Skip to main content
    December 8, 2025

    Jasmine, Haskayne School of Business Student


    Meet Jasmine: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student


    When I left Shanghai, the city I had called home for eighteen years, I packed my entire life into two suitcases and boarded a plane alone for the first time. Crossing an ocean and arriving in a completely new continent felt overwhelming at first, but looking back now, the single moment of courage became the starting point of a path shaped by community, purpose, and the unexpected growth I experienced over two years at the University of Calgary.



    I am now in my second year, majoring in Accounting. I have had an interest in numbers since childhood, and exploring how financial information shapes organizations, communities, and the choices people make every day excites me a lot. I was still uncertain at the beginning since I had never actually studied for any accounting classes. As I progressed through the well-designed courses and saw how everything connected, I began to understand what the field truly offers. I realized that accounting isn't just about calculations but about interpreting information and supporting decisions that shape real outcomes. This understanding made me more confident in my path and excited about what lies ahead.


     

    Some of my closest friends today are people I met during club events, where conversations quickly turned into real friendships. Clubs also gave me the chance to explore skills I had always been curious about. I practiced video editing, filming, and creating content, which became both a hobby and a meaningful way to contribute. Through meetings with my team members and workshops, I strengthened my public speaking and developed early leadership skills.

    Volunteering has also become an important part of my experience at UCalgary. I have participated in several campus events, including the UCalgary Strong Festival, Open House, and Convocations, and I will soon be contributing as a Campus Tour Leader. Getting involved in different community projects allowed me to see the impact of the importance of supporting others. I learned to be patient, understanding, and attentive to the needs of others. It helped me develop a stronger sense of empathy and gave me the chance to interact with people from many different backgrounds

    Living in residence played a big role in helping me adjust to life in Canada. The tunnels that connect the campus buildings became a true lifesaver during winter, saving me so much time and protecting me from the cold weather. Meanwhile, being surrounded by students who were also figuring out their new routines made the whole experience more comforting. We also have a lot of fun residence events, and it is a good idea to meet more people and have fun together.

    As an international student, I have found support, community, and space to grow at UCalgary. Each experience has helped me feel more confident and connected. I look forward to discovering more and building a future I feel proud of.


    I also discovered how much UCalgary’s academic environment supported my development. There is a lot of fun groupwork, which is a good way for me to step out of my comfort zone as an introvert. Through group work, I collaborate more effectively, communicate my ideas more clearly, and listen to diverse perspectives. Working with others helped me develop stronger problem-solving skills and become more confident in sharing my thoughts. I also made a lot of friends through the randomly assigned groups, turning simple classroom activities into meaningful connections that made the experience even more enjoyable. At the same time, the professors here at UCalgary are easy to approach. They genuinely welcome questions during and after class and respond quickly to emails. Knowing this support was always available made me feel comfortable participating more actively in my classes.

    Beyond academics, one of the most impactful choices I made was getting involved in student clubs. Joining clubs introduced me to people from completely different backgrounds and programs.