Madison
“Being a woman means being strong, resilient, resourceful, and brave (among many other things). Being a woman means lifting each other up and empowering each other to do anything we set our minds to.”
Madison is extremely passionate about a variety of things – photography, music, and being outdoors – to name a few. She is a loyal friend and a warm spirit, with great comedic timing. Her curiosity has always pushed her to transcend her comfort zone, allowing her to further expand her interests and perspectives. Meet Madison. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
M: My name is Madison Skala, I’m 23 years old and I live in Victoria B.C. I recently graduated from UVIC after studying archaeology and I’m currently working as a research assistant. I love spending time with my family and friends, and enjoy baking, photography, and being out in nature whenever I get the chance.
K: Describe/define yourself in your own words
M: I would say I’m hardworking, organized, detail-oriented, and reliable. I’m thoughtful and creative and a bit of a perfectionist. I’m tough and sure of myself — maybe a little stubborn. I’m honest, passionate, caring, and extremely loyal.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
M: I think my favourite thing about myself is that I am comfortable spending time alone. Don’t get me wrong — I love my family and friends — but I think that it is so important to enjoy spending time by yourself and to not depend on anyone else for your own happiness.
Also, I think I have a pretty good sense of humour.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
M: When I was in the third year of my degree, I made a last-minute decision to apply to take part in an archaeological field school over the summer. At the time I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my degree in anthropology, I just knew that I enjoyed studying it. I was so nervous to leave home for the summer with a group of mostly strangers, but it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.
Throughout those six weeks I learned so much about something that I was truly passionate about, countless new skills both field and lab-based, and about people that had been strangers not too long ago. We worked and lived on small islands in Barkley Sound for three weeks and spent the following three weeks in labs and writing reports at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. Learning about the history and culture as well as exploring the waters and lands of the Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht people was truly incredible. I will always be grateful to have been part of such a collaborative research effort and to have had such an immersive learning experience. It really changed the direction of my degree and the rest of my time at university for the better.
K: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
M: Stop comparing yourself to other people and try not to overthink everything. (Something I’m still working on).
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
M: For me, being a woman means being strong, resilient, resourceful, and brave (among many other things). Being a woman means lifting each other up and empowering each other to do anything we set our minds to.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
M: It’s hard to pick just one! My mom, sister, and grandmothers have always inspired me with their kindness, generosity, courage, and strength. I feel very lucky to have such amazing women in my family and I love and appreciate them all so much.