Global Citizenship Cohort - Natalia Vanzo Jais

Respect and self-discovery. In the GCC, it was essential for me to not only share my perspectives but also to listen and understand how other people perceive the world. By exploring different ideas on world pressing issues, I could better understand and accept other people's opinions and discover what my interests and goals are.

Second-year archaeology and geography student Natalia Vanzo Jais hails from Florianópolis, Brazil. She chose the University of Lethbridge because it was the only institution where she could study archaeology and geography in the same program. Natalia was also drawn to the U of L because she really liked the campus and the support provided to international students. Natalia participated in the Global Citizenship Cohort, Challenging Worldviews theme in her first year.

What drew you to the Global Citizenship Cohort? Why did you apply?

I decided to join because the idea of discussing current world issues such as poverty, climate change, and gender inequality is very fascinating to me. I was also hoping to meet interesting people and to make friends that shared similar interests as me.

What has been your most memorable GCC experience?

My most memorable experience was by far the diversity of courses that I could take as part of the GCC requirements. As a science major, I probably would have never taken classes in Asian studies, religion, and liberal education. Nevertheless, these courses made me realize that I have many other interests beyond my program, and in many cases, these courses positively improved my knowledge in archaeology and geography.

Why should future students participate in the GCC?

The GCC is a great way to expand your knowledge and take classes that do not always relate to your field of study. It is also a valuable opportunity to discuss multiple perspectives on world issues and improve your communicative and critical thinking skills. Finally, it is an excellent opportunity for first-year students to engage with professors and to make friends.

Please describe your capstone project for the GCC.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, my group was not able to put into action our project because it required community involvement. However, the Challenging Worldviews cohort offered me the opportunity to meet new people with diverse backgrounds, which inspired me to engage in more projects like this and to make small changes in my academic and personal life. The GCC encouraged me to volunteer as a tutor at the International Centre, pursue an anthropology minor, and better educate myself and my family on world issues such as environmental change and recycling.

Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your uLethbridge experience? This can be a friend, mentor, staff or faculty.

The introductory anthropology class I took with Patrick Wilson in my first year was very clarifying for me. He was a very engaging professor whose research projects were related to topics I have always been interested in. Patrick's lectures inspired me to pursue an anthropology minor and expand my academic knowledge of diverse cultural perspectives. John Harding was our cohort professor, and he was also very inspiring, helpful, and encouraged me to explore different paths in my education.

What is the most important lesson you have learned this year in the GCC?

Respect and self-discovery. In the GCC, it was essential for me to not only share my perspectives but also to listen and understand how other people perceive the world. By exploring different ideas on world pressing issues, I could better understand and accept other people's opinions and discover what my interests and goals are.

We are spending a lot more time at home now. What do you do to keep busy? Have you picked up any new hobbies?

Because it is tough to stay focused at home and stay engaged in online classes, I started taking short breaks walking around the neighbourhood or enjoying my backyard, which helps me focus again. I've also had more time to read and draw which are my favourite hobbies.

What advice would you give to students who are about to begin their post-secondary journeys?

Don't be afraid to experiment and to take part in different groups and courses. It is very important to take as many different classes as possible to discover what you are really passionate about. Joining small groups such as the GCC can also be a great way to make friends and improve your speaking and writing skills.

The Faculty of Arts & Science Global Citizenship Cohort (GCC) offers a unique opportunity for students to connect some first-year courses around a common theme while interacting with a group of like-minded students. Learn more about the GCC.