Sasha chose uOttawa for its bilingual environment, and proximity to Parliament, having been selected as a Page at the House of Commons in her first year — but she quickly turned her degree into much more than a list of completed courses. Through the EIL program, she dove into politics, languages, history, and global issues while sharpening her fluency in French, English, and Spanish.
Her learning didn’t stop at the classroom door. Sasha seized every chance to grow through experience: co-op placements, directed research courses, hackathons, and student leadership – organizing an international diplomatic simulation with France and Belgium, an academic conference, and a study trip to Washington, D.C. for over 50 students.
Sasha’s record is full of achievements — but her leadership style is grounded, inclusive, and action-oriented. She served on her student association for three years in various roles (VP Internal, VP Academic, VP Francophone Affairs), advocating for program improvements and better representation. As VP EIL, she helped introduce new courses focused on Indigenous realities, and in her role as VP of Francophone Affairs, she organized multiple French events to bring the community together.
Sasha’s record is full of achievements — but her leadership style is grounded, inclusive, and action-oriented. She served on her student association for three years in various roles (VP Internal, VP Academic, VP Francophone Affairs), advocating for program improvements and better representation. As VP EIL, she helped introduce new courses focused on Indigenous realities, and in her role as VP of Francophone Affairs, she organized multiple French events to bring the community together.
One of her proudest accomplishments? Organizing a charity show that raised over $1,700 for the Endometriosis Network of Canada, blending advocacy, creativity, and student engagement. She has also won two Faculty of Social Sciences hackathons, volunteered with UOSU’s Feminist Resource Centre, and served on the university’s co-op coordination committee to strengthen the student voice.
All this, while navigating chronic illness and managing ongoing medical appointments. Sasha’s journey is a reminder that excellence is not about perfection — it’s about showing up, and moving forward with resilience. She hopes her story inspires other students to see that their involvement in student life matters – and that academic excellence is possible, even in the face of personal health challenges.
Sasha is currently working as an analyst on the Horizon Europe program at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. This fall, she’ll begin a master’s in strategic studies at the University of Calgary, with a focus on Arctic security and NATO. She is also a proud recipient of the Canada Graduate Scholarship, one of the country’s most competitive academic awards.
Her advice to future students: “Find balance. University is about more than grades — it’s about discovering who you are through the experiences, challenges, and people you encounter. Get involved, start that project, take advantage of every opportunity that excites you – that’s where the real growth happens.”
Her mantra: “Every mistake is a chance to grow.” A belief that has shaped not only her academic journey — but her life.