Meet Our ASSET Volunteers

Ask Aanchal about:

• Different types of nursing
• Fun volunteering opportunities
• Working in health care
• Transition from school to work
• Coping with test anxiety

Aanchal graduated from UAlberta with a bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) in December 2017. Since then she has worked in long-term care and internal medicine. She currently works in the adult intensive care unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where her role entails caring for patients who may require ventilatory or cardiac support. Aanchal hopes to start her master's in nursing in the next year or so but is still unsure exactly what she wants in the future (and that is totally fine with her!) Her interests include spending time with her family, friends and dog, travelling and finding good places to eat.

Ask Al about:

• Risk-taking and rejection therapy
• Presenting in front of 1,500 people
• Networking
• The importance of finding balance
• The best Star Trek series

Al graduated from UAlberta in 2010 with a specialization degree in psychology. From there he went into recreation management and managed two recreation facilities just outside Edmonton. He decided on a career change after eight years working in recreation and is now completing his master's degree in psychology. He loves being a student again and is very happy he made the change. Al has learned a lot in his past career and is applying those lessons to his future career as a psychologist. Al is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and has training in critical incident stress management, as well as crisis intervention.

Ask Andre about:

• A career in computing science
• Lifelong learning
• Learning Japanese as a second language
• Working out (bike, swim, weight lifting)
• Gardening

Andre is born and raised in Edmonton. He graduated with a BCom (accounting and finance) as well as a BSc (computing science). Throughout his career he has worked on a variety of software applications ranging from tax software to process control software (the programs that run the machines in factories), and he has been in every role from developer to manager. A big believer in lifelong learning, Andre is currently trying to learn Japanese (without a doubt the hardest thing he's ever tried to learn). In his spare time, he likes to stay active, travel and learn about different cultures.

Ask Belinda about:

• Why librarians are awesome
• Favourite books
• Her pet rabbits
• Her favourite superheroes
• What she has dressed up as for her job as a character model and Disney Princess

Belinda is a second-year Master of Library and Information Studies student with an undergraduate double major in English and psychology. She loves books (especially dystopian fiction), dancing in heels, sciency podcasts and jamming out to some good alternative and oldies tunes. In her family, she is the eldest child of three. She is also a vegan and has two pet rabbits (Honey and Espresso). Belinda works as a research assistant on a digital literacy project called Digital NWT. She is also a brand ambassador/character model (Rhythm Fx Entertainment), a Disney Princess (Glass Slipper Entertainment), and an editor/proofreader (BelleCheck.com). For fun, she volunteers with CJSR 88.5 FM on a show called SHOUT! for Libraries. She doesn't know how she has time for everything either. Some suspect she owns a time-turner.

Ask Ben about:

• Being part of high-stress disciplines like engineering
• Developing new relationships and becoming outgoing
• Reading endless non-fiction books on topics like psychology
• 80s & 90s action movies

Ben is an Structural Engineer having completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering. He is passionate about volunteering for different causes. Most recently, he has been a part of the 2022 Worley United Way Volunteer Campaign Team and the 2023 Worley Food Bank Campaign Team.

Ask Caitlin about:

• Volunteering locally and internationally
• Exam stress relief
• Work/life balance
• Caring for hedgehogs
• What to read next

Caitlin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and has since pursued her Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management. She has worked in post-secondary as well as in various non-profits that focused on youth work and child advocacy. Outside of work she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, outdoor activities, and traveling.

Ask Courtenay about:

• living in residence
• working at the UofA as an undergraduate student
• pursuing a career in a different field than your degree
• grocery shopping while living on/near North Campus

Courtenay graduated from UofA with a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science in June 2023. During her undergrad, she was a resident assistant and volunteered with Wellness Supports for several years. Currently, she works as an administrative assistant at the U of A. While attending UofA as an out of province student, Courtenay learned how to adapt to her new environment and found ways to get involved in the campus community. She would love to share her experiences with students who moved away from home for university.

Ask Dennis about:

• Life as an educator
• Travelling around the world
• Working in a human resources field
• Cooking
• Crucial conversations

Dennis was born and raised in Edmonton as a first-generation Canadian. His parents came to Canada from Germany to start a new life and his first language was German. After high school, Dennis went to UAlberta and received bachelor of arts, bachelor of education and master of education degrees. He taught for years in Elk Island Public Schools and became an assistant principal and then principal before moving on to the central office in human resources as director then corporate secretary of the division. He is a trained facilitator for a number of courses and workshops, such as 7 Habits, Leadership, Crucial Conversations and mentoring, and continues to conduct workshops. Now retired, he volunteers at Hope Mission and enjoys travelling with his wife to scores of countries around the world. He really likes cooking and trying out new recipes, and travelling has certainly opened his horizons to new flavours and spices. Dennis believes that everyone has something to offer and our world is much richer and more vibrant when we truly understand that we all contribute to the world we live in. A favourite saying of his can be found on the remnants of the Berlin Wall: "Many small people, who in many small places do many small things, can alter the face of the world"

Ask Diane about:

• Going back to school after a break of several years
• Balancing work and school and time for yourself
• Using a bullet journal
• Dealing with anxiety and depression
• Imposter syndrome

One of the scariest and most rewarding things Diane has ever done is to go back to university after a 25-year hiatus. It was overwhelming to deal with the changes (and self-doubt) but amazing to be among people like her who wanted to grow and learn. She completed her PhD in 2015 and her research is in mental health and wellness for health professionals. She is a good listener, enjoys good conversation and is looking forward to supporting students through their journey at UAlberta.

Ask Gordon about:

• The value of extracurricular interests
• Being dissatisfied with a career choice
• Taking advantage of opportunities
• Reducing alcohol and mood-altering substances in your personal and career life

Gordon applied to UAlberta as a mature student without a high school diploma, and with a wife and two young children. He graduated with a BA (sociology and economics) and was awarded the John McDonald Gold Medal. He then chose to pursue a career in health administration and graduated with a Master in Health Services Administration. He worked mainly in psychiatric hospitals and mental health administration, supplemented with specialty consulting in administration problems. Gordon has volunteered as a surveyor for the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation and was active with the Canadian Council of Health Service Executives. His interests include the ethical role and issues associated with consulting, professionalism in health administration, evidence based decision making, the necessity of work life balance, the dangers of alcohol and drug use in personal and career lives, and helping students maximize their academic performance. Gordon believes that his life and his family's life have benefited immensely from his education and experiences at UAlberta.

Ask Jane about:

• Working in higher education
• Avoiding burnout
• Completing a master's degree while working/volunteering/starting a family
• Leadership development
• presentation and facilitation skills
• Baking and cooking

In 2005, Jane graduated from UAlberta with a BSc specialization in psychology. After stumbling into the world of student affairs through volunteering during her undergrad, she took on various student affairs leadership roles at the UASA/UAlberta and is currently the assistant registrar and director of admissions. She completed a master's in adult education and community development through St. Francis Xavier University from 2013-2018 (while working full time, volunteering on multiple boards and having her first kid; not the recommended route, by the way!) Jane likes to stay active, volunteer, work on crafts, read and spend time with her family.

Ask Jessica about:

• Rebooting your career in your 20s
• Coaching youth
• Alternative careers in the field of Education
• Trail and ultra running
• Cross-country skiing
• Setting BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals)

Ask Jicelle about:

• How volunteering shaped her interests
• How to stay motivated
• How to balance a part-time job, studying and other extracurricular activities
• Maintaining mental wellness
• Travelling to Asia-Pacific

Jicelle graduated in June 2018 with a major in psychology and a minor in sociology. During her undergraduate degree, she was a research assistant for two years and also worked on campus with the Students' Union. She would love to chat about keeping motivated, anything school related, life after graduation and travel.

Ask Juanita about:

• Founding and running your own not-for-profit organization
• Turning your passions into employment opportunities
• Working in public health
• Career grief and moving on from rejected applications
• Being an effective storyteller
• Building succulent terrariums

When Juanita started her undergraduate program at the U of A she was a political science major and economic minor setting her sights on business or journalism. But it turns out she was better suited for sciences and ended up with an undergraduate degree as a biological science major and music minor. From there she went on to pursue a degree in public health and a master's in occupational therapy at the U of A. Juanita has worked in various sectors from post-secondary to non-profit and government, and currently co-runs a non-profit organization called Converse and Cook where she is building community through food and storytelling

Ask Lindsay about:

• Working in a variety of different sectors/environments
• Applying for grad school
• Earning a degree while parenting
• Balancing extracurricular activities, work, and school
• Switching jobs to suit your interests and needs

Lindsay graduated with a BA in psychology and worked as a research assistant in the psych department. She went on to try a variety of positions at the university, in public schools, and in the non-profit and private sectors. Currently completing a Master of Counselling, Lindsay loves chatting with students and helping people connect to resources to support mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Ask Lisa about:

• Teaching in Asia
• What it's like to freelance
• Working in the non-profit sector
• Changing careers
• Becoming an entrepreneur

Lisa possesses a diverse skill set, having obtained a degree in Education, an MBA from the University of Alberta, a diploma in Digital Media and IT from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and an MSc in Creative Business and Social Innovation. She has worked in various sectors including immigration and settlement, technology, and entrepreneurship. In addition to her professional pursuits, Lisa is passionate about sustainable fashion and the role of AI and digitization in this industry.

Ask Lisa about:

• Working in a career outside your field of study
• Preparing for interviews
• Travelling solo
• The value of volunteering
• The importance of self-development
• Maintaining work-life balance

Lisa graduated from UAlberta in 2017 with a major in Science Psychology and a minor in Political Science. Her curiosity to try out new things has led to the involvement of various University Organizations such as the University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU), Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), and Heart and Stroke Foundation Students' Association (HSFSA). She has earned a Bachelor of Welcome from UASU for her four years of volunteering. Her role as the VP External with CSSA has opened the door to her career in the banking industry. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, horseback riding, golfing, snowboarding, and travelling.

Ask Lorelei about:

• Quitting your job and travelling around the world
• Thai fruit carving and other stress relievers
• Operating a booth at a farmers' market
• Failure and recovery: job interviews, auditions and more!

Lorelei graduated from the U of A with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Engineering. In between and afterwards, she travelled around the world, backpacking, hiking and snorkeling with iguanas. Pretty much immediately she realized she'd rather be writing, so she returned to MacEwan University to complete a communications diploma. Currently, she works as the communications and research safety coordinator for the U of A, promoting health, safety and environmentally responsible research and learning. After work, you can find her coercing her kids to play something with her or eating chocolate.

Ask Marcello about:

• Achieving goals and setting healthy habits
• Switching Majors/Degrees or Career focus
• Acclimating and finding your way in University
• Grief & Loss
• Living Abroad

Marcello was born and raised here in Edmonton. He graduated in 2019 with a BA. in Political Science and International Studies. Upon graduation, Marcello worked in Investment Banking & Wealth Management until recently making the move to pursue a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology to become a Therapist. Marcello is a big believer in growth, reflection and healthy habits, and has now dedicated his life to helping people attain forward positive movement in their lives. He also speaks Spanish and loves all things F.C. Barcelona, his favourite sports team. He is also a self-proclaimed Master Chef, however, there are doubts within his family if it's a satisfactory title. (He disagrees)

Ask Melinda about:

• Living and working in another country
• Becoming a conscious ally to 2SLGBTQ persons
• Counselling secondary school students
• Suicide and mental health
• Life-work transitions
• Where to hike, snowshoe and cross country ski in and near Edmonton

Melinda grew up in Medicine Hat, a small city in southern Alberta, where she played every sport available to her. She moved to Edmonton to attend the U of A, graduating with a degree in physical education and was immediately hired by the Winnifred Stewart Association to teach 430 "mentally retarded" (the term used at the time) students ages three to 21 physical education. Eye opening? Yes! After that, she began a long and fabulous career as an educator, including roles as a department head, assistant principal, consultant and after earning an MEd, counsellor. Living and teaching in both Australia and Scotland widened her world view and initiated travel with students on both sports and educational trips to countries all over the world. Teaching at the university and immersing herself in mental health and social justice opportunities the past nine years, again expanded her world view. Practicing yoga, staying physically and mentally fit, while participating fully in her own life and that of her family and friends, continues to inspire curiosity and interest in others. Melinda is excited to have the opportunity to get to know you.

Ask Meenakshi about:

• Overcoming challenges and developing the skills you need to achieve your goals
• Careers outside your field of study
• Grief and loss
• Developing and practicing good mental health habits
• Volunteer work centered around community

Meenakshi is a U of A graduate with a Bachelor of Science, double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology. In her final year of undergrad, curiosity in management and finance led her to pursue careers outside of her field of study. In her spare time, Meenakshi likes to be involved in community projects, read and explore local cafes.

Ask Michael about:

• French second language education
• Living abroad
• Alternative careers in the field of education
• Where he would like to travel next

After many years of bouncing around and not knowing what he wanted to be when he grew up, Michael has fallen in love with supporting, promoting and advocating for French second language education. He has completed a BA in sociology/French, a Dip(Ed) in adult education and a BEd in elementary education. He has been a reserve military officer in the Canadian Forces since he was 18 and has also been a volunteer police-based victims advocate for more than 30 years.

Ask Michele about:

• Value of volunteering
• Managing your way through adversity
• If I could do it all over again would l make the same career choice
• Why being a good listener is important
• Life lessons I have learned

Michele graduated in 1982 with a bachelor of science in occupational therapy. She has spent 35+ years working with seniors who have health challenges. The joy of working with this population is the stories they share because of their varied experiences and life challenges they have lived through. Outside work, she enjoys reading, walking, exercising and visiting with friends and family (including furry friends with four legs and a wagging tail). She has two adult children who are out on their own. It is fun for her to watch them do all the things she once did for them: cooking, laundry and housekeeping. In the next few years, she is looking forward to spending less time getting paid to work and more time volunteering her time for things she is passionate about. Her aim in life is to work on making sure no one feels invisible, as every life matters!

Ask Michelle about:

• Journalling for mental clarity
• Building good habits
• Getting involved in research
• Good music for any occasion
• Volunteer opportunities

Michelle spent most of her undergrad experience switching her major back and forth between psychology and biological sciences, while also seriously contemplating degrees in animal sciences, ecology and medicine. Needless to say, she was very curious about learning all she could. Getting involved in numerous volunteer and research opportunities sparked her to finish a double major in psychology and biological sciences in 2018. She was an undergraduate researcher who studied areas such as invertebrate herbivory, Hodgkin's lymphoma and scoliosis. Currently, she works full-time as a research assistant in breast cancer research at UAlberta. She also has been involved with Sustain SU, Edmonton Public Schools, the Canadian Mental Health Association and other organizations. In her free time she tends to her plants, reads, writes and shares corny jokes with family and friends.

Bio coming soon

Ask Pauline about:

• A career in pharmacy
• De-stressing with yoga and/or meditation
• How essential oils can be helpful in so many things
• Pickleball
• The joys of volunteering
• The importance of self-care

Pauline graduated from UAlberta in 1992 with a BSc(Pharm) and has spent her career in community practice. Trying to find balance between work, raising children and re-energizing herself has been challenging - never a dull moment in her life! She loves trying out different volunteer opportunities and wrangles family and friends to help out as well. She has recently taken pickleball lessons with her husband and finds it much more fun than tennis or badminton.

Ask Pauline about:

• Psychology
• History
• International travel
• True crime podcasts
• Being an international student

Pauline took a full decade to finish her Bachelor of Arts, talk about a long "gap year"! After trying various careers and countries, she returned to Edmonton to complete her degree in psychology, and discovered her passion for research. Pauline moved to the U.K. to complete her MSc in Developmental Science, and has come back to Edmonton to work for both the U of A and U of Calgary as a research coordinator for community initiatives. Specializing in mental health in emerging adults, Pauline plans to begin her PhD in 2022. Her interests include travel, cooking, dogs and all things true crime

Ask Phil about:

• How "soft skills" can impact your career
• Working in human resources
• The importance of volunteerism
• How he found his jobs through networking
• Development of your career

Phillip graduated with a Bachelor of Science, specializing in psychology. Following graduation, he took courses as a special student, for more than 10 years, in areas that he could not fit into his undergrad program. It must be that he missed the tests, assignments, papers, etc. To round out his career learning, he completed studies in human resources management and addiction studies. His career has crossed numerous industries ranging from aviation services to utilities, and he has worked in both Canada and the U.S.A. Phillip is semi-retired but continues to be an avid volunteer, because he believes very strongly in giving back to his community. He has volunteered with his professional organization and not-for-profits in the human services sector in numerous governance roles.

Ask Rohan about:

• Great restaurants in Edmonton
• Working in the technology sector (even as a non-technical individual)
• Resume and interview tips
• Excelling in academics
• Finding your place in university and beyond

Rohan graduated from the Univeristy of Alberta with a bachelor of science in computer engineering (BSc Computer Engineering Co-op) in June 2019. Since then he has worked at big tech, startups, and hardware shops. He currently works at PCL Construction as a software developer. Born in Japan, raised in Kuwait (Middle East), ethnically from India and settled in Edmonton. His interests include family & friends, travelling the world, working out and all things tech.

Ask Susan about:

• Growing up on a farm
• Learning to row a boat
• Working in the public sector
• Creating a LinkedIn profile
• Being a parent with young adult children

Susan has always been interested in the roles and responsibilities of governments. After completing her Bachelor of Arts at the U of A, she worked in government, health services and non-profit organizations. Being a public servant provides rewarding opportunities for her to contribute to the community. Susan is curious about people and has grown increasingly interested in strengthening how people communicate and work together. In pursuit of understanding how to do this, she recently completed a Master of Arts in leadership at a BC university. The program used a blended delivery model that integrated online learning with on-campus residencies.

Ask Tina about

• Building confidence and resiliency
• Setting boundaries
• Practicing self-care
• Becoming an overzealous plant parent
• Female empowerment

Tina graduated in 2005 with a B.Ed. (Elementary Education). After teaching K to 12 for several years, she slightly readjusted her career sails to post-secondary education and student advising. Fast-forward 13 years, she is leading student advising services at NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business. As a passionate advocate for literacy, education, and mental health, Tina takes joy in being a meditative yogi, book nerd, plant parent, ok runner (ran her first 5KM race at 40 years old!), and ‘YES’ enthusiast (meaning she is committed to saying ‘yes’ to new life experiences including, but not limited to, glassblowing, axe throwing, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, archery, and pottery). She would love to discuss stepping outside of comfort zones, creating work/school/life balance, practicing self-care, building confidence and resiliency, and returning to post-secondary studies as a mature student.

Ask Wenkai about:

• Cultural adaptation and intercultural communication
• Creating video content for social media
• Learning English
• Study techniques and productivity tips

Wenkai Yuan grew up in Guangzhou, China, and moved to Canada as an 18-year-old international student who had just met the minimum ESL requirement for university admission. He spent one year studying in the English Language School and taking ESL courses. He dedicated another four years to earning his bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. In addition to his academic journey, he has actively been involved in various institutes and non-profit organizations in both Canada and China. He is also an educational content creator on Chinese social media platforms such as Bilibili and Red. His goal is to become an educator and content creator who guides students from diverse cultural backgrounds to discover their own paths.