Bernadette McMechan's journey to law school was anything but traditional. In fact, it was just a few short years ago that she was working as an elementary school teacher.
McMechan, who was born and raised in Burton, British Columbia (population: about 100), has come a long way since her days living in a log cabin, where her parents still live today.
Since then, the second-year student obtained a BA at Dalhousie University with a double major in International Development and French and volunteered for a year in Mozambique, where she taught kids who lost their parents to HIV AIDS and civil war, a trip that inspired her to undertake a teaching degree at Concordia University.
"Living in Mozambique made me really interested in learning about inequality. It was life-changing, humbling and heartwarming," she said.
After two years of teaching, McMechan decided to take some time off to decide what she wanted to do next, which unexpectedly led to working as a server at a brewery in Edmonton. That experience would prove to be useful for her next career move.
"I got to know professionals from all walks of life. It's a great way to get to know your community," she said.
After several acquaintances told McMechan she would be a good fit for a career in law, she decided to write the LSAT.
"I don't have anyone in my family who is in law. I didn't know anyone in law. It didn't really cross my mind," she said.
However after doing well on the LSAT, she said she knew she wanted to give law school a try.
Now almost two years into her JD degree, McMechan reflected on how this experience has influenced the person she is today.
"Law school has really helped me develop different areas of myself. It's been rewarding and life-changing. I feel very privileged to be here," she said.
Part of that life-changing experience stems from work McMechan is involved with outside of the classroom.
In addition to being a full-time student, she also works part-time for UAlberta Law Dean Paul Paton, where she assists with research projects and coordinating events such as the Dean's Women in Law Speaker Series that she co-facilitated in 2017 and 2018. She also co-chairs the Canadian Bar Association Student Section (North), a position she shares with third-year student Areezah Jiwa.
"Bernadette is a strong, passionate and kind-hearted woman. During the past two years working closely with Bernadette in the CBA, I have witnessed her motivate fellow students to achieve the best of their abilities, challenge herself to grow individually at every learning opportunity and speak up for those who are disadvantaged by the law. Bernadette is an inspiring woman who will reach unprecedented levels," said Jiwa.
This summer McMechan is employed with the Workers' Compensation Board, where she will assist with, among other things, third-party liability claims and issues surrounding employment law. She also already has goals in mind for her final year of law school, including dancing in Law Show.
Though only so much can be planned when it comes to the future, McMechan knows one thing for sure: she's not leaving the city.
"I look forward to staying here in Edmonton and contributing to the community. I feel I'm exactly where I should be," she said.