We are so proud of the students crossing the stage at the Winspear Centre on November 13. Before they head out into the world and make strides in fields including business, the arts and health care, we caught up with a few of them to learn their stories.

ABE ABOUGHAUCHE
Bachelor of Science, Psychology

In one of my first psychology courses, I spent hours trying to create a hypothetical research proposal for an assignment but kept coming up empty. My professor noticed my struggle and took the initiative to call me into her office to sit with her as she guided me through it. I had always heard that it takes one good professor to make you fall in love with a subject, but now I truly understand what that means. Dr. Tara Vongpaisal’s genuine interest in the subject, contagious passion and sincere concern for my well-being ultimately led me to major in psychology.

A single assignment may not sound like much, but it ended up being one of the most memorable and defining experiences during my time at MacEwan. It shaped who I am today, and ignited a clear interest and fascination with human behaviour, research and analysis that I never knew I had. 

There’s something about understanding human behaviour and the complexities of the mind that draws me in. Every course I’ve taken deepened my curiosity, and I found myself constantly wanting to learn more and explore new perspectives in the field. I'm now doing my best to pursue a master’s degree, where I hope to make a positive impact in areas that address mental health and support people in meaningful ways.

This sense of community at MacEwan has shown me that education is not just about academic success, but also about building relationships that foster growth along the way. 

INARA AMLANI
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

Ever since I was little, the human body has been fascinating to me. I truly loved exploring how our bodies work in such beautiful harmony. This passion, combined with the ability to see the difference nurses can make on such a personal level, is something that truly sealed the deal for me to go into nursing. 

My second year was truly rough. However, it was then that I met my current group of nursing friends – a phenomenal support system. They helped me power through and make amazing memories, and there is no other group I would have rather done it with!

I had a clinical instructor who made me fall in love with the clinical environment. She inspired my entire clinical group to not only provide compassionate care, but to also learn to recognize when you start losing your compassion – which guides my interactions with my patients. 

The smaller class sizes, greater sense of community and specialized attention from my professors have sculpted my journey to becoming the best version of myself, and the knowledgeable and skillful RN I have always known I could be!

The level of personal and compassionate care an RN can provide at one of the most vulnerable times in a person's life is something that really drew me to this setting. I am definitely considering further education; however, for now, I want to become comfortable and confident in my role as an RN and just appreciate how far I have truly come!

SAMANTHA DANCEY
Bachelor of Science, Honours Biological Sciences
President's Medal for Academic Excellence and Student Leadership – Degree

A defining moment of my time at MacEwan happened when I got really sick during the spring semester of my second year while I was taking organic chemistry. I ended up missing the last two weeks of class (which is a lot during a spring semester), and somehow still managed a B+ after teaching myself a third of the course. After that, if I’m ever doubting myself, I remind myself that if I can teach myself organic chemistry while not having a fully functional brain, I can literally do anything.

I am incredibly passionate about cellular and molecular biology, but I also recognize that there are systemic barriers that prevent a lot of people from pursuing or succeeding in the field. So, I have become even more passionate about making education and labs more accessible. My introduction to research in this area was with Dr. Melissa Hills, who also was my honours supervisor. She included me in her ongoing project that focuses on applying Universal Design for Learning to biology lab learning to improve accessibility for students, especially those with disabilities. Participating in this project changed my trajectory, and now I am pursuing a master’s in sociology at U of A, working with Nêhiyawak (Plains Cree) scholar Dr. Paulina Johnson to research Indigenous Science and natural science laboratories. 

I first met Dr. Johnson while she was teaching anthropology at MacEwan (she now teaches sociology at U of A). One day after class, I was talking with a classmate about how we both wished there was something we could do to help Dr. Johnson out because we saw the important role she plays in her community. The next day, I got an email from her asking me to volunteer on her new podcast “The Auntie Is In,” which aims to share cultural and academic knowledge with people who don’t have the same access to community. That was almost three years ago, and now I am working on the podcast’s third season with some of the best people I have ever met. Every day I strive to be a model of allyship with Indigenous peoples.

I believe that Indigenizing education, science and research laboratories will make them more accessible for everyone, especially people like me with disabilities.

MARK ELLIS
Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

This is my third time studying at MacEwan. I previously graduated from the music program (2004), and therapy assistant program (2012). I have always had good experiences at MacEwan, so it wasn't a hard choice to make!

I worked remotely to get this degree, and I was appreciative of the efforts made by instructors to personalize their feedback to my career. Kelly Hennig was particularly supportive of my interest in Indigenous reconciliation work and provided valuable and empathetic suggestions to make sure my work was well crafted and relevant.

The support I received from faculty led me to "cold calling" a CEO to see if I could get first-hand answers about board structure and it eventually led to me getting hired at the organization, where I still work today.

I love being in the non-profit sector because the motivation to do meaningful work with people is the focus. Currently, I’m looking for opportunities for management or social services within an Indigenous framework.

NEAL HAMACHER
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence 

In May 2022, I was crawling out of a sewer in front of Building 9 (doing quality control on new pipe being installed as part of the Valley Line LRT project). As I saw students walking between classes, I decided it was time for me to go back to university. 

After graduating high school, I completed a degree in mechanical engineering immediately and worked in the oil and gas industry for about 15 years, moving through a number of jobs. When I was laid off during the pandemic, I returned to Edmonton and tried working in the construction industry. I liked the company but didn’t find the work satisfying. 

Computers have always been a big part of my personal and professional life. I grew up when they were starting to become household items and have fond memories of booting up an MS-DOS machine and navigating through the system using the command prompt. I got my first taste of "programming" while working as an estimator for an oil and gas company. I developed a specialized spreadsheet, significantly reducing the time it took to build estimates. I eventually tried more programming on my own and really enjoyed it. 

But coming back to school as a mature student, walking away from my previous career and taking on student loans was frightening. Walking into the university on the first day of classes I wondered if I was making a mistake, whether I would fit in or if I could even switch into student mode again. Within a week all my fears were put to rest. My passion for learning returned, I met some nice and friendly classmates (both mature students like myself and younger students straight out of high school) and I began to get to know my professors.

I recently welcomed my first child into my life (born in March 2024, just in time for Winter finals!) and while I was finishing my last MacEwan course, I was hired by a local company. I’m really enjoying it, and I've been learning a lot about applying computer science theory to commercial systems. Tech is the perfect industry for passionate learners. 

MYAH JUNEAU
Bachelor of Communication Studies, Professional Communication

Growing up, all I knew for certain was that I wanted to write, but I had no idea what kind of career that would lead to. 

Throughout my degree, I lived in Residence, worked for the School of Continuing Education, volunteered on campus and served as the president of the Bachelor of Communication Studies Student Advisory Committee.

One of my professors, Neill Fitzpatrick, encouraged me from day one to develop a “news sense” and to become a better writer, providing unwavering support throughout my degree. Jason Bodnar, a communication law professor, sacrificed his personal time to help students like me find joy in learning.

My all-time favourite memory at MacEwan will always be meeting my (former) roommate-turned-best friend, Paige Van Braben. We met by chance on the very last day of classes one year and decided to move in together on a whim shortly after. 

Now, I’m a communications officer at CBC Edmonton, and also a freelance writer, contributing to local newspapers and magazines such as the Rat Creek Press and Modern Luxuria. 

In the future, I hope to become a lawyer. 

SHAWNDY KOWALCHUK
Social Work Diploma

I always wanted to attend post-secondary, but felt incredibly overwhelmed by the options. MacEwan’s campus felt the most comfortable and cozy, and I also had peers who had good things to say about the social work program. I already knew how much of a difference social workers can make. My family did the best that they could in really hard circumstances and with intergenerational trauma, and Child and Family Services provided some social programs and supports that filled in some very significant gaps for us. 

At 12 or 13, I realized I identified as part of the queer community, and visited the Pride Centre of Edmonton’s youth group. I have been involved in Edmonton’s queer community ever since, including here at MacEwan, through the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity and in doing my work placements at queer-focused organizations.

I’m already working my dream job back where my journey began: at the Pride Centre of Edmonton, as the gender resource navigator. I love being able to dedicate my time and skills to community care.

I am a human disco ball, and I usually stick out in a crowd. I almost always have some sort of pin or signifier that I’m a part of the queer community – I feel my best self when I’m sparkling, but it’s also my way of spreading community however I can.

DEEKSHA NARULA
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting

My choice to study accounting comes from a deep interest in the balance and precision that finance requires. Accounting, with its structured principles, offers a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of the financial world. There’s something incredibly satisfying about ensuring each transaction is accurately recorded, where every debit aligns with a credit, keeping everything in perfect balance.

My journey at MacEwan has felt like a bit of a rollercoaster. I met a lot of incredible people and formed some meaningful connections. During one of my final group projects, I was lucky to work with an amazing team who shared the same dedication and drive. Working together through challenges and celebrating our successes made it one of my favourite memories from MacEwan.

My parents have always been my biggest inspirations, especially during tough times. My mom gave me the strength and resilience to keep going when things felt low, and my dad instilled in me the value of hard work. Their support has been a constant reminder to stay focused and give my best.

Michelle Malin, my ACCT 428 professor, also had a huge impact on my journey. Her encouragement and dedication were especially motivating during challenging moments, reminding me why I chose to pursue this path, and her passion for accounting continues to inspire me.

I’m currently working toward my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. It’s an exciting next step that will allow me to build on my education and grow my career in accounting and finance.

ERIKA RIETZ
Public Relations Diploma
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

I was a journalist for more than a decade, and I moved here from Arizona as a mature student. I hadn’t been in a classroom in almost 20 years! I remember sitting in my first lecture in a complete fugue state: Am I really here? Should I be taking notes? Why the heck did I think this was a good idea?

But I developed some fast friendships. In week two, I woke up 10 minutes after class had started, and three different people checked on me. The first time it snowed, a classmate texted me to tell me which roads I shouldn’t take. That defined my year at MacEwan; we were there to work and learn, but I also felt the love with my classmates. 

Mariia, who was here from Kyiv, was an incredible inspiration. Evan and Kristian would send late-night music and hilarious stories. Anthony generously brought me into his world and became like a brother to me.

I think my lasting impact on my PR cohort was the dissemination of the word “y’all.” I loved hearing some of y’all (but not all y’all) adopt it.

When I learned I won the Dean’s Medal, I burst into tears. The award is for academic performance, but to me, it is a medal about mettle: make the shift, dig in and do the good work.

VANESSA TRASMONTE
Bridge to Canadian Nursing Certificate
Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence

I decided to enrol in the Bridge to Canadian Nursing program at MacEwan to close the gap between Canadian nursing standards and my nursing education from the Philippines. I am really fascinated with the complexities of the human body and I have a deep desire to help others.

Collaborating with classmates from various cultural backgrounds not only enhanced my teamwork skills, taught me to overcome differing ideas and helped me find common ground, but also fostered lasting friendships.

My instructors at MacEwan were extraordinary. Nicole Henderson really inspired me during my time here – she always comes to class well-prepared, shows professionalism and kindness at all times and, most of all, has exemplary positive vibes.

I am a mom of three kids, ages 11, 10 and 6, and they remind me to always do my best. Truly, they are my inspiration. I was juggling my full-time job as an early childhood educator in the morning and attending classes in the evening. I wouldn’t have been able to finish the course without the support and understanding of my husband and my parents. Most of all, to God be the glory, who has been gracious to me all my life.

I’m excited to start my career as a registered nurse in the Neurosciences Department at the University of Alberta Hospital this month.

CRYSTAL WEBBER
Bachelor of Arts, English

Presenting my research paper on Indigenous resurgence in literature at MacEwan's Student English Conference and at Student Research Day allowed me to express a topic that holds significant personal and academic meaning for me. Those experiences were two of the defining moments of my academic career.

I have always been passionate about both the arts and sciences, so I chose to study both. An English degree and literature classes build critical thinking, communication and research skills that are valuable in any profession. The study of literature encourages creativity, ethical reasoning and storytelling, which are essential for leadership, and to engage meaningfully with the world. My favourite courses in chemistry were those focused on environmental chemistry. As an Indigenous student, these courses resonated deeply with my connection to the land and the understanding that the Earth is a living entity, equal in importance to all life. These courses validated Indigenous perspectives on the fight against pollution and the awareness of contaminants' harmful impacts on ecosystems.

I’m now working as a research assistant on a project for Indigenous Early Learning Childhood Care (IELCC). My research experience as an English major directly applies to the work I am doing and, within the next couple years, I hope to teach English in another country!