In hindsight, choosing this field of study was almost a natural progression for Wardell. She has volunteered with the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES) since elementary school. “I’ve always been really interested in environmental issues. It was sort of what got me on the path I’m on,” she said. She is now the SES representative with Roadmap 2020, an organization working to make Saskatoon sustainable as it grows.

In addition to her work with SES and Roadmap, Wardell was also the coordinator of the Youth for Action Workshop at the University of Saskatchewan in 2007. One highlight was seeing environmental advocate Jane Goodall at the one-day seminar for youth from schools around Saskatoon. Wardell said the most important part of events like this one is “trying to avoid the feeling of helplessness people get with these issues.” She said little differences really add up, and giving young people that message is an important start.

Wardell will now pursue a master’s degree in architecture. She plans to specialize in environmental architecture, which explores different ways of building to address social needs and benefit the environment.

Through her education and volunteer work, Wardell has realized that she can affect change from anywhere, in a variety of ways. She said it is important to make changes in the here and now: “If you want to make a difference, start with the people around you.”