Who will Inspire You at the University of Calgary?

From my experience, as a Haskayne Business student over the past four years, I have been incredibly lucky to have met so many amazing people. In this current winter semester, I have had the opportunity of hosting and producing the Choose UCalgary Podcast. This has also broadened my horizons and allowed myself to be introduced to even more fascinating individuals.

On Season 6 of the Choose UCalgary Podcast, I created a segment called, ‘Who Inspired You at the University of Calgary’. Where every episode, I ask a student, who inspired them at UCalgary and their experience with that individual. Since I have been inspired by so many people here, my goal was to give an inside look as to the different relationships that can develop during your time at the University of Calgary. Here is a compilation of what people had to say:

• Tyler is a fourth year Electrical Engineering student who was inspired by Norm Bartley who taught Tyler in his first and second year, Digital Circuits 1 and Computer Organization. Tyler is grateful that Norman was passionate and made learning new things fun.
• Tyra is a fifth year Archeology student who was inspired by Gerald Oetelaar because he has a unique world perspective, cares about his students and is passionate about his work. His insight on the western worldview and how the importance of Indigenous worldviews is crucial.
• Chloe is a fourth year Accounting Student at the Haskayne School of Business and who inspired her, is Michael Saar who taught Chloe Managerial Studies (MGST) 217 and 391. His teaching skills have inspired and changed numerous outlooks she had previously held during University. He genuinely cares about his students and their success.
• Aidan is finishing up his degree in Urban Studies and was inspired by Eliot Tretter who taught Aidan Urban and Regional Political Economy 558. Aidan was inspired because he would ‘tell it like it is’, was relatable, and understanding about the trials and tribulations that students face.
• Abby is a first year Social Work student who was inspired by Bethany Savoy who taught Abby Professional Use of Self (SOWK) 361. Abby was inspired by her expertise and work experience which taught Abby how to apply her morals and values in her future career path.
• Chantal is a fourth year Kinesiology student who is getting a Bachelor of Science with Honours and majoring in Exercise and Health Physiology. She was inspired by Carol Kroeker because of her prior career as a nurse and decided to instead, pursue her passion, got her PHD and now is a well-respected professor who is globally known for her ground-breaking clinical research.

Here are some other students on who inspired them at the University of Calgary:

• Megan is a fourth year Education student who was inspired by Angela Carbert because they have worked through their degree together and supported each other through practicum and group projects.
• Claire is a fourth year Business student who is inspired by Disha Kataria which is her friend that she met in residence in their first year. Claire is inspired by Disha because she is an international student that moved far away from home to be at the University of Calgary. Disha is also hard working, dedicated and constantly strives to enhance her university experience through co-curricular activities.
• Neil is a Natural Science student, and he is inspired by Annika Belireau who is a Business student at the Haskayne School of Business. Neil is inspired by her due to her drive, dedication, and enthusiasm towards school. Annika inspires him to be a better student and a better person.
• Aidyn is a fourth year Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources student at the Haskayne School of Business and who inspired her, is her friend, Hanya Rizvi. Aidyn met her in their first-year calculus class, and ever since then she has inspired Aidyn every day to push herself and become involved in as many things in the Haskayne community as possible! Hanya works extremely hard, stays dedicated to achieving her goals, and brings positivity to everyone around her!
• Elizabeth is studying Social Work here at the University of Calgary and could not narrow it down to one individual. Elizabeth said she has been inspired by many people at the University of Calgary and in general, been inspired by the University itself. Coming from the East Coast, the University of Calgary makes big dreams feel attainable, and every time she steps onto campus, she feels a sense of inspiration to do something great!

The segment is ended by saying ‘We cannot wait to see who inspires you, at the University of Calgary’. Hearing about other peoples’ experiences can encourage you to want to make your own relationships at UCalgary. Nevertheless, no one can truly put into words the bonds and connections a person can make at the University of Calgary. Getting a good education, finding your own passion, and learning more about your aspiring career path can be fulfilling enough during your time at UCalgary. However, I encourage you to take the time to get to know your classmates, professors or even the people you see in the hallway. Regardless of if you are more of an introverted or extroverted person, you can find people who align with you and your beliefs at the University of Calgary.