Nicola Murphy (1988, 1990-1991)

     35 years is a very long time ago, and yet I remember my employment at the museum very well.

  I do not remember where the position was originally posted, but it was through the Historical Society. I am very much an introvert, and I loved history, so this was a perfect fit for me.

     I worked with people of all ages, developing and helping set up exhibits. Laughter was not scarce at the museum with my co-worker Janis Adam; we had an amazing time at the museum. I think the most important positive memories that I still remember today are listening to the stories from the members of the historical society. It was verbal history; they were hardworking, incredible pioneers: Helen Moonen, Rueben Plant, Jean and Gerry Scott ( I treasured Jean, she was also my 5th grade teacher), Gloria Wilkinson, Jo Moonen, and Beth McNaughton. These Individuals were filled with immense knowledge, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to work alongside them. Student funding was essential for this position. It provided an opportunity that otherwise would not have been available.

     In 2005, I was named one of Alberta’s Centennial Venture Magazine’s 50 Greatest Albertans of the Last 100 years. (https://albertaventure.com/2005/12/the-50-greatest-albertans/) I also co-authored Hybridization Among Buteos: Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) x Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology in 2007.

     I currently reside in Calgary, where I volunteer for an animal shelter, an animal cancer organization, and Indigenous events, while I stay busy with my 5 fuzzy children. I became a veterinary nurse and ran a wildlife hospital for 15 years. I continue to practice in small animal clinics, and also helped teach new students in Veterinary Technology. I am also involved with the Calgary Chapter of the Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society (ACTSS). I try to go to museums and art galleries, both local and in larger areas. 

     For students, I think the most important thing to remember is to always take time to appreciate the learning opportunities you have.