YouAlberta
There’s always someone new to learn from.
I’ve always found value in learning from people around me, and university is a place to meet people from many walks of life.
I greatly appreciated coming across two recent alumni, Michelle and Zilai.
Michelle demonstrates grit when problem-solving, and Zilai has always been a positive influence in promoting humble connections.
Here are some more lessons they have kindly shared.
Michelle’s top lesson: Prioritizing your own well-being leads to long-term growth.
University has taught me the importance of managing mental health. I used to stress over having enough time to complete all my tasks as deadlines approached.
Eventually, I learned a more effective way to tackle my to-do list — through long walks and giving myself more free time to understand what methods would help me move forward.
I learned that giving yourself short breaks while working isn’t a bad thing. At times it helps you think more clearly. Sometimes, I write quotes to give myself a short mental break. It helps me understand how and what I feel. I also go on daily walks to refresh my mind, and at times I listen to music, as it frees my mind from everything around me.
My favourite areas to chill on North Campus are CAB, where I have my Tim's iced capp and inside the Business Building in empty classrooms, which is also a good studying area.
One piece of advice I would give to those currently at university is: do something that gives you a sense of relief, even if it’s very little. Always try your best in everything you do, but take care of your own personal health as well.
Life goes on, and times get tough, but the way you approach challenges shows how you’ve grown mentally.
Michelle (she/her) earned her bachelor of commerce degree in business economics and law in 2026. She's ethnically from the Fiji Islands and identifies as a Hindu-Fijian-Canadian. She loves helping others and finding ways to make new connections. She strives for success whenever she can and knows obstacles will always appear, but what matters most is how you overcome them. Michelle plays soccer for Fiji Women's team and goes for walks during her free time. She enjoys listening to music and the freedom and inspiration it brings, and writes quotes to express her thoughts and motivate others.
Zilai’s top lesson: Build confidence, not comparisons.
If there's one lesson university has taught me, it's that confidence isn't something you have from day one — it's something you build through experience.
Like many students, I had moments when I questioned whether I was capable enough.
Looking back, I realized those moments of self-doubt were actually a normal part of learning rather than a sign that I wasn't good enough. Over time, every challenge I worked through, every mistake I learned from, and every small success helped me become more confident.
If I could give one piece of advice to first-year students, it would be this: believe in yourself.
There will be times when your program feels overwhelming and you start to question whether you're capable, but remember that growth takes time. Challenge yourself because that's how you learn, but don't feel like you have to say yes to every opportunity or push yourself beyond what is healthy or sustainable. It's just as important to recognize your strengths and build on them while continuing to improve the areas that need work.
Everyone's journey looks different, so focus on becoming the best version of yourself rather than comparing yourself to others. Confidence doesn't come from never struggling — it comes from continuing to move forward, one step at a time.
Zilai (he/him) earned his bachelor of arts degree in linguistics at the U of A in 2021 before completing his master’s degree in clinical science in audiology at Western University. Born and raised in China, he's curious about languages, communication and the many ways people connect across cultures. Zilai enjoys discovering local cafés, listening to orchestral music, hiking and planning his next adventure. He also loves visiting zoos and could happily spend hours watching capuchin monkeys. Whether he's exploring a new city or relaxing with a Nintendo Switch game — Kirby is his favourite — he's always looking for something new to learn or experience.