Benjamin Hayden
Program
Why I chose Guelph...
Wildlife and its interplay with nature and humans is extremely complex and because of this, it is a strongly interdisciplinary field. With the University of Guelph being a bar none veterinary college and one of the most recognized agricultural schools globally I knew that my graduate education here would be well-rounded with excellence and full of invaluable connections that would allow me to protect and serve the true North strong and free to my greatest potential.
A bit about your path...
I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Guelph and in the latter stages of my degree, I discovered how invested and interested each professor was in everyone's success. They saw the unique and diverse potential that each person possessed despite all working on the same task/project and were eager to see how each person’s inclinations would change or even revolutionize their field of interest. They legitimately wanted to work alongside us, and they believed in us. These familial relationships between myself and experienced experts provided me with a great sense of hope which was essential in helping me feel as though I was good enough for any job or further education I may have chosen to pursue.
How will my work Improve Life?
Through the excellence and connections provided by the University of Guelph and this program, I know that I am being taught how to use every tool so that I can choose the best possible one for the complicated and often delicate problem at hand.
Tell us something about you, beyond being a grad student...
I did not grow up in an outdoors-oriented household, it was something I have always been drawn to naturally. I met friends who shared the same passion in public school and who helped foster that love for the outdoors through constant adventures while seeking interaction with wildlife. Here, at the water's edge, I came to appreciate that no matter how much you know there's always more to be learned and that is what makes wildlife so fascinating to me. While everyone wanted to be a firefighter or doctor as a child I wanted to be a veterinarian but realized as I got older that I could not be a vet as it involved having to cause the animals pain despite your only intention being to help them stop experiencing pain. Thus, I decided that the best way that I could help animals would be to protect them from experiencing pain in the first place. To put plans in place to keep them from dangers, especially those imposed by humans.
What is it like to be a grad student at U of G?
Being a graduate student at Guelph is knowing that you finally made it to where you were meant to be. Surrounded by peers that share the same deep passion for the field that you all adore. Working together to grow in your excellence so that you can serve to the highest standard.