Best friends, mentors, romantic partners, etc. - the University of Alberta is a place where evergreen relationships take shape and grow. Below are just a few of these stories - and as a Valentine's Day inspired bonus, we've thrown in a few words from some of the U of A's own past and present poets.
Alvina and I met when we were both Team Facilitators for Orientation in 2006 (baby pink shirt year). We bonded over many things, not the least of which was U of A spirit, and soon started working together both at InfoLink and the Centre for Student Development, which used to run Orientation. Daily 'ho cho' [i.e. hot chocolate] runs to Cram Dunk, many long days in the lower level of SUB, and tons of campus shenanigans have led to a strong friendship that can make it through anything.
~ Amissa Jablonski, University of Alberta Senate
I was a second year pharmacy student volunteering for orientation. He was a first year pharmacy student showing up to his first day of school. He was in my group and I was his orientation leader. We had an instant connection and got along really well that first day. Later that week there was a social outing to celebrate the start of a new school year. He came up and asked me for my phone number. We went on our first date after school one day. Soon, we began to spend more time together and grow closer. A few months later he asked me to be his girlfriend. This past weekend, we celebrated our two-year anniversary. Our time together has been filled with so much fun and laughter. We have enjoyed plenty of happy memories attending various events on and off campus. I will forever be grateful that I signed up to be an orientation volunteer that year.
~ Teresa Huszar, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Billy Strean and I first met in 2006 when I was in his class as a prospective P.E. teacher during my B.P.E. As a caring, humorous, and knowledgeable instructor, he left a lasting impression on me. I vowed to be the kind of teacher he is. A decade later I returned to the UofA and I was given the opportunity to teach an undergraduate course while completing my M.Ed. After I requested his help, Billy graciously offered his support to mentor me in the ways of post-secondary teaching and learning. I have learned and continue to learn so much from him. This year I was honoured with the Faculty of Education's Sessional Undergraduate Teaching Award and to Billy I owe much thanks. I am very grateful for his support but more grateful for his friendship. Although we continue to work together as professional teachers, our relationship has grown from mentor/mentee to resemble a friendly father/son relationship. We play, we joke, we laugh, and we have fun, but Billy is always there with words of wisdom when I am in need. I am looking forward to our journey together and the fun we will have along the way.
~ Jordan Long, Faculty of Education
We met for the first time during MBA orientation and one year later we were engaged!
~ Deanna Dow, Alberta School of Business
Niabi and I actually met in May 2017 through our current internships at the HUB Career Centre. We were both just two undergraduate students planning for our futures at the same time, but what we didn't know was that we would actually come out of our internship not only with incredible work experience, but also a life long bestie!
Meeting Niabi and being around her all the time (seriously, we actually share an office), was the friendship I never knew I needed. Going through the changes from a full-time student to a full-time staff member certainly had its ups and downs. I think because we both experienced a similar transition, it actually brought us closer and helped us to bond throughout these last 12 months in a way that might not have been possible if we hadn't taken this work opportunity. Now, a lot of people in and around the Faculty kind of have this expectation where if they see one of us, they know the other isn't too far away. I think leaving our internships with that type of reputation is definitely something we are ok with. :)
If you'd like to share the story of how you met your best friend, mentor, romantic partner, research partner, etc., fill out this quick form or send an email to blog@ualberta.ca.quick form or send an email to blog@ualberta.ca.
Please note: Story submissions may be edited for length and/or clarity.