I chose Kinesiology because I’ve always been interested in health, movement, and the human body. I liked the idea of learning about the “why” behind the way we function in our everyday lives. Kinesiology felt like a program where I could explore health, creativity, and a bunch of different perspectives altogether. I’m still figuring out exactly where I want to go with it, but that’s kind of the point of first year. You do not need to have your whole life mapped out the second you walk onto campus.

One of the biggest things I learned this year is that the fastest way to learn is to surround yourself with people who share your interests. I joined clubs like Women in Science and Engineering and the Kinesiology Students' Society. Those spaces helped me understand university and course expectations way more than I thought they would. I got to meet students who had already made it through the first year I was previously nervous about, and I also had the chance to be involved in mentorship programs with monthly events and interactions.

Another experience that really stuck with me was getting the chance to be around UCalgary’s entrepreneurial and innovation spaces. UCalgary has so many events, hackathons, clubs, and opportunities where students get to build ideas and actually do something with them. I got to be part of a similar experience, where I presented an idea at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking in front of professionals and other students who were just as passionate and nervous as I was.

Was it scary? Absolutely. Did I question, for a moment, why I signed myself up for it? Also yes. But once I gave my pitch, I was so glad I pushed myself. Standing there and sharing a piece of me out loud made me realize that confidence is not something you always have before you start. Sometimes, you build it while you’re doing the thing, even if your voice is shaking a little.

My third favourite part of UCalgary has honestly been seeing Calgary differently. Since I grew up here, I thought I already knew the city. But being a university student in Calgary is a different experience. Campus became its own little world. Suddenly, I was meeting people from different programs and trying brand new hobbies like rock climbing and bouldering for the very first time. And yes, I would 100% go rock climbing again.

If I could give future students one piece of advice, it would be this: you do not need to have it all figured out. First year can feel messy, and getting lost, feeling nervous, or overthinking things is completely normal. But at the same time, say yes. Say yes to the club meeting, the event, the question you’re scared to ask, and the conversation that feels a little awkward at first. Sometimes, those uncomfortable moments become the best parts.

I’m still very much at the beginning of my time at UCalgary, but I’m already grateful for what this year has given me: mentors, new experiences, a little more confidence, and a new way of seeing the city I’ve always called home. And honestly, that feels like a pretty good place to start something!