The Future Starts Now

To mark the U of C’s 40th anniversary we’ve celebrated the university’s many milestones— and the people behind them—from its first four decades. The occasion is also an opportunity to look at what’s ahead. Meet 40 individuals who showcase the amazing breadth of today’s student population. Their success will help shape the U of C of the future.

Profiles by Meghan Sired
Primary photography by Aaron Whitfield

AILEEN MARIE CORMICAN 22
Birthplace: Lethbridge, AB
Faculty of Medicine, Master’s of Biomedical Technology

What I like best about being a student are my friends and peers, inspirational professors, crazy lab experiments and surviving the general chaos of university. The most important aspect is the learning process. I love not knowing or understanding a concept, and then trying to wrap my mind around it. It is pretty cool to be like a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Discovering the many mysteries about the world is awesome because it reminds me of how beautiful and wondrous this place is. The main challenge I’ve faced as a student is understanding who I am. That is, understanding those daunting questions that plague many of us: what I value, believe in, stand for, will act on and for, and what I want to be and to become. Life has a way of throwing curveballs at you. So, my motto has been to “go with the flow.” Ideally, I see my future in a medical practice of some sort, wherein I would embrace both patient care and clinical research. I also hope to have a loving husband, healthy children, and a loveable cute dog.

ANDREW AH-SENG 21
Birthplace: Calgary
Faculty of Medicine, Bachelor of Health Sciences specializing in bioinformatics

As students, we see everything as being possible. Whether it be pursuing a career in medical research and finding a cure for cancer, or pursuing a lifelong dream of being a starter on a Varsity basketball team, we see the number of possibilities after convocation as limitless. This freedom to choose empowers us to strive for the best and broadens our knowledge. In five to 10 years, I hope to have started my pursuit of an MD-PhD or an MD-Master’s degree. In 20 to 30 years, I would like to have started my practice in neurology. I have a fond interest in computers and programming. I see potential in furthering the integration of computers into clinical medicine. The brain on a very simplistic level is like a computer and I’d like to develop technology which will help advance the way clinicians perform their duties.

BIANCA COURTRIGHT 18
Birthplace: Calgary
Schulich School of Engineering. Specialization TBD

I am interested in chemical, mechanical, biomedical, and oil and gas engineering. I don’t anticipate that I’ll be permitted to indulge my interest in all of the above in a mere four-year undergraduate course. What’s best about being a student is that I appreciate being recognized as a learner, rather than as a perfectionist. I also like student discount pricing. My biggest challenge has been coordinating my optional courses within the engineering timeframe and incorporating my musical and athletic interests. I hope that maintaining my values will give me an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

BRENDA INGHAM 55
Birthplace: Fort St. John, BC
Faculty of Social Work, working on a Master’s of Social Work, leadership stream

The best part about being a student is enhancing the learning experience through interaction with other students, the faculty and the community at large. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be challenged by critical thinking and self-directed learning in a safe and nurturing environment. I volunteer with agencies that work closely with the homeless, the near homeless and the immigrant and minority populations. I also volunteer with the member association that works with and houses people who are transitioning from the federal prison system back into the community. If one person can benefit from my efforts and learning I would consider all the study and all the work to be worth it. By this I mean that I plan to advocate for, and with, those who are underserved and those who have been left to fall through the cracks in our ever-shrinking social safety net.

BRYAN WEST 24
Birthplace: Banff, AB
Faculty of Social Science, Political Science

I’ve enjoyed the variety and flexibility to pursue many different subjects that have interested me. Apart form political science I’ve taken classes in Spanish, geography, geology, psychology, sociology, history, Greek and Roman Studies, biology, astronomy, computer sciences, philosophy, religious studies, and communication and culture. Actually, that diversity might help explain my lack of a minor. I first got involved in my second year as a community assistant in residence. I followed that by winning a position as vice-president, apartments for the residence Students’ Association, then president of that same organization, an external commissioner on the Students’ Union, and for the last two years I’ve served as president of the University of Calgary Students’ Union. Next year, my sixth and last year, I will sit for my third consecutive year on the U of C Board of Governors. Where do I see myself in the future? It’s a question I ask myself a lot. In the next five years I’m hoping to complete both my undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. I’m looking to take law after I complete my degree here. In 20 years I’m not sure. It may be too early to tell which aspect of the law I will pursue but certainly criminal and constitutional law hold the intellectually appealing fields for me. My experiences here have also given me a passion for public service.

CARMAN NEUSTAEDTER 26
Birthplace: Winnipeg, MB
Faculty of Graduate Studies, Department of Computer Science, PhD program

The best part of being a student is the tremendous opportunity to shape yourself and your future. Most people spend decades of their lives working and only a fraction of life is spent in shaping this eventual future. You can study areas of interest, meet people who share similar interests, and basically do the things you love. University teaches you more than just knowledge in textbooks and courses— it teaches you about life. It’s tough to think about finishing university because it has meant a lot to my life. Every day I get to work with some of the most brilliant people that I have ever met. If I didn’t have to earn a living to survive, I think I would still do the same things that I do now. I love the research that I do, the people I get to work with, and the ideas we come up with together. In high school, a teacher told me, “Do what you love to do and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

CATHERINE MACKINNON 19
Birthplace: Calgary
Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, BSc program

The biggest challenge has been trying to manage my time in order to excel in my studies and integrate myself fully into the university community. In the beginning, it was a struggle to maintain my community involvement while ensuring my academics were not affected by the transition from high school to university. Eventually, I found myself capable of completing the heavy workload required for first-year engineering and finding enough time to do the things I love, like volunteering. In five to 10 years, I see myself as a successful chemical engineer, gaining experience and insight in a number of industries and learning about the dynamic nature provided by an engineering education. I hope to have spent a couple of years volunteering in an overseas community. I hope that I can make a difference in an international setting by applying the skills I’ve learned to improve the lives of those less fortunate in other nations. I know that in 20 to 30 years, I will still be committed to improving the lives of individuals around the world.

CHANTEL FINEOLA PREVATT 24
Birthplace: Kingston-Upon-Thames, England
Faculty of Law, Securities, Sports and Entertainment Law

Being a student provides an opportunity to enlighten oneself about various academic subjects, cultures and ideologies due to interactions with your peers and the international exchange opportunities afforded. I do not plan to leave a very significant mark in this world, as individuals with such plans normally end up in various unflattering newscasts or in jail. I will be satisfied if at my funeral my friends and family are able to recall an individual who was humble, loyal, respectful, spiritual and reflected a high degree of class; someone who was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, and also an individual that was successful in her career and personal life.

CHARMION REBUS 27
Birthplace: Red Deer, AB
Faculty of Social Work, Edmonton Division

The main challenge I’ve faced here has been learning more about me. Social work involves a lot of selfcritique in exploring and reflecting who you are and what you believe in. Other challenges, like working full time, getting papers in and personal crises are difficult, but knowing who you are and standing up for what you believe in is the most challenging but fulfilling journey. In 10 years, I would like to be in a position which would allow me to work directly with children and youth. We all deserve a healthy and safe childhood, yet so many children and youth miss these components to a good start in life. I would love to work in the field of children’s rights and perhaps even take on a political career. If I didn’t have to earn a living to survive, on the home-front I would help social justice groups effectively lobby the government for equitable and equal services. Abroad, I would travel back to the Ukraine and Brazil and help out the poorest families. Most of all, I would listen to stories and share stories of hope.

CHRISTE HENSHAW 23
Birthplace: Barrie, ON
Faculty of Kinesiology, BSc Honours program

The best elements of being a student are the opportunities to explore wildly, think deeply, challenge assumptions, and learn broadly. It has been a challenge to find balance, and to reach this between academic teaching and life lessons; sight and insight; and blind passion and perseverance for the long haul. I am frequently reminded that our strengths are our weaknesses, and find myself treading the line between these as I strive to become better. I have a hard time defining myself by what I do, and I’m convinced that what we do is not nearly as important as who we are. The question at the end of our years of university study should not be of the career we will pursue, but the type of person we will pursue it as.

CHRISTINE ALISON JOHNS 27
Birthplace: Saskatoon, SK
Faculty of Education, Graduate Division of Educational Research, PhD specializing in higher education

What I like best about being a student is the opportunity to spend my days (and more often than not, nights too) learning, studying and researching topics of interest to me. I do not believe there is any other job that allows you to expand your mind to this level on a daily basis. Being surrounded by strong advisors and mentors is an incredibly rewarding experience. My main challenge has been finding that balance between studying, thesis research, holding a teaching or research position, and home life, with the added responsibility that comes with being the president of the Graduate Students’ Association. I plan to leave a mark on this world through my involvement and leadership within the post-secondary environment. I help to give voice to the concerns and interests of students and bring this voice to the university administration and the provincial and federal governments. I hope that the work that I do helps to build and contribute to a high quality, accessible and affordable postsecondary system.

COLLEEN MACLEAN DAVISON 33
Birthplace: Halifax, NS
Faculty of Medicine / Graduate Studies, Department of Community Health Sciences

I was fortunate to receive a Trudeau Foundation Scholarship in my second year. It was a great honour and makes life as a student a lot easier. Before that, it felt like applying for funding had become a fulltime job for me. I found it very hard to plan my research when funding was not secured, but I knew I had to move forward with it anyway. I really empathize with students who have great ideas but are not able to secure funding to do the projects they would really like to do. In five to 10 years time, I’d like to be teaching and doing research in an academic setting. As a former schoolteacher, I am keen to get back to the classroom. I really cannot imagine a better job for me than teaching at a university and heading up my own research program. In 20 to 30 years I could also imagine taking on some other positions in the civil service or in non-governmental organizations. My fondest wish would be to retire sometime around the age of 90 knowing that I did more good than bad, that I helped others along their own roads and that I lived and worked with integrity.

COURTNEY MICHELE LUIMES 21
Birthplace: Calgary
Haskayne School of Business, BComm in Marketing and Faculty of Social Sciences, BA in Political Science

Juggling a full course load and extracurricular activities in addition to finding time to spend with my boyfriend, family and friends can be pretty cumbersome. Finding a balance now as a student will definitely help in the years to come as I know that it will only get more complicated upon graduation. My involvement in politics and my time spent volunteering has taught me that there are no boundaries to what you can accomplish if you work hard and are dedicated. I aspire to be remembered as an individual who had a strong work ethic and was devoted to making a positive change in the lives of others.

DANIEL SHEA 37
Birthplace: Montreal, QC
Faculty of Law, focusing on litigation and international law

I’m naturally pretty curious, so learning is like candy to me. I’ve worked with Student Legal Assistance providing legal help to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it, and I sit on the Information Services and Academic Advancement committees. Last year I conducted a study on Law Library usage to see what students liked and what could be improved. Outside school, I’m Rose’s husband and Sam and Molly’s dad. In five to 10 years, I’d like to be on my way to being a really good lawyer, argue interesting cases, possibly have an LLM and do some teaching. Twenty to 30 years, I can see myself on the bench, hearing arguments from other lawyers that are hopefully better than the ones I was making 10 years earlier!

GRAHAM ARMITAGE 23
Birthplace: Vancouver, BC
Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering

I love having the ability to work with some of the most intelligent, creative minds to come up with problem solutions in an environment that encourages learning. I’m involved with Engineers Without Borders which works to improve the lives of people in developing countries. My summer work has included working with the disabled community to develop an engineering design program at the U of C which aims to improve the everyday living conditions of disabled individuals. If I didn’t have to earn a living to survive, I’d be fly-fishing somewhere in the Canadian Rockies.

JENNIFER JANE ADAMS 31
Birthplace: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Faculty of Science, Department of Geology and Geophysics

The best part of being a student is the freedom to do research on whatever intrigues me and the opportunity to meet a variety of people studying different and interesting phenomena. In five or 10 years I’d like to be fostering a team that is building powerful and easy-to-use tools to facilitate the integration of geochemical, engineering and geological data for the purposes of exploration, production optimization, and reasonable stewardship of petroleum resources. This may take the form of software development or industry and academic collaboration.

JENNIFER REID 33
Birthplace: Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, PhD

The unlimited variety of things that you can expose yourself to, the wide range of people you meet in an academic setting, the lifestyle and the opportunity to continually grow, are all great things about the student experience. In five to 10 years I will have completed my PhD and an MBA, both from the University of Calgary. I will be developing the research and development strategy for a company whose interests lie within the energy sector. It is my intention to markedly increase the efficiency with which we extract energy from non-renewable resources while ensuring that research activities within the realm of alternative energy sources are being investigated. In 20 to 30 years it is my hope to be directing research and development and responsible use of non-renewable resources for Canada.

JESSICA HUGGINS 23
Birthplace: Stoneham, MA, USA
Faculty of Communication and Culture, Communications Studies

I like the challenge of being a student and the fact that I am indeed choosing my own battles. What I also love is that I was very excited to start university last fall, and once I got there I was even more blown away with all the opportunities available to me. I get bored with life if I am not being challenged, so of course university is the best place for me because I am being challenged every day. The biggest challenge I’ve faced at U of C is trying to understand the lingo of my professors, and realizing I was not the smartest kid in my class anymore. It can be very intimidating to have so many bright, highly motivated people around you. I also believe that these people are crucial to your success because as you make friends they help guide you and keep you motivated. I don’t have my future mapped out, but I’d like to be done school within five years. I would like to work independently in my occupation of choice, which may consist of a little of everything: the arts, event planning, media, film, fashion design, and countless other things. My goal is to find a way to combine my interests into a multi-faceted career that constantly develops. If I didn’t have to earn a living to survive, I would be creating things all day, everyday. I love to sew, paint, draw, sculpt and write, and I could fill decades doing any of those.

JOANNA NIEMCZEWSKA 22
Birthplace: Warsaw, Poland
Faculty of Communication and Culture, Canadian Studies

I think university is a unique experience because the emphasis is on academics, but most of what I’ve learned has been outside of the classroom. My main challenge has been getting to bed at a reasonable hour. I think balance is extremely important, and so I have sacrificed some sleep over the years to keep up with academics, volleyball, training and, of course, a social life. I don’t see myself being settled down in five years, but in that time I will hopefully have experienced parts of the world I haven’t been to. In 20 to 30 years I hope that I’m still not taking myself too seriously and have kept in touch with friends. If all goes well I will be married and content with my job. Hopefully I will have learned how to cook better too.

JOSHUA BOURDAGE 21
Birthplace: Calgary
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, MSc in industrial and organizational psychology

The best part about being a student is that feeling you get from learning something new, and knowing it can be useful to yourself and others. It feels really cool to know that you’re learning useful things and can help people, or are finally being able to unravel the mystery behind some social phenomenon that you didn’t understand. So many businesses are run inefficiently and seem too busy to look into ways to treat their employees as well as they deserve. My job may not be making an impact on the world, but if in service to even one company I can make the lives of that company’s employees better and make their jobs easier, I’ll feel I’ve made a difference. In the larger scheme, the more efficient companies are in Calgary, the better Calgary is on the world scene. As a born and bred Calgarian, I want nothing more than to see this great city get even better.

KATHRYN WYTSMA 21
Birthplace: Calgary
Faculty of Kinesiology, exercise and health physiology T

he vast number of opportunities to get involved, both in the faculty and on campus as a whole, is what I like best about being a student. It’s the difference between having a great university experience and just coasting through. I volunteer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Emergency Department and at Mayfair Care Centre, a nursing home in southwest Calgary. I teach piano and tutor math and science. I work as a fitness consultant at Westside Recreation Centre and as a supervisor in the Guest Services Department at the Calgary Stampede. With the campus community, I am a part of the U of C Ambassador Program and a U of C 101 Student Leader. In five to 10 years, I see myself either as a physiotherapist or completing a degree in medicine. I also see myself married and possibly starting a family. In 20 to 30 years, either running my own physiotherapy clinic or working in a family medical practice. At any point in the future, I would like to have a family and also have opportunities to travel and see more of the world.

LISA PITMAN 27
Birthplace: Peterborough, ON
Faculty of Social Work, Master’s program focusing on leadership, child and family

The diversity of experiences is the best part of being a student. Every four months you are able to start new classes with new objectives. The most rewarding part of being a grad student has been becoming a part of a rich community of passionate and ambitious individuals who care about making a difference in this world. In five to 10 years I would like to be actively engaged in developing empirically based social programs and policies that support the well-being of all Canadian children. I would like to be a part of a movement that results in a more intentional investment in the welfare of families. In 20 to 30 years, I hope to be a faculty member, taking full advantage of my opportunity to inspire new professionals to create change. Through establishing effective social programs and policies, I hope to leave behind a world that cherishes the possibility each life brings, and to be remembered for making our world a better place for women and children.

LUKAS ARMSTRONG 34
Birthplace: Quesnel, BC
Faculty of Environmental Design, MArch

Students have continual exposure to new ideas and new ways of looking at the world. This is critical for a designer, as we are continually responding to a changing world. I have been involved in the design community and the campus community through the Take Your Place project. The project is a $3-million series of renovations to student spaces across campus. Through the project we are exploring ways to enhance student activities such as studying and socializing. I would like to successfully merge the disciplines of Industrial Design and Architecture and Planning. This means spending more on the upfront design work and carefully controlling every parameter, resulting in waste reduction, energy conservation, reduced environmental impact etc. This is an approach that has been explored by many designers, but for various reasons they failed to engage the public, which is critical to success. We are entering a time when energy costs, material costs, and public awareness have created a climate that is particularly responsive to this type of intervention.

LYALL M. THOMSON
Birthplace: Winnipeg, MB
Faculty of Education, Graduate Division of Educational Research, Educational Leadership, PhD

The biggest challenge I’m facing is finding the balance between being a full-time student and working full-time. Currently I’m superintendent of schools and CEO with Rocky View School Division. I have a passion to improve student learning and provide equity of opportunities for all students at all levels and locations. I plan to assist those interested, who want to develop and expand on research-based initiatives and innovations to further impact student learning. If I didn’t have to earn a living to survive, I’d be assisting educators in Third World countries. I admire the work of Stephen Lewis and would probably be a part of that massive effort in Africa.

NABEEL RAMJI 20
Birthplace: Karachi, Pakistan
Haskayne School of Business, BComm, finance specialization

Life is full of challenges, and I have experienced many of them first-hand due to my physical disability of cerebral palsy. However, my main challenge at the U of C was not due to my physical inability. Rather, the only challenge I have faced here is the challenge of meeting the highest expectations of the university and those that I place upon myself. I challenge myself to surpass my own expectations, with the sky being the limit. Regardless of what I set out to do, it will be the road less travelled. I plan to graduate from the BComm program and work for a real estate development firm. Once I have gained a sufficient amount of experience, I would like to go for my MBA at an Ivy League school. This would present me with a new set of challenges, not only academically, but also physically, in terms of gaining independence. Eventually I hope to own my own business. I hope that my kindness, my passion for life, and my willingness to help others inspire others who are facing challenges in life. Ultimately, I hope that I am known for the legacy I have created, and not for my wheelchair.

PATRICIA JEANNE BIDART 50
Birthplace: North Battleford, SK
Faculty of Education, Graduate Studies, PhD specializing in higher education

What’s best about being a student is meeting and discussing new ideas with many interesting people, as well as reading new articles and improving my knowledge and understanding of issues and challenges in the postsecondary system. My program is an online program so the major challenge was to keep in contact with my cohort to provide support and discussion while I worked full-time and travelled internationally. What I have learned from this process will assist in our college’s online development. In five to 10 years, I hope to be working more internationally or as a vice-president of academics at a Canadian community college. In 20 to 30 years I will be most definitely be retired and hopefully volunteering in Canada or through an international development agency. If I have grandchildren, I hope to take them on some international adventures.

POLLY L. KNOWLTON COCKETT 51
Birthplace: New Britain, Connecticut, USA
Faculty of Education, Graduate Department of Educational Research [GDER], Environmental Education, PhD

I enjoy the opportunity to think, read, and write, and to reflect upon and discuss global complexities and local nuances with peers and professors. My main challenge has been finding a place to work efficiently on campus; I do not have an office, nor anywhere to “hang my hat,” so I feel transient and disconnected from campus life. If I didn’t have to earn a living to survive, I would be travelling to the great natural areas of the world and writing about the myriad local individuals who engage in environmental initiatives.

REGAN WATSON 22
Birthplace: Dauphin, MB
Haskayne School of Business; accounting concentration

Where else but at university do you get to be in an environment with such an interesting, diverse group of people? I’ve met people who are taking finance, English literature, political science or some combination of the three. Although I’m an accounting major I’ve taken film studies, Russian political science, and Spanish art history. In five to 10 years I will have achieved my Chartered Accounting designation and will either be working in advisory services for mid-size firms or running a business of my own. In 20 to 30, hopefully I will have achieved the kind of financial success that will allow me to have a villa in France. I think the most important way any of us can affect the world is to start by initiating change in our community. If I can influence others in some small way and they in turn inspire someone else, I feel like I have achieved success.

RUSSELL KRUGER 26
Birthplace: Calgary
Faculty of Law

My biggest challenge was either balancing my studies with being a husband, or continuing with classes while dealing with my mom’s battle with cancer and her eventual passing in March of this year. In five years I see myself practising law and raising a family. After that, I’m not sure—I could see myself being a law professor or perhaps a judge. I don’t know what mark I’ll leave on this world. “There are many plans in a man’s heart. Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21)

RUSSELL REIMER 34
Birthplace: Regina, SK
Faculty of Communications and Culture, Master’s of Communication Studies, focusing on sport culture and communities of interest.

I love being around people who are smarter than I am. My biggest challenge has been trying to do it all. I work full-time, try to have some sort of social life, I volunteer and then there’s school. My wife says that it’s better to hit the ceiling than the floor. I think sport has the power to really passionately engage people in ways that are unmatched by any other medium. A friend and I just started a company focused on connecting amateur sport and business in intelligent ways.

RYAN CAMERON 20
Birthplace: Moncton, NB
Faculties of Humanities and Science, English/Computer Science

The best part of being a U of C student is knowing that anything is possible from where I am in my life. I also enjoy the affordable public transit. Where do I see myself in five to 10 years? I think it matters more how I see myself getting somewhere rather than at which place I arrive. Aside from my earth-shattering novel [laughs], I would like to leave a mark by challenging people, all around the world if possible, to think differently and ignite their passions.

RYLAN BROADBENT 24
Birthplace: Red Deer, AB
Faculty of Fine Art, Department of Visual Art, focusing on sculpture and cinema

My main challenge has been integrating myself into a new community of students. Having completed two years in another institution, upon changing schools I had to leave my crew behind. The bonds created in those first two years are not easily replaced. I hate to speculate on a question like this, but, in short, I plan on being a respected member of the arts community and my community in general. If I have things my way, I’ll be making large production, intelligent films. The main goal of art is to touch the audience in some fashion. I plan on using cinema as my vehicle, and my creative passion as my drive.

SHAUN CORDINGLEY 21
Birthplace: Calgary
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Drama

Being a student, particularly in the field of theatre, allows for mistakes. In the professional world it is difficult to have the chance to get your work seen or heard, but the university provides ample opportunity for new and experimental works to be seen by an intelligent and diverse audience that is capable of giving me excellent feedback to help my development. I want to show the world that innovative theatre and film can come out of western Canada and establish a place for Albertan theatre and film on the world market.

SONA SANDHU 26
Birthplace: Dehra Dun, India
Faculty of Social Science, Department of Psychology

The best part of being a student is going through the process of discovery, about your chosen field of study, about yourself, other people, and the world. University gives you the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds, see things from new perspectives, learn about subjects that you have never encountered before, and participate in activities that will shape the person you will become. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” This is how I try to conduct my life and in keeping with this I want to leave a mark in this world by giving back to others. I think the most significant contributions to society are when people give of themselves. If I didn’t have to earn a living, I’d explore the world and learn about other people and cultures. I would devote a great deal of my time to charitable causes. I believe that these two endeavours go hand in hand. By exploring new cultures you become socially aware, broaden your perspectives, and learn new points of view. By becoming more knowledgeable about the world, you are in a better position to help the people in it.

STEVE MILLS 27
Birthplace: Calgary
Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences

Without a doubt, choosing a career path was my biggest challenge. It was a formidable, time-consuming process. That bright young people are able to focus their efforts towards one particular field based on what they “are interested in,” in light of all the other modern pressures, is amazing to me. In the end, it came down to realizing what I am passionate about. I thought about how I could make the most positive impact on the world, given my accumulated knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitudes. Recently, I was fortunate enough to hear a talk by Dr. Cal Stiller, an accomplished Canadian medical researcher and entrepreneur. He advocated that the most important thing an individual can do in life is to affect other lives positively. I absolutely agree. I hope to empower people through knowledge, ease suffering, and help address complex problems so as to improve quality of life.

TERI CAMERON 21
Birthplace: North Vancouver, BC
Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Drama

A big challenge has been surviving the stresses that come with being away from my family, as well as finding a way to finance my education. A lot of students are in my position and I will admit it is really difficult to maintain a level head when you are missing your family or awaiting a student loan to go through. Teachers leave such an amazing mark on the world already, every teacher I have ever had has helped guide me to where I am today. I am hoping that I will be able to have that impact on at least one student’s life, hopefully more!

TIFFANY PRISCILLA FABRO 23
Birthplace: Edmonton, AB
Faculty of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing

Every time I set foot into a clinical setting—whether in acute care or in the community—I am given the opportunity to become a part of a person’s intimate moment in time. I’m reminded during each clinical experience of how strong and resilient people can be, and how important loved ones are when challenging times present themselves. Hopefully within 10 years I will have fulfilled my dreams of being a travel nurse in various countries while experiencing different health-care systems. People have told me that one’s youth should be lived as freely as possible for as long as possible. Eventually, I see myself enhancing my education by entering a master’s program in nursing. Hopefully by the time I’m 30, I’ll be working as a nurse practitioner in a remote area near the ocean. Any ocean will do, I just need to be near a beach and working in a small community clinic.

YASMIN NASSER 27
Birthplace: Kelowna, BC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, MD/PhD

The best part of being a student is the intellectual challenge of asking scientific questions and planning/performing experiments in order to answer these questions. There is a lot of freedom and an open, receptive environment here that enables graduate students to explore new ideas. The ideal mark to leave behind would be if an aspect of my research were able to improve patient care.