My connection to the University of Calgary existed long before I became a student. My dad used to work in the university’s IT Department, and I spent weekends taking skating lessons at the Olympic Oval, renting equipment from the Outdoor Centre to go skiing in Kananaskis, and attending many summer camps on campus. UCalgary had always felt like a second home, so studying here felt like a natural next step. 

When heading into my final year of high school, however, I had no idea what I wanted to study. While many of my friends seemed to have a clear passion they wanted to explore, I was still figuring out what path felt right for me. I knew that I enjoyed aspects of both the arts and sciences, but I didn’t know what that could look like in terms of a degree. After a lot of time spent researching programs and talking to family, I decided to apply for a BSc in Psychology because I thought it would provide me with the balance I was looking for. Now three years into the program, I can tell you that there are so many fascinating courses you can take, ranging from brain and behaviour to social psychology! 

Like many incoming first-year students at the end of summer, nearing the start of university was nerve-wracking. I almost chose not to attend Orientation, overwhelmed by how much was about to change despite campus being such a familiar space. Looking back, attending was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I can still remember this one conversation I had with an Orientation Leader in my program, as they had helped me feel incredibly more reassured about starting university. It was also just so much fun! 

That experience really inspired me to get involved on campus and to contribute to the community that made me feel so welcome from day one. Since then, I have volunteered as a Senior Orientation Leader, ISMP Mentor, Residence Move-In Support, Welcome & Wayfinder, and Passport Challenge Leader for You at UCalgary.

One volunteering opportunity that has been especially meaningful to me has been my role as a Campus Tour Guide. It allowed me to connect with future students and families, helped me build friendships with my peers I wouldn’t have made otherwise, and led to my 12-month full-time paid co-op position with the Undergraduate Student Recruitment Team as the Student Recruitment Ambassador for Campus Tours.

Overall, if there’s one piece of advice I’d offer, it’s to try new things. You never know where it’ll take you down the road, and I’m incredibly grateful for where my journey has taken me so far; it’s been incredibly rewarding and memorable. With all that said, I hope to see you on campus someday—our Dinos community is looking forward to welcoming you!