A Biology education shaped by community, place, and responsibility
As she reflects on her recent graduation, Amber Cornick sees a common thread running through her time at Langara: connection.
Whether studying biological systems, exploring relationships between people and the environment, or creating an Indigenous version of the Langara Falcons logo, her experiences have been grounded in understanding how people, communities, and places are interconnected.
Biology and Geography helped her see those relationships more clearly.
"My time at Langara was filled with lectures and labs, and the labs quickly became my favourite," she says. "Learning biological concepts in the lab enhanced my knowledge and made me excited for whatever the next lesson had in store."
That curiosity also shaped how she understands her responsibilities beyond campus.
"As I learned more about biology, I started to see how different systems are intertwined with one another," Amber explains. "How human activity shapes geography, which impacts biology, which influences the climate, and how all these systems feed back on one another."
Studying biology reinforced Amber's belief that caring for communities and caring for the environment go hand in hand. "It reinforced my thoughts about communities and the need to take responsibility as a community to protect our environments and the places we call home."
Creating a symbol of representation and belonging
One of Amber's most visible contributions to snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College can now be found beyond the classroom. As a Musqueam artist, she created an Indigenous version of the Langara Falcons logo, designed to reflect Coast Salish traditions and the relationship between Langara College and Musqueam.
Amber's goal was "to create a bold and strong logo that stands out on athletic apparel, represents the close relationship between Langara College and Musqueam, and incorporates traditional Coast Salish designs."
Carrying two identities without conflict
Amber’s campus presence on campus is defined by a dual identity: Musqueam artist and biology student. It’s not a tension she struggles with.
“I’m used to carrying multiple aspects of my life at once and not needing to hide any of them,” she explains. Rather than seeing these paths as competing, she views them as complementary ways of understanding the world: “Being Musqueam shapes how I carry myself through life, studying biology allows me to explore how diverse life is, and both identities give me different ways to understand our world.”
Support at Langara that helped her move forward
Amber credits snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College for creating a learning environment where she felt accepted. “I never felt like there were any barriers for me at Langara College, academically or culturally,” she says.
She also points to the Indigenous Gathering Place as a key source of support. “If I had any questions about courses or the transfer process, I felt comfortable approaching the staff at the Indigenous Gathering Place, who were always there to support me throughout my academic journey.”
That support helped her feel at home while building her confidence in both her studies and her identity.
ReconciliACTION—representation on and off campus
Amber believes the Falcons logo project does more than look good. It opens conversation. “The project encourages dialogue about Musqueam’s traditional territory and highlights Langara’s priorities of Indigenization and reconciliation.”
As a new graduate, Amber’s academic and artistic paths continue to intersect. For her, success isn’t only about earning a credential. It’s about strengthening relationships and carrying the community forward: “The Falcon logo will represent the College’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Musqueam community and reflect the shared dedication between Langara College and the Musqueam people to foster inclusivity on and off campus.”
As she moves on from Langara, Amber also leaves behind a lasting contribution to campus: a symbol that reflects her Musqueam heritage and the strong relationship between Musqueam and Langara.
Interested in learning about organisms living on Turtle Island? snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College offers associate and diploma credentials in Biology. Learn more about which option is best suited for you.
Our College is dedicated to advancing Indigenization and reconciliation in our community for the benefit of all students, staff, and faculty.
