I have learned not to be afraid to take classes outside of my major. The GCC has pushed me to take courses that I would not have taken otherwise, and I am glad I did because I have truly enjoyed them. I plan on taking more of these classes in the future.
First-year neuroscience student Abdelmomen Ghedeir-Ahmed travelled south from Cold Lake, Alberta, to attend the University of Lethbridge. He chose uLethbridge because of the world-class neuroscience program that perfectly aligns with his interests. Abdelmomen is currently participating in the Global Citizenship Cohort, Environment and Culture theme. As we near the end of the year, we wanted to connect with Abdelmomen and learn more about his first-year experience in the GCC.
What drew you to the Global Citizenship Cohort? Why did you apply?
I thought the GCC would be a great chance to network and really get to know the University environment a little. Through the GCC, I have been able to make connections with people and better understand the services offered by the University. Being in a cohort with other first-year students has made me feel more comfortable in this new environment. It has also made me feel more confident about my classes, knowing that my GCC peers are in the same classes as me.
What has been your most memorable GCC experience?
My most memorable GCC experience was meeting some of my peers in person when we volunteered to organize and participate in the Coulee Clean-up this year. Meeting some of my peers in person was a fantastic experience! It was nice to meet some of the people I have worked and taken classes with for the past seven months.
Why should future students participate in the GCC?
The opportunities for making new friends, connecting with peers and professors are great reasons to join the GCC. The GCC has given me a sense of community, and it is a fantastic way to get to know people, build connections and find new interests and passions. I have taken some classes that I most likely would not have taken if it was not for the GCC, and I am glad that I took them because I now have found new interests to pursue alongside my major.
Please describe your capstone project for the GCC.
I am part of an organizing committee hosting the University of Lethbridge Earth Day Symposium on April 1, 2021. The Earth Day Symposium is a student-led event where we invite speakers from around the world to talk about the environment to spread awareness to some of the major contemporary issues that we face.
Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your uLethbridge experience? This can be a friend, mentor, staff or faculty.
My professor for the GCC, Jodie Asselin, has significantly influenced my university experience. Her enthusiasm and cheerfulness at the start of the year made me more comfortable speaking to professors. She was the first professor that I really talked to and engaged with, and she has been extremely supportive. The other Individual who has had an important influence on my University experience is Lukas Neamtu, my co-op coordinator, who works in the Career Bridge office. I came to Lukas at the start of the year without even really knowing what co-op work terms and independent studies were. He listened to what I wanted, answered my questions, and gave me an idea of what to pursue during my time in university.
What is the most important lesson you have learned this year in the GCC?
I have learned not to be afraid to take classes outside of my major. The GCC has pushed me to take courses that I would not have taken otherwise, and I am glad I did because I have truly enjoyed them. I plan on taking more of these classes in the future.
We are spending a lot more time at home now. What do you do to keep busy? Have you picked up any new hobbies?
I have been trying to learn how to cook and meal prep. Since I am usually quite busy, meal prepping has been a lifesaver for me, and it has also allowed me to eat more healthily rather than going out to eat when I may not have the time to cook.
What advice would you give to students who are about to begin their post-secondary journeys?
Take your time while in university. One of the biggest lessons that I have learned this year is that you do not have to finish your degree in four years. So take your time and dive into subjects and classes that are outside of your major. Talk to your professors, academic advisers and career coaches and get a sense of what experiences you want while in university..
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.