Georgia Halasan

I graduated from the University of Calgary (UofC) with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Culture in December 2018 and currently I am working for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Students’ Association as a Communications and Marketing Coordinator.

Although the UofC may be less well-known outside of Canada, my decision to go there was made with my heart: my Mum, who I didn’t grow up with and get the opportunity to build a relationship with, lives there and I wanted to reconnect with her. During my time at UWCSEA East, whilst academic success was of great importance, people were of a much higher priority. Creating meaningful relationships was a key part of my three years at UWCSEA East, and that is what came to my mind during my university selection process.

I found my passion for people - making meaningful personal connections and helping others - through my involvement in various local and international service work during my time at UWCSEA East. In my first year of university, I was recognized by the University’s Residence Students’ Association as an ‘Emerging Leader in Residence’ - someone who helps to build the community by promoting an inclusive and positive experience. Outside of the university scene, I was also quick to find ways to connect with the broader community. Since arriving in Calgary in 2014, I have been an active volunteer for TEDx Calgary, as well as various cultural festivals throughout the year.

UWCSEA East taught that it’s all about the people - the relationships you have and how you are changed by the people you meet, and that I have a responsibility to be an ambassador for the kind of world that I want to live in. I think that my choice of study at university and my choice of work reflect those lessons. I chose the field of communications because as a people-person, I am passionate about helping others and creating the kind of communication that builds meaningful personal connections and impacts peoples' relationships with each other, as well as the world we live in. Currently, I am living out this passion through my first ‘big girl’ job.

SAIT Students' Association, my workplace, is a student-focused and student-led non-profit organization representing SAIT students. I am part of a team that creates and curates events and services centred around improving the student experience, whenever and wherever possible, through providing student advocacy and support, as well as raising school spirit. It’s pretty sweet, but there truly is no place like UWCSEA East!