Congratulations, Class of 2021!
This fall, another group of graduates join the cohort of the Class of 2021. Those graduates reflect on their time at the University of Calgary by sharing their favourite spaces on campus, the advice they would give themselves on the first day of studies, and what surprised them the most about their university experience. A few of those answers are collected below.
Read more answers from the graduates here.
FIRST-DAY ADVICE
What the fall Class of 2021 would go back and tell themselves on their first day of studies
From the practical to the profound (and even a comparison to prolapse in a cow), UCalgary grads have some advice for future students
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT
The projects, moments, and discoveries our fall Class of 2021 are proudest of
Overcoming the unknown, transformational presentations, and international collaborations that set this cohort up for success
FAVOURITE CAMPUS SPACES
The physical spaces on campus grads will always come back and visit
The quiet study spaces, student lounges, and long hallways that will always have a place in their hearts
EMBRACING THE UNEXPECTED
The most surprising thing fall Class of 2021 grads learned during their UCalgary studies
Seeing science holistically, finding a passion for robots, and experiencing both the challenges and opportunities of studying healthcare during a pandemic surprised and delighted our grads
Fall 2021 convocation is Tuesday, November 9. Watch the Ceremony
A look back at the spring 2021 cohort
It was the best of times, it was the… most challenging of times. The Class of 2021 has the distinction of completing their final year during a global pandemic — circumstances that inspired us to vote this incredibly focused, adaptable and resilient cohort Most Likely to Succeed, Inspire and Persevere. We are so proud of all of you for your determination and passion.
Sara Scott, Faculty of Nursing
Most Remarkable Balancing Act
“I was surprised at how little I actually knew about colonization and the distress that has impacted, at the population health level, this group and how my own family was impacted.”
Luisa Rodrigues Felix Dalla Vecchia, SAPL
Most Likely to Transform Social Housing
“Using the kind of system I propose would still allow families to self-build, but they would have guidance, keeping the environments adequate and safe
Manpreet Sahota, Faculty of Science
Most Likely To Look You in the Eye
“I absolutely love science. I love what it can do, and I really do believe that science is saving the world.”
Alyjah Neil, Faculty of Social Work
Most Resilient, Most Compassionate
"I’ve never had a winter semester where I didn't lose somebody. I think that’s why I work so hard, because I know I’m not the only Indigenous student managing funerals and assignments. I have Indigenous friends, and we're all managing funerals and assignments."
Shane Bosomworth, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Most Wanted on a Field Trip to the Ranch
“It wasn’t until I took a summer job at a cattle farm that I got involved in the medicine side of things, doctoring calves.”
Liam Kronlund, Leaders in Medicine joint-degree program
Most Astonishingly Well-Rounded
“I admit it, I was interested in a lot of areas before I focused my master’s on physical rehabilitation and pediatric oncology.”
Arfa Saeed, Faculty of Law
Most Likely to Beat You in a Debate
“You know when you’re 20 and you’re halfway done your undergraduate degree and you don’t know what you want to do?”
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Eric Donaldson, Faculty of Kinesiology
Most Likely to Roll with the Punches
“We were suddenly severely limited in what we could choose for practical experience — working with athletes was not my plan.”
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Goundo Diarra, Faculty of Arts (International)
Most Likely to Enjoy the Journey
“There are not a lot of women in high-level positions in the UN. One day I want to take over the position of High Commissioner for Refugees.”
Valentina Villamil, Cumming School of Medicine
Most Likely to Give Others a Voice
“When I started working with people I thought, ‘oh I can help them.’ But that was wrong: it’s more about creating a bond with the individual, a friendship. It’s not about fixing a person but empowering them.”
Dr. Salvatore Federico, Faculty of Arts
Most Likely to Need a Long Nap
“Salvatore is a real character: stubborn, loud and opinionated. I really liked having him in class, although some of the younger students may have been a bit intimidated.”
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Tharakesh Munugur, Haskayne School of Business
Most Likely to Win Title of ‘Premiere Networker’
“There was a period where people guessed I was out networking when I was late to class.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2021: Rex Has Got You!
We sure wish you were here for one last spicy beef sub (hold the cilantro) or to toast to your newly minted degree at the Den. But hark! Here comes the most loveable Dino who always just seems to get you!