Graduate Q&A: Safira Lachapelle

Safira Lachapelle, Master of Arts in Community Engagement graduate and Dean's Gold Medal award recipient.

What drew you to this area of study?

I was interested in expanding my skills and perspective around community-based participatory research and how approaches like Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) can support action and outcomes at a community level.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

The relationships I have made and also the article that came out of my thesis. I am proud of that article, and the work I was able to do in my home community around my research topic.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?

When I completed my defense, my husband said ‘I’m so proud of you; you never doubted yourself for a second.’ Not true. It was hard, especially after I started working full time and was still working on my thesis. I was motivated because of the promise and commitment I made to the people who participated in my research project. If it wasn’t for those relationships, I may not have made it through.

What was/are your go-to spots on campus? Why?

I loved walking the trails along the river ridge and in the valley. Also, just exploring the campus and being around all the hustle and bustle. 

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of A?

That I had lots to offer and was capable of almost anything.

What advice would you give to a student considering your area of study?

Do it! This program was a life-changing experience.

What’s next for you in your career and/or academic journey? What do you hope to accomplish?

Right now, I am deep into community engagement from a municipal government perspective. I am learning all sorts of things about what goes into making a community run and how community engagement can support decision making (from building parks and roads to developing policies and bylaws). My goals here are transformative, but it’s going to take time. I am also supporting a pilot aging in place program that works at a neighbourhood level in Medicine Hat. For this, we have partnered with the Oasis team at Queen’s University.