GPESA President, 2024-2026
I’m originally from Brasil, a K-12 English teacher with experience in bilingual and international education. Even during my undergraduate years, I was a part of the Student Association in my alma mater, which provided a great opportunity to get my name out there. The reason I say this is that, throughout my experiences, I got to know so many people who later became friends, supervisors, colleagues – people who helped and supported me in my professional development.
Here, at the University of Calgary, I joined the Graduate Programs in Education Students’ Association (GPESA) in my very first year as Vice-President, Student Life. I was in charge of engagement, community, and events that are non-academic. Then, I got elected as president in 2024 and again in 2025. This is officially my third year with GPESA, and I appreciate this opportunity so much. There is, of course, the chance to develop skills such as leadership and teamwork, but what I love the most is the chance to be involved with people, community, and experiences. Once again, I get to meet so many interesting people every day, I work alongside faculty, and I get to help peers.
I considered that there are two main skillsets I develop(ed) while with GPESA: 1. Language/intercultural skills, as English is not my first language, and I meet people from everywhere every single day; and 2. Critical skills, such as empathy, active listening, and leadership. I did not see myself as someone suitable to be a president or a leader, and now, look at me! It is my second year doing something I really love as president once again.
As for balance, in GPESA, we plan events keeping in mind that students have lives outside the university. I try to bring that to my personal practice too, and I try to think that the work I do as president is as important as my personal life, so my husband and my dog also deserve my full attention! I do not work for GPESA on weekends, and I try to keep my nights free so I can enjoy my personal life. For those who are in doubt about what they should do, I always say: go for it. GPESA, for me, is a place of community and learning together. We are supporting all graduate students, so I feel like giving back to the community that welcomed me here when I moved to Canada! ❤️