Ann Lambert
BA Joint Honours in Communication and in Sociology
What advice would you give your first-year self?
Confidence is key, but confidence is also learned. In making friends, in landing your dream job(s) and in finding your community at your university and really establishing your place within it, the only option is to put yourself out there, time and time again, and to remember that rejection is only redirection to something better for you.
What's your best memory of your academic career?
All my best memories definitely come from my extracurricular involvement with Unity for Action, CASCO (a student-run charity) and the uOttawa Dance Club. Where passion, community, performing arts and philanthropy collide. I am forever grateful for how my time with these clubs afforded me the chance to stay connected with my love for dance, gain leadership experience (specifically with UFA), make a difference in my community AND meet some of my very best friends.
What will you miss the most about being on campus?
I’m going to miss the countless opportunities for spontaneous social connection the most. I’m a firm believer that life is about people, and I have loved the tight-knit uOttawa campus for how it enables seeing the people I know and love every day. From study dates at CRX or FSS, to rehearsals and practices and club meetings, to attending class with my best friends and grabbing coffee together afterwards — the social experience of campus life has filled my soul through all the ups and downs of being an undergraduate student, and I’m going to miss it dearly.
“I’m a firm believer that life is about people, and I have loved the tight-knit uOttawa campus for how it enables seeing the people I know and love every day.”
Ann Lambert
— BA Joint Honours in Communication and in Sociology
Celina Seguin
Honours BA in Communication and Minor in English
What advice would you give your first-year self?
Get comfortable with getting uncomfortable. Challenge yourself, take risks, try new things. Don’t shy away from exploring the world outside of your comfort zone or chasing the dreams that seem out of reach. Apply for that job, join that club or take that class. Remember also that setbacks and failure should be viewed as opportunities to build resilience, as they are an inevitable part of growth in the journey of self-discovery. And who knows, perhaps something that once seemed like an inconsequential leap of faith will steer you down a road of opportunity that you may have never come across otherwise. By embracing discomfort and taking risks, you give yourself the grace to make and learn from mistakes but also celebrate milestones and successes.
What’s your best memory of your academic career?
The most memorable moments of my academic career were those when I had the chance to participate in experiential learning opportunities that allowed me to apply the knowledge and theories I had learned in practical settings within the university community. I am grateful for the abundance of opportunities and experiences I have had during my undergraduate career, which included working as a social media assistant in sports information, intramural hockey official and teaching assistant in the Department of Communication. These roles not only allowed me to explore my academic and personal passions, but also facilitated the establishment of meaningful connections with my peers and faculty members that I will cherish even after my university career.
What will you miss the most about being on campus?
Walking out of my final exams this (term), it struck me how much I will miss the strong sense of community that I found on campus. Being involved in the Communication Students Association, Undergraduate English Students Association, University Senate, executive committee of the Senate, Alpha Phi fraternity and uOConnexion mentorship program allowed me to forge invaluable friendships and gain leadership experience that will stay with me long after graduation. Through these experiences, I found my place at uOttawa and learned what it means to be a proud Gee-Gee.
After graduation, I will miss the familiar faces that I would spot around campus, whether it be in the classroom, at the gym, in line at the CRX Tim Hortons, waiting for the FSS or DMS elevators between classes, or passing by one another on the walkways throughout campus. These smiling faces served as constant reminders that I have been a part of something much greater than myself at the University of Ottawa.
“By embracing discomfort and taking risks, you give yourself the grace to make and learn from mistakes but also celebrate milestones and successes.”
Celina Seguin
— Honours BA in Communication and Minor in English
Teaghan Durand
Honours BA in French-English Translation
What advice would you give your first-year self?
Get involved! It may seem daunting at first, but there really is no better way to make great friends. Also, don’t take on too much at once. Always make sure to leave time to prioritize your well-being and focus on activities you’re actually passionate about instead of trying to do it all.
What’s your best memory of your academic career?
This is a tough one. I’d say it would have to be my ENG 2301 class with Prof. Andrews, where we were assigned our discussion groups for the term. I remember that class to this day because it allowed me to meet one of my closest friends (who now continues to read and give feedback on all the poetry I write even though he’s no longer obligated to —thanks Josh!).
What will you miss the most about being on campus?
I’ll definitely miss meeting up with other Her Campus at U Ottawa members for internal events, but I’ll also miss all the spontaneous running into friends on campus. Studying and rushing from class to class is way more tolerable when you see friends along the way.
“Get involved! It may seem daunting at first, but there really is no better way to make great friends.”
Teaghan Durand
— Honours BA in French-English Translation