In late 2015 TRU officially launched its new brand and with that came a new look and a new identity—Taiysa Worsfold is part of that identity.

Beyond the banners

Her face can be seen on TRU banners nation-wide, but you might also recognize her as the poster girl for the WolfPack women’s basketball team she represented for the past five seasons. Or for her involvement in the science program in which she excelled. It’s even possible that you’ve seen her volunteering at Royal Inland Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters, or one of many other community events.

After five long years of hard work and dedication she will officially become a Bachelor of Science alumna this June.

Born and raised in Kamloops, BC, Worsfold excelled in both sports and academics from a young age. With a choice of universities knocking at her door, she decided TRU was the best fit both athletically and academically.

“I chose TRU because of my involvement with basketball and my relationship with the coaches and athletic staff. I wanted to be close to my family, especially my grandparents, so they could continue to watch me play,” said Worsfold. “I also talked to Heidi Hennelly (science faculty member) about how TRU would suit my educational goals and my dream of attending medical school and it seemed like a perfect fit.”

Worsfold was one of five students chosen as an ambassador for the new brand identity which comes with the tagline “find your TRU”, something she has truly embodied in her time on campus.

“When we began the process of looking for brand ambassadors, it quickly became clear that Taiysa was the perfect representation of potential,” said AVP Marketing and Communications, Lucille Gnanasihamany. “When we talk about ‘finding your TRU’, she found it early through giving back, through volunteer work and as a role model to other students.”

Most notably in her long list of accomplishments, Worsfold was a five-time academic all-Canadian, awarded by Canadian University Sport (CIS). She also received the Ken Lepin Award for Excellence in Science and the Ken Lepin Award for Academic Achievement in Biology. Now she will be recognized at convocation with the TRU Medal in Science, as the graduating student who achieved the highest grade point average in her program.

Worsfold wrote her MCATs last year and is applying to medical schools across the country. She is currently working for the Regional District of North Okanagan on the invasive plant control crew as a summer student, and plans to spend the next year volunteering abroad in a medical or healthcare program. The future is bright for Worsfold who found her path at TRU.