I finished high school in 2022, just as the world was emerging from the global pandemic, and like many students at the time, I felt unsure about my future. I didn’t have a clear sense of which career path I wanted to pursue, so I made the decision to take a gap year. That time gave me the space to reflect, explore my interests, and learn more about myself. If you’re feeling uncertain right now, I want you to know you’re not alone—I was in the same place. Taking that pause allowed new possibilities to open up and helped me see my future from a broader, more hopeful perspective.

Exploring UCalgary and its diverse programs opened my eyes to new possibilities and helped me better understand where my interests could take me. From attending Open House to submitting my application, each step made me more excited about starting this journey. Now, campus feels like home, and I’m continually growing—both academically and personally—as I learn about how societies are structured and shaped around the world.

That sense of belonging was strengthened even more through volunteering. Community engagement has always meant a lot to me, even before post‑secondary, so discovering the many opportunities available through the university and the Students’ Union felt like a warm hug. An added bonus was learning that UCalgary uses BetterImpact—the same platform the City of Calgary uses to track volunteer hours for initiatives like Stampede and public library programs—making it easy to build a strong portfolio.

In my first year, I volunteered with the Q Centre, a welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies; the Information Centre and Lost & Found; Welcome & Wayfinding; and as a You at UCalgary Passport Challenge Leader, to name just a few. I can’t emphasize enough how impactful getting involved early can be. These experiences made my transition into university life smoother and more fulfilling. Beyond building friendships and professional connections, volunteering helped ease my anxiety, boosted my confidence, and made campus feel like a second home. If you choose to volunteer, I promise you won’t regret it.

One volunteering opportunity, in particular, has stayed with me and continues to shape my experience today. While spending time at the Life Design Hub—a space to relax, study, and attend events—I came across an opening for a Campus Tour Guide Leader. From the very beginning, the Prospective Student Engagement Team supported me every step of the way, from shadowing my first tour to confidently leading tours on my own.

Over time, as I gained experience, built relationships, and accumulated volunteer hours, that opportunity grew into something even more meaningful. I was offered a full‑time paid position with the Student Recruitment Team through the Co‑operative Education Program within the Faculty of Arts. That moment truly affirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Because of UCalgary’s vibrant and welcoming community, integrating into campus life felt natural and empowering. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and get involved—and I’m proud to be part of a community that makes it so easy to find your place and build something meaningful.