Starting Small in a Different Country

I am an international student from Peru, and making the decision to leave my home country was not an easy one. I was accustomed to being surrounded by large social circles at home and at school, and I felt unsure whether I was going to be able to find the same level of support in Canada. Despite the comforts I had back home, a part of me wanted to discover what I could achieve on my own, in a new part of the world. So, I made up my mind to take that chance. When it came time to decide where to apply, I looked closely at my options. What specifically drew me to UCalgary over other Canadian universities was the unique balance it offered. It is located in a major city while remaining affordable and when I saw the many student resources, I knew I would be genuinely supported if I ever needed help navigating life away from home.

My Professional, Research and Academic Experience

In my third year, I embarked on a new journey by applying to the Arts Co-op Program and starting my placements. I had the pleasure of working with two offices on campus: the Student Success Centre and Engineering Career Centre. In both roles, I found incredible mentors who helped me build on my existing skills and supported my bold ideas, pushing me even further out of my comfort zone. The highlight of my co-op experience was being nominated and awarded Arts Co-op Student of the Year, an achievement I could not have accomplished without the support of my teams, to whom I owe so much gratitude.

During the summer after my third year, I began my research journey with the Laboratory for Human Cerebrovascular Physiology. This opportunity allowed me to apply what I learned in class while preparing for my next goal: graduate studies. Now, as I complete my fourth year, I am taking further steps toward that goal by applying to the Honours Program in Psychology, which I hope to complete in my fifth and final year.

Overall, my experience as a Psychology student at UCalgary has been nothing short of transformative. The courses have challenged me to think critically, while my professors and peers have consistently encouraged me to get involved in research and seek out novel opportunities. Trying all these different experiences inside and outside the classroom have given me a clearer sense of purpose and set the foundation for what I want to achieve when I leave university.

Final Lessons

Looking back, the University of Calgary has given me countless opportunities that have shaped my growth in holistic and meaningful ways. I have learned that doubt is a natural part of the journey, but it is important to take a deep breath and try anyway. Failure, too, is an essential part of the process. We must accept that sometimes things do not go as planned, but that is far better than living with the lingering question: “What if it had worked out?”

I hope to see you in the Fall semester! 

Giving Back to My Community

Feeling more comfortable with the rhythm of university after my first year, I realized that I wanted to take on more responsibilities and start to give back to the community that embraced me fully and do the same for others. I started by volunteering with the Prospective Student Hub as a Campus Tour Guide, which allowed me to show future students what life at UCalgary looks like while also developing my own skills as a public speaker. With growing confidence, I became a Community Ambassador for Residence Services, a role that has brought me so much joy. Supporting students, planning events that create lasting memories, and being part of a team that has each other’s backs is something I will always be proud of.