December 10, 2025
Gabreiella, Faculty of Nursing Student
A Dream That Started at 5 A.M.
I still remember that morning in February 2024. It was 5 a.m. in the Philippines, and I was standing in my school uniform, half-asleep, packing my books for another long day. I was months away from graduating high school—caught between fear and excitement about the future— and I was absentmindedly scrolling through my phone notifications when suddenly, I saw an unread email from my inbox with one word on the header:
CONGRATULATIONS!
University of Calgary Admissions.
I stared at the screen in disbelief before rushing downstairs and shouting, “I got an offer of admission to the University of Calgary in Canada!” It felt like a dream that my younger self would never have believed could come true.
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Arriving in Canada at 17
Moving to Canada at 17 was one of the hardest and bravest things I’ve ever done. I left behind a world where everything was familiar—my language, my weather, my food, my family—and stepped into a country where everything felt new and foreign. I had grown up speaking Filipino most of the time, so even though I knew English, I worried that my accent or vocabulary would make me stand out or hold me back. I wondered constantly:
Will I make friends?
Will people accept me?
Will I fit in?
Will I survive the cold?
Will I keep up academically?
Gabreiella, Faculty of Nursing Student
Meet Gabreiella: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student
A Dream That Started at 5 A.M.
I still remember that morning in February 2024. It was 5 a.m. in the Philippines, and I was standing in my school uniform, half-asleep, packing my books for another long day. I was months away from graduating high school—caught between fear and excitement about the future— and I was absentmindedly scrolling through my phone notifications when suddenly, I saw an unread email from my inbox with one word on the header:
CONGRATULATIONS!
University of Calgary Admissions.
I stared at the screen in disbelief before rushing downstairs and shouting, “I got an offer of admission to the University of Calgary in Canada!” It felt like a dream that my younger self would never have believed could come true.
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Arriving in Canada at 17
Moving to Canada at 17 was one of the hardest and bravest things I’ve ever done. I left behind a world where everything was familiar—my language, my weather, my food, my family—and stepped into a country where everything felt new and foreign. I had grown up speaking Filipino most of the time, so even though I knew English, I worried that my accent or vocabulary would make me stand out or hold me back. I wondered constantly:
Will I make friends?
Will people accept me?
Will I fit in?
Will I survive the cold?
Will I keep up academically?
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My friends and I became each other’s support system. We celebrated birthdays, Christmas, New Year’s, and all the milestones in between, as we are all far from our families, yet surrounded by people who slowly became our new family. We studied together through stressful exam weeks, held each other during homesick nights, and laughed at ourselves trying to layer up for winter without understanding how cold –20°C really is. And it really was freezing, completely the opposite of the tropical weather I grew up with back in the Philippines.
Growing Through Service and Leadership at UCalgary
As a student in the Faculty of Nursing, outside the clinical setting, UCalgary offered me countless opportunities to step beyond the classroom and contribute to the same community that welcomed me with such generosity.
These questions stayed with me for weeks, especially in the quiet moments of my first semester. But slowly, the world around me began to soften those fears. The very first thing that amazed me was experiencing Canadian autumn. I had never seen seasons change back home, so watching the leaves turn yellow and orange felt magical. When I saw the leaves gently fall to the ground for the first time, it struck me that I was truly living in a new chapter of my life, a chapter younger me could’ve never imagined.
On October 7th, I saw my first aurora borealis—a green glow dancing across the sky—something I had only ever seen on screens or imagined as I stared at my bedroom ceiling back in the Philippines. And then, on October 21st, I saw snow for the first time in my life. These small but unforgettable experiences reminded me that I was exactly where I was meant to be, living the dreams I once wrote on my childhood bucket list.
But even with all the beauty and excitement, there was still loneliness. Being away from home at such a young age brought challenges that no one truly prepares you for. I missed Filipino food, the warmth of the weather, and most of all, the comforting presence of my family.
Finding Home on Residence
My first feeling of home in Canada came from residence, specifically Kananaskis Hall, which was my first year residence. Friendships bloomed in the most ordinary places: a casual “good morning” in the shared bathroom, a smile in the laundry room, a small conversation in the hallway, or even bonding over frustration with midterms and finals. My neighbors, many of whom were international students like me, shared my fears, my homesickness, and my excitement about life in a new country.
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On October 7th, I saw my first aurora borealis—a green glow dancing across the sky—something I had only ever seen on screens or imagined as I stared at my bedroom ceiling back in the Philippines. And then, on October 21st, I saw snow for the first time in my life. These small but unforgettable experiences reminded me that I was exactly where I was meant to be, living the dreams I once wrote on my childhood bucket list.
But even with all the beauty and excitement, there was still loneliness. Being away from home at such a young age brought challenges that no one truly prepares you for. I missed Filipino food, the warmth of the weather, and most of all, the comforting presence of my family.
Finding Home on Residence
My first feeling of home in Canada came from residence, specifically Kananaskis Hall, which was my first year residence. Friendships bloomed in the most ordinary places: a casual “good morning” in the shared bathroom, a smile in the laundry room, a small conversation in the hallway, or even bonding over frustration with midterms and finals. My neighbors, many of whom were international students like me, shared my fears, my homesickness, and my excitement about life in a new country.
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As part of the new Bachelor of Science cohort in the Faculty of Nursing, I entered university anxious about finding connection, belonging, and a sense of direction in a completely new academic environment.
I found myself drawn to different opportunities early on. I volunteered at Open House, where I welcomed prospective students and their families, sharing with them not only what nursing at UCalgary offers, but also the sense of belonging and purpose I was already experiencing. I also volunteered for campus tours, guiding future students through the spaces that have become so important to my own growth. Representing the Faculty of Nursing at the You at UCalgary 2025 nursing session became another opportunity to speak with honesty and pride about my journey, especially about how an international student far from home found a community strong enough to feel like family. It was meaningful to see younger students listen to my story and feel reassured that they, too, could succeed and feel supported here.
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Standing there, with my nameplate pinned to my chest, I felt both proud and humbled. I thought about the younger version of me who prayed for this chance. I thought about the nights I stayed up studying while doubting whether I was even smart enough. I was definitely not the best student back in high school and wasn’t very well-known to be popular. If you asked me a few years ago if I knew that I would be here— no, I didn’t. This was all unplanned, and a very wonderful gift and surprise for me. Over and over, I realized how far I had come.
I entered UCalgary as part of the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort—a group transitioning into a refreshed curriculum, new course designs, and a new era of nursing education. Even before arriving in Canada, I worried about how I would fit into this new academic structure. I was anxious about the expectations, the pace, the clinical standards, and how much more challenging university would be compared to high school, and of course, compared to my country. What I did not expect was how this cohort—my clinical group and the faculty who guided us—would become some of the most important people in my first year. My clinical group, whom I stayed with throughout my Health Promotion and Aging Adult practicum, soon became another family. They made clinicals less tedious, and made nursing more fun.
Serving as an Orientation Leader allowed me to guide incoming students during one of the most overwhelming transitions of their lives. I remembered my own first days on campus—the uncertainty, the excitement, the fear of the unknown, and it made me want to be the person who could offer clarity and comfort to others. I also supported residence move-in, where I helped new students settle into their living spaces, answered endless questions, and watched their nervousness transform into relief simply because someone was willing to help.
Participating in campus-wide events like the UCalgary Strong Festival allowed me to celebrate wellness, connection, and resilience with the broader student body. And through the Undergraduate Tutoring Program, I was able to help other students academically, sharing study strategies, breaking down difficult concepts, and encouraging them.
Giving back to UCalgary is not just an act of gratitude. It is my commitment to paying forward the kindness, mentorship, and opportunities that have allowed me to grow into the nursing student and future professional I am becoming.
Entering Nursing: The Moment It Felt Real
I will never forget the first day of clinical. I was like, “Oh my God, it is finally real!” I put on my crisp, brand-new scrubs, and my stethoscope, then stood in front of the mirror to look at myself. It was simple—just a uniform in the eyes of others—but to me, it was everything. It was the first time I saw myself not just as a nursing student, but as someone who was stepping into a future I had dreamed about for years.
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Participating in campus-wide events like the UCalgary Strong Festival allowed me to celebrate wellness, connection, and resilience with the broader student body. And through the Undergraduate Tutoring Program, I was able to help other students academically, sharing study strategies, breaking down difficult concepts, and encouraging them.
Giving back to UCalgary is not just an act of gratitude. It is my commitment to paying forward the kindness, mentorship, and opportunities that have allowed me to grow into the nursing student and future professional I am becoming.
Entering Nursing: The Moment It Felt Real
I will never forget the first day of clinical. I was like, “Oh my God, it is finally real!” I put on my crisp, brand-new scrubs, and my stethoscope, then stood in front of the mirror to look at myself. It was simple—just a uniform in the eyes of others—but to me, it was everything. It was the first time I saw myself not just as a nursing student, but as someone who was stepping into a future I had dreamed about for years.
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My Aging Adult practicum at Bethany Care Society and my volunteer work with Alberta Health Services at the Foothills Medical Centre helped shape who I am becoming as a nurse.
At Bethany, caring for aging adults and complex dementia patients taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of gentle communication, while at Foothills Medical Centre, whether guiding families through the maze of hallways, comforting anxious visitors, or supporting patients during vulnerable moments, I saw the impact that simple kindness can make. These experiences strengthened my desire to serve in healthcare and reminded me that nursing isn’t just a profession; it’s a beautiful art.
Every time I wear my scrubs, hang my stethoscope around my neck, and adjust my nameplate, I remember why I chose this path. Life has shown me its storms, but it has also been kind to me. Choosing nursing is my way of giving that kindness back— becoming a source of strength, comfort, and hope for others.
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When I look back at everything I’ve overcome: the insecurities, the homesickness, the fear, the academic challenges—I can proudly say that I have already come so far.
I am grateful to my family who believed in me, to UCalgary for giving me this opportunity, to my clinical instructors and professors who guided me, to my friends who became my family, and above all— to God who has blessed me with strength and purpose.
This journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: This is my purpose in life, and I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I was born to be a nurse to save lives.
At Bethany, caring for aging adults and complex dementia patients taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of gentle communication, while at Foothills Medical Centre, whether guiding families through the maze of hallways, comforting anxious visitors, or supporting patients during vulnerable moments, I saw the impact that simple kindness can make. These experiences strengthened my desire to serve in healthcare and reminded me that nursing isn’t just a profession; it’s a beautiful art.
Every time I wear my scrubs, hang my stethoscope around my neck, and adjust my nameplate, I remember why I chose this path. Life has shown me its storms, but it has also been kind to me. Choosing nursing is my way of giving that kindness back— becoming a source of strength, comfort, and hope for others.
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When I look back at everything I’ve overcome: the insecurities, the homesickness, the fear, the academic challenges—I can proudly say that I have already come so far.
I am grateful to my family who believed in me, to UCalgary for giving me this opportunity, to my clinical instructors and professors who guided me, to my friends who became my family, and above all— to God who has blessed me with strength and purpose.
This journey is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: This is my purpose in life, and I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I was born to be a nurse to save lives.