They proudly represented their graduating class. But what happens after they walk the stage? In this series, we’re catching up with past Bishop’s University valedictorians to see where life has taken them since their big day. From his time at Bishop’s to his journey beyond, Todd Larsen, Class of 2004, shares how to move on without dwelling on the past.
Where are you now?
I graduated in 2004 and still reflect on the Bishop’s days regularly.
The last 20 years have been filled with love, adventure, fun, and skiing! I chose to attend Bishop’s in 2000 because it was far enough from home in Ontario, but not too far. The region appealed to me with the bigger hills, forests, rivers, and parks – an ideal environment for adventure.
I met my future wife, Sophie Cross, at B.U. through our love of skiing, and after graduation, we decided to do a ski season out west before settling down in real jobs. We moved to Rossland, BC and stayed for 5 amazing years. Then we went back to school in Nova Scotia for 3 years.
We wanted to be back in the mountains, and in 2013, we both got jobs in Kimberley, BC. I was the Executive Director for the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council, and Sophie worked at the College of the Rockies. I now work for the BC Ministry of Forests as a Range Habitat Specialist, ensuring that the crown grasslands are managed sustainably. Sophie and I have three kids aged 4, 8, and 10, plus we are hosting a 15-year-old female international student from Ukraine.
I am also very involved in my community: I coach a variety of activities, including mountain biking, nordic skiing, and ski cross. I volunteered with a group to plan, fundraise, and build a backcountry ski cabin in the nearby Purcell Mountains.
How did your time at Bishop’s shape your career?
When at Bishop’s, I started an Outdoors Club to explore the Eastern Townships, as well as introduce others to outdoor experiences. I continue to share the stoke by teaching skiing and encouraging others to get outside and have fun.
My time at Bishop’s was incredible. I made lifelong friends, developed a greater understanding of the natural world, and learned how to balance my time between work and fun. While it has been a while since I’ve been to a purple Jesus party, tailgating at a football game, or a nature walk over the railroad tracks, those College days are ever in my heart. I don’t know of many B.U. grads who live in the Kootenays, but if you are around, please look us up and we can raise a toast!
Tips and advice for current Bishop’s students:
A line that I recall from my valedictorian speech in 2004 was: “Although we will never graduate, these last few years are not our ‘glory days’ that we will wistfully reflect on in our future. Use the experiences that you made in Lennoxville to set up your life to be fun and fulfilling.”
I suppose that at the time I already knew that the last 4 years were really awesome. And although the real world was looming with careers and family, I meant to convey that we shouldn’t just dwell on the past. There is a lot of life to live!
So, raise your beer mugs!
