YouAlberta
The Graduate Student Engagement Scholarship (GSES) recognizes academic achievement, leadership, community engagement and volunteerism and/or involvement in extracurricular activities. In order to learn more about how the recipients are contributing to our community, I reached out to Bilan, Dominic, Michael, Mohamed and Teshager to learn more about their lives and get some of their helpful tips.
Tell me about how you became a GSES recipient.
Bilan: A friend told me about the GSES and encouraged me to apply. Volunteerism, leadership and academics have always been important to me, and all three are significant aspects of the GSES. After talking to family and friends, I listened to my instincts and submitted my application. My advice is to take the risk and apply for scholarships you are eligible for!
Michael: I attribute the honour of becoming a recipient of the GSE scholarship to a combination of factors. My academic accomplishments played a pivotal role, complemented by the GSES Award Committee's acknowledgment of my dedicated involvement in volunteering and leadership roles over the years. These roles not only provided me with opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me but also contributed to the betterment of the society as a whole. More importantly, my passion and approach to addressing real-life challenges as evident throughout my academic and professional pursuits played a crucial role.
Mohamed: Driven by my dedication to academic excellence, leadership and community engagement, I applied for the highly esteemed GSES. This prestigious scholarship acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, exhibited leadership qualities, actively engaged in community service and participated in meaningful extracurricular activities. My academic background, research interests and active involvement in volunteer work made me an eligible candidate for this scholarship opportunity.
How did you feel when you found out you were a GSES recipient?
Dominic: I felt really excited when I found out that I was a GSES scholarship recipient!
Mohamed: Being selected as a recipient of the GSES filled me with immense happiness and a deep sense of gratitude. This recognition holds special significance as it comes from one of the most prestigious universities, acknowledging and appreciating my academic achievements and active involvement in volunteer activities. This scholarship represents more than just financial support. It symbolizes the university's belief in my potential and its commitment to nurturing and encouraging the growth of talented individuals.
Teshager: When I found out that I was selected as a recipient of the GSES, I was overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. First and foremost, I felt incredibly grateful and honoured to have been chosen among a pool of talented and deserving candidates. I was also filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment that my active engagement with the academic community had been recognized and valued. Receiving this scholarship affirmed my commitment to being a contributing member of the scholarly community and motivated me to continue seeking opportunities for growth and engagement in my academic work. It was a moment of immense gratitude and excitement, knowing that this scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also empower me to make a positive impact in my field.
How do you like to give back to the community, both U of A and locally?
Dominic: Giving back to the community has always been a thrilling experience for me. Now that I am at U of A, I will contribute by mentoring undergraduate students who are currently working with me on their research projects. I also run a free statistical consultancy service in the university community for graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty and all those who use data in the community to make some kind of meaningful findings, especially in the fields of biology, ecology, psychology and medicine.
Mohamed: This goal can be achieved in two ways: first, by enhancing my research to improve clinical, economic and humanistic outcomes for patients. The second way is to actively engage in volunteering to both give back to the community and learn from individuals facing challenges. By combining research and active community involvement, I aim to make a positive impact that extends beyond academia and contributes to the betterment of society.
Teshager: I believe in giving back to the community in both local and university contexts through a combination of volunteering, mentorship and advocacy. Ultimately, I believe that giving back to the community is not only a responsibility but also a privilege. I hope to contribute to building a more inclusive, compassionate and thriving community both at the U of A and locally.
What advice would you give to other U of A students who want to get more involved in the community but aren’t sure how?
Bilan: Read the weekly university digests! They’re a quick read but a great way to get more involved in the university community by doing things you enjoy or would like to learn more about. I didn’t grow up in Edmonton, so I wasn’t sure how to get involved in the community either. I found that it helped to look through the websites of organizations I found interesting, usually during my morning commute, and see if they had any volunteer positions available. Or, I would attend events held by the organization (which serve as an excellent opportunity to network).
Dominic: I would advise them to get connected to the community, explore the environment they find themselves in, ask questions and make inquiries about community leadership schemes and community programs to help others and contribute their quota in terms of their knowledge, talents and gifts.
Michael: I would encourage my fellow U of A students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities to do more than they believe is possible with the time they have. It is understandable that the load of school work, fears or uncertainties may impede our active participation in communal activities. However, I believe that we can take advantage of the numerous student support groups and units provided. It is essential to recognize that we can't always navigate everything on our own, and it's perfectly acceptable to seek guidance from trustworthy individuals when needed.
What is your number one tip for balancing your multiple priorities (education, community engagement, leadership, volunteering etc.)?
As it turns out, every one of the GSES recipients listed time management as their number one tip!
Bilan: The most valuable piece of information that I have learned during my time in school is to manage my time and not put anything off until the last minute. My number one tip for balancing multiple priorities is to create a to-do list at the beginning of each day. That way, you have an idea of what you are supposed to do, and your responsibilities feel less daunting. Also, when you check an item off your to-do list, you feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction!
Michael: I have come to know that the secret to balancing multiple priorities is effective time management. Prioritizing tasks, creating a schedule and allocating time for each responsibility helps you stay organized and set realistic targets. With it, you can navigate various commitments without feeling overwhelmed. This approach helps you maintain a healthy balance between education, leadership, volunteering and other priorities.
Teshager: My number one tip for balancing multiple priorities such as education, community engagement, leadership, volunteering etc., is to prioritize and organize my tasks effectively, setting clear goals and deadlines for each area and allocating dedicated time slots for them in my schedule.