew each other, supported each other, and made sure you felt part of the team.”

One of the highlights of her experience was working alongside Forestry Technician Sydney Yee, who became both a mentor and a friend. “Sydney made learning so easy. I could ask her anything without feeling pressure to already know the answers,” Dayanna said.

Capturing the Koots

Alongside her daily fieldwork, Dayanna found creative inspiration everywhere she went. A wildlife and nature photographer, her camera accompanied her whenever possible, capturing the landscapes, wildlife, and quiet beauty of the East Kootenay.

“There’s so much life out there,” she said. “Every day I’d see something new — birds, elk, wildflowers — and I’d try to capture those small details of nature that most people never get to see.”

When asked what advice she’d give to future students considering a summer at VAST, she didn’t hesitate: “Be ready for a challenge, physically and mentally. You’ll be climbing, sweating, learning, and probably covered in dust by the end of the day. But if you love nature, if you want to push yourself, and if you’re not afraid of seeing a few bears and running into lots of spiders, it’s so worth it.”

Since returning to school, Dayanna hasn’t stopped thinking about her time in Cranbrook. “If I get the chance, I’d love to come back,” she said. “That summer made me realize how much I love being outdoors and in the Kootenays. I could see myself living there after I graduate.”

Lead image by Dayanna Fonte. Instagram: @day.light_photos