Good-bye and thank-you: Notes from a Graduating Student

With the academic term coming to a close, one of our graduating YA Bloggers has a few fond farewells to share with campus.

Good-bye Rutherford Library, 

Thank-you for providing me with the many resources I needed to successfully complete each and every semester. You’re new chairs are pretty great, too.

Good-bye HUB, 

Thank you for teaching me patience and the importance of deep breathing in the midst of so many slow walkers.

Good-bye Department of Women’s and Gender Studies,

Photo credit: http://www.wgs.ualberta.ca/en/FacultyandStaff.aspx

Thank-you for accepting me for exactly who I happened to be that day, for teaching me how to think critically, ask important questions, and to live in a way that fosters the growth of all people and share in the celebration of inclusion and diversity.

Good-bye Dewey’s,

Thank-you for all of the cheap beer, loud conversations, weekday hangovers and truly happy hours.

Good-bye University of Alberta International, 

Thank-you for believing in my potential and allowing me to grow, learn, and support myself as a young professional.

Good-bye University of Alberta Alumni Association, 

Photo credit: https://alumni.ualberta.ca/connect/future-alumni/scholarships

Thank-you for your generous scholarship in a time when I did not know whether or not I would be able to afford the next semester.

Good-bye Dr. Odile Cisneros,

Image courtesy of giphy.com

Thank-you for demonstrating what hard work & dedication really looks like and thank-you for instilling in me a passion for a language I did not once imagine I would ever learn prior to entering university. 

Good-bye extended family,

Thank-you for taking such good care of me--especially during the times when I could barely take care of myself--I know I can always count on you. I love you more than I can find the words. 

Good-bye first friends, 

Thank-you for being some of the first familiar faces in a sea of busy bodies and confusing classes. Though we may not keep in touch regularly, I couldn’t have gotten through year one without you. 

Good-bye forever friends (but really, this is a see you later), 

Image courtesy of rebloggy.com

Thank you for your unwavering support as we navigated our way through the trials and tribulations that is university and young adulthood.  We laughed, we cried, we failed, we tried. Together, we made it! 

Good-bye, University of Alberta.

Thank-you. It is because of you that I am able to walk into a new world with my head held high and pursue my dreams. I may have a way to go, but I can’t wait to get started. 

Jobey - YouAlberta Contributor

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.

January is Weird OR The Emotions of January as told by Emojis

Ah, January. 

What a weird month. Winter holidays are over, the days are getting longer, and midterms are just around the corner. ALREADY. 
January is the month we make resolutions and the month we break them. 
It is the month when we look forward to going back to school and it is the month when we desperately start to long for Reading Week. 
My January highs have been very high, and my January blues, very real. 
Let’s be honest, there is no weirder month than January. 


My January emotions have been all over the map.  I thought it would be fun to document my emotional rollercoaster with a very non-scientific and wholly inaccurate weekly emoji. Who knows, maybe you thought you were alone in the matter? Maybe you feel the same as I do, or maybe you don’t. In any case, you might relate to a few of these emotions. And you might be asking a similar question as I am: Is it February yet? (Almost!!) 

Week 1: Excited 

Emoji provided by http://emojipedia.org

I only made it to half of my classes this week because (me being the poor student that I am,) I got the cheapest flight back to Edmonton and of course that was on the Wednesday after classes had already begun.  But I was excited to come back! I knew that nothing extremely academic would happen during the first class (aside from reading the syllabus) so I took this time to catch up with friends and classmates. My coffee table talk was on par as I probably asked 100 people how their holidays went. I was positively optimistic as I took a weekend trip to Jasper knowing sooner than later my weekends would not be this free. In my eyes, the first week was a complete success! 

Week 2: Annoyed 

Emoji provided by http://emojipedia.org

I almost had allof my textbooks bought by this time. Though my motivation to get busy was at a slow crawl. I kept telling myself “ Okay, tomorrow is the day. You. Books. Learning. Tomorrow. For real. You can do this, Jobey!  By week 2 back at school , I’m still trying to keep my resolutions I made January 1st, although the fresh produce and healthy eating decreases significantly this week as I realize that I still have a few textbooks to buy and tuition is due at the end of the month. This week I’m thankful for that “emergency case” of Kraft Dinner, my aunt gave me when I moved this year. Tomorrow I will get down to business and get back into school mode. Tomorrow. I finish my week off with very little done and a weekend to catch up. Instead I party on Saturday and spend all day Sunday watching Law and Order and eating Kraft Dinner (thanks again, Auntie!). At this point, I’m annoyed at my poor work ethic and ready to shut down my Netflix account. 

Week 3: Slightly overwhelmed. Slightly optimistic

Emoji provided by http://emojipedia.org

I start off Monday slightly perturbed and instead of trying to be optimistic I’m just a grouch. I’m running out of excuses. There are no more “tomorrows” left. I’ve got an assignment due this week. After getting through Monday, I realize that I really need to pick up my socks. I’m mad at myself, but I am also not helping myself.  I spend an evening in the library with my tunes on full blast and I start to feel better about this semester. I can do it. I am not perfect and I’ve got off to a slow start, but that doesn’t have to dictate my semester. This week is a new start for the rest of the semester. Instead of coffee dates, I organize study sessions with friends. I can do this!

Week 4: Getting my groove back- Slowly, but surely. 

Emoji provided by http://emojipedia.org

I’m feeling good.  I’m busy but I feel proud of my work. Classes and assignments are full steam ahead and midterms are already around the corner. There are tons of events happening on campus (like I-Week), so instead of staying cramped up in my room watching Netflix, I explore! Reading Week is coming up soon and I’m also excited to spend some time away from the library! I am thankful for my friends and family who helped me out this month. It wasn’t easy. I was physically, emotionally and mentally tested, but I made it through. Tuition is paid, assignments are due and I made it through. I’ve abandoned my New Years resolutions, because they were stupid anyway. I don’t need  New Year’s resolutions to be a better person than I was yesterday. Tomorrow is a new day and in just a few days a new month is upon us. 

January is a weird month--the weirdest, in my opinion. 
But something that got me through (besides having great friends and family to talk with) was the reassurance that I am worth more than my assignments; my transcript is not who I am. January is what it is, and soon it will be done. My slow start is apart of my journey. 

But it will not define me. 

Jobey - YouAlberta Contributor

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.


Originally published on 27 Jan 2015

Human rights; human wrongs

Human wrongs.

I woke up on November 13th feeling very strange. People near and far were grieving―pain was in the air. You could not turn on the tv or browse through facebook without witnessing that pain. It was real and it was evident. The world grieves for more reasons than I can even begin to articulate. My co-worker put it very nicely when we were discussing the importance of human rights in today’s world. She reminded me that human rights often appear invisible, or get taken for granted until it is too late, until something tragic happens. Be it big or small, a tragedy is still a tragedy. Pain is pain wherever human rights are not respected.  Sadly, we are continually reminded that we still have a long way to go. However, despite the somberness of our situations we can always remember:


“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

 ―The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

During these trying times when I sometimes feel overwhelmed by this wicked world, I am always comforted by my amazing community here at the U of A. How fortunate are we to be surrounded by people who demonstrate the beauty of humanity on a daily basis and U of A services that ground themselves in love over hate.

A perfect example, are the services that the Global Education Program that the University of Alberta International (UAI) provides to further the facilitation and conversation concerning human rights and the state of our world.

Again, I must reiterate―How lucky are we to have access to such things?

So if you, like me, are feeling a awfully confused by our world but at the same time grateful, I think it would be a great idea to check out the 2016 Visiting Lectureship of Human Rights.  It might put things into perspective, or perhaps it will inspire you to take action! You really won’t know until you go.

Visiting Lectureship in Human Rights

2015 – 2016 Lecture: Albie Sachs

Wednesday, November 25, 2015
7:00 pm
Myer Horowitz Theatre,
Students' Union Building

Albie Sachs is a human rights activist and former judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
This lecture is free and open to the public.
Register and save your seat.

Jobey - YouAlberta Contributor

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.

Hey You - Supportive notes from one student to another

Hey You,

I know you you're starting to feel burnt out and might think that the amount of effort you have been putting into your studies isn't paying off. But let me me reassure you, that is not true.

I see you in the library every day. I see you concentrating even when you can’t. I see you taking notes and researching your papers. I see you attending office hours to ask your professor questions. I see you engaging in debates with classmates and friends.

Let me reassure you, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Keep up the great work, you will be rewarded!

But if you happen (or need) to take a break, please remember:

You are not your grades. You are worth far more than a number your professor assigns you.

Hey You,

 

I know you think you can’t recover from that hurtful thing you said or that stupid thing you did. But let me reassure you, that is not true. 

I see you making amends with friends and family. I see you apologizing. I see you making your peace with imperfection. I see you helping others.

Let me reassure you, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. You will overcome this. There is always a lesson to be learnt out of difficult times.  

But if you are not satisfied with your behaviour sometime down the road, please remember: 

You are not your mistakes. Whether you are at your best or worst, you are worthy of forgiveness and you are deserving of love.

Hey You, 

I know you think that your body is not perfect. But let me reassure you, that is not true. 

I see you respecting your body and the bodies of those around you. I see all the talented and amazing things you continue to do daily. I see you treat others with kindness. I see you doing whatever it is that makes you happy.   I see you smile.

But if you feel like you are not where you would like to be physically, please remember: 

You are not your body. Your value has nothing to do with the skin and bone that accompanies you. You are a wealth of knowledge and talent-- Never let a mirror tell you otherwise. 

Hey You,

 

I know you think that you are alone in this world. But let me me reassure you, that is not true.  

I see your kind smile on the way to class. I see you meeting new people even though you are shy. I see you volunteering. I notice the amount of effort you put into making others feel better. 

Let me reassure you, you have not gone unnoticed. You mean something to someone. You mean something to me. Your presence is always felt. 

But if you happen to feel small and powerless at any moment in the day, please remember: 

You are not your loneliness. Recall the sun’s warmth when you find yourself in the shadows. You make a difference; you matter.

Hey You,

Make something today. Trust yourself. Love yourself. Give yourself credit. Remember:

You are not your grades. 

You are not your mistakes. 

You are not your loneliness.

You are not your body.

 

 You are worth it and you are worthy. You are whoever you want to be. 

Jobey - YouAlberta Contributor

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.

Instagrammys 2.0 - The Summer Edition

As the summer holidays come to a close *sheds a silent tear* I think it’s time to celebrate the joy and beauty of summer one more time! And what better way to celebrate summer than by highlighting the best instagram accounts with all the summer smiles, the best sunny treats, and people having way too much fun. 

With that said, I present to you : Instagrammys 2.0 -  The Summer Edition 

Remember, this “award” is merely the YA team acknowledging how uber cool and talented you are.  So here are our virtual high fives and a virtual Instagrammys for the top 10 best summer vibes accounts by your UAlberta peers (and recent grads). 

Enjoy and congratulations! 

Jennifer Nona - @jenonawilson

Went for a little dip after running the stairs 🌞👌🏻 #perfection #yeg

A photo posted by Jennifer Nona (@jenonawilson) on Jul 5, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

What could be a better than painting in a park with these lovely people on a Sunday? 🎨🌺🌳 #artsy #callmemonet #yeg #hangovercures #latergram

A photo posted by Jennifer Nona (@jenonawilson) on Jul 28, 2015 at 2:11pm PDT

Summer in the city through the eyes of @jenonawilson is pure perfection. Surrounded by friends, family, cute kittens and west coast freshness, this account spreads the summer cheer to all who follow.  Just one look and I’m hooked. I just want to hang out and have all the fun in the sun with her and all her cool friends. 

Connie @cluuful 

Love the decor here :) #cafebicyclette #interiordesign #vscocam #yeg

A photo posted by Connie (@cluuful) on Aug 1, 2015 at 12:31pm PDT

I've been looking forward to this since the focus group more than two years ago. Didn't think I'd still be around to see it finished! #glass #naturallight #ualberta #SUBrenos

A photo posted by Connie (@cluuful) on Jul 31, 2015 at 8:25pm PDT

Sweet treats, yummy eats, and beautifully captured photos, @cluuful reps #yeg and #ualberta hard. And we should all be thankful for it! She really portrays summer in #yeg and #ualberta as everything it really is--simply stunning. This account will make you want to explore the city and visit every delicious cafe Edmonton has to offer. As you should!   Her account is absolutely summer worthy and totally makes me drool. 

Anna Peacocke - @1photoguru 

Mermaids have more fun😎👐 #instagraeme

A photo posted by Anna Peacocke (@1photoguru) on Jul 12, 2015 at 2:35pm PDT

Bienvenidos a Patagonia👋

A photo posted by Anna Peacocke (@1photoguru) on Apr 28, 2015 at 7:05pm PDT

With copious amounts of cleverness and creativity, Anna’s Instagram account will make you laugh out loud and swoon internally all at the same time.  Every time she posts a new photo you just know she is enjoying her summer to the max. Bonus: If you’re like me, and can’t get enough of her account, she recently spent a month in Chile and her adventures will instantly make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Then you will feel slightly jealous because she’s so darn cool.  Bonus #2: Her boyfriend’s name is Graeme and she oh-so-coyly coined the hashtag #Instagraeme. COME ON THAT IS SO CLEVER!!!

Nick Dorr @nickupnorth  ** so many great photos * 

Fighting giants.

A photo posted by Nick Dorr (@nickupnorth) on Jul 18, 2015 at 2:15pm PDT

Off to the mountains.

A photo posted by Nick Dorr (@nickupnorth) on Jul 30, 2015 at 7:12am PDT

From Kenya to Jordan to Egypt to Edmonton (and probably everywhere in between) it appears this guy cannot stay still this summer. Which is pretty great for us, because we get to follow him every step of the way.  For someone not able to travel anywhere this summer, @nickupnorth is seriously all that I need in my life right now. I am living vicariously through his wonderful photos and dreaming of the day that my life looks like his.  

Crystal - @cryssztal

Blue sky and fluffy clouds all around ☁ #vscocam #yeg #exploreedmonton #ualberta #igyeg #clouds #reflection

A photo posted by crystal (@cryssztal) on Jul 30, 2015 at 2:51pm PDT

Afternoon picnic worth a yummy harvest salad #vscocam #gastropost #gastropostyeg #food #yummy #salad #greenandleafy #yegfood

A photo posted by crystal (@cryssztal) on Jul 19, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

If you want to know what summer done right looks like. Then look no further because I’ve found the perfect account!!  After browsing her photos all I want to do is have a picnic in the park, catch a live outdoor concert, and then finish off by exploring what the city has to offer. 

Even her winter photos are stunning, but let’s not talk about snow right now. Or like, ever.  Her summer photos trump all the winter photos combined because summer rocks. Just like her Instagram account.

Khayre Farah - @ kxngkvx  

Dreams worth more than money

A photo posted by Khayre (@kxngkvx) on Jun 28, 2015 at 7:44pm PDT

Rebirth of the City

A photo posted by Khayre (@kxngkvx) on Apr 20, 2015 at 8:36pm PDT

Khayre a second year science student, a freelance photographer AND he is also having way too much fun this summer. If I ever post ONE quality photo similar to his, I probably wouldn’t post ever again because I wouldn’t want to mess with perfection. This guy is unreal and I want to be his friend right now. Think of all the summer adventures! 

Eldrin Manahan @iameldrin 

This weekend was cool.  Sneak peek of @lingpiojo and @2jpantoja's engagement shoot #Summerside #yeggers #igyeg #engagement #lake #parkour #exploreedmonton #instayeg #snapseed #backflip #hangtime

A photo posted by Eldrin Manahan (@iameldrin) on Jun 8, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT

Solid build.  #ualberta #architecture #building #lookingup #iphone5 #urbanyeg #exploreyeg #explorealberta #exploreedmonton #yeggers #igyeg #brick #university #yeg #snapseed #cropic #instayeg @ualberta

A photo posted by Eldrin Manahan (@iameldrin) on Jul 21, 2015 at 1:15pm PDT

Architecture, angles, and summer time exploration: I just can’t get enough of @iameldrin’s account. He clearly has some photography skillz and I am clearly addicted to his work. Every single one of his Instagram photos looks like it could be a print for sale in a fancy-pants art studio. Follow him for your daily dose of “omg yeg is so beautiful, I love summer.” 

Adam Roy- @hammeredtoast   

Downtown Calgary and the Bow tower. #yyc #explorealberta #alberta #Canada #praire #landscape #hahaha

A photo posted by Adam Roy (@hammeredtoast) on Jun 15, 2015 at 10:08am PDT

We've had wise spots. #travelalberta #explorealberta #alberta #camping #canada #wabamun

A photo posted by Adam Roy (@hammeredtoast) on Jun 23, 2015 at 9:45pm PDT

In addition to having a cool instagram handle, @hammeredtoast   also has a glorious summertime approved account.  An obvious lover of the outdoors, @hammeredtoast is making the most of his time away from university classes. From downtown yeg to the often taken for granted rocky mountains, there is a sense of adventure and life in every photo. If only my summer was half as interesting as his instagram account!! 

Tyler Biard -  @citiesandcitizens 

Narrows Bridge. #tacoma #usa #narrowsbridge #vscocam

A photo posted by Tyler Biard (@citiesandcitizens) on Jul 30, 2015 at 11:01pm PDT

Flugtug viewing station near Saturday Market. #pdx #Portland #vscocam #flugtug #oregon #portlandsaturdaymarket

A photo posted by Tyler Biard (@citiesandcitizens) on Aug 1, 2015 at 3:34pm PDT

Another amazing account, enjoying another amazing summer season in Edmonton. But by now you are not even surprised, are you?! We have so many talented students with so many beautiful photos. And, of course, after looking at Tyler’s account, he is no exception! According to @citiesandcitizens account, there is no such thing as a dull summer day. And there is no such thing as a bad photo. All of his photos tell a story of an adventurous guy with an eye for the bold, the beautiful and all things that shout summer.

About the Author

Jobey

YouAlberta Contributor

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper.

She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.

6 Reasons to Stop and Smell the Roses

stop and smell the roses

(idiomatic) To relax; to take time out of one's busy schedule to enjoy or appreciate the beauty of life.

Let’s face it, we are busy beings. We are always on the go and rarely on the stop.

Summer in Edmonton is not short of things to do. There is always stuff going on whether you are in summer classes or are working to save up for fall. You can be busy all the time in Edmonton. But I challenge you, yes ,YOU reading this, to stop being on the go for 10 minutes and appreciate what surrounds you. And, no I don’t mean your smart phone.  In a literal sense, here are 6 reasons why you should stop and smell the roses...featuring  pretty flowers from the University of Alberta.

1. I hate to be THAT person… but need I remind you that winter is only a few months away?!  

Take every opportunity to be outside before you are making every excuse to stay inside

 2. On average North Americans spend 87- 90% of their day indoors. 

I’m no good at stats, but I feel like that percentage is REALLY high.  Especially when we have THIS:

3. You can borrow a lawn chair from the library. 

If that’s not a good enough reason to go outside, I don’t know what is.  Lawn chair + good book = a slice of paradise

4. Vitamin D- If you literally  “stop to smell the roses” you will most likely soak up some much needed Vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is needed to properly absorb calcium and phosphorous and has been known to reduce chronic illnesses but don’t forget your sunscreen though! Too much of anything is exactly that... too much.

5. Nature is therapeutic. 

Being outside reminds you to appreciate life and all its beauty. A breath of fresh air and a brisk walk through nature might be just what you need to reduce stress and anxiety.  How does that saying go? “You should sit in nature for 20 minutes a day. Unless you’re busy, then you should sit for an hour.”

6. Campus is absurdly beautiful this time of year. 

People work countless hours to maintain our amazing campus. I think the real question would be why WOULDN’T you stop and smell the roses?  

----About the Author

Jobey

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.  

The YA Instagrammys: 10 Awesome Accounts That (Are Sure To) Inspire!

Welcome to the inaugural YouAlberta Instagrammys! That's right, we've made up both a word and an award! But the award is really more of a "we like what you're doing" shout out and doesn't actually come with a plaque or a hand sized statue to place on your mantle or to hide in your bathroom. 

So what are the Instagrammys? They're our way of saying "hey, check out this guy/girl/person" on Instagram. And more specifically, each account that gets YouAlberta's Instagrammy stamp of approval shows off student life at the U of A (which is what YouAlberta is all about sharing).

So, with no further ado, here are the first 10 awesome accounts that are sure to inspire:

@huntercardinal 

Follow on Instagram

"Seriously, we are joking." - Gabe and Hunter prepare for Brotherly Love at Loose Moose tonight at 10:30! We got the opportunity to open for the incredible, Past Your Bedtime! #theatre #yyc #yeg #impro #brotherlylove #friends

A photo posted by Hunter Cardinal (@huntercardinal) on Jun 19, 2015 at 3:23pm PDT

I've spent three years with these beautiful people - I am savoring the last couple of performances with them. Feeling very thankful. #bfalife #theatreschool #gratitude #yeg #ualberta #theatre

A photo posted by Hunter Cardinal (@huntercardinal) on Apr 2, 2015 at 2:12pm PDT

Sure to invoke so many feels, this Instagram account portrays the everyday life of recent U of A graduate, Hunter Cardinal- A touch of goofiness, lots of sweet treats, friends, and an overall sense of living life to the fullest. Plus, from what I’ve heard about him, he’s going to be a famous actor one day. You could totally say you followed him before it was “cool.”

@wanderies

Follow on Instagram

One of my joys of travelling is not following a detailed itinerary, but rather spontaneously heading off the beaten path and discovering the most wonderful hidden gems. 💭 . . #wandering_杭州 #杭州 #梅家坞 #茶庄 #风景 #美景  #항저우 #항주 #중국 #풍경 #calmversation #hangzhou #meijiawu #goabroadualberta

A photo posted by felicia l. (@wanderies_) on Jun 5, 2015 at 9:05am PDT

What a phenomenal view to end off my six month trip to China. 😊 Thank you to my family - not only for bringing me on this amazing trip, but for all the support and love they gave me the past half year. 没想到半年这么快就过了。。。好舍不得你们。😢 感谢你们的细心照顾和爱，太辛苦你们了。多保重，下次再见。♡ . . #wandering_九寨沟 #九寨沟 #长海 #四川 #中国 #旅行 #风景 #美景 #山  #구채구 #사천 #jiuzhaigou #goabroadualberta

A photo posted by felicia l. (@wanderies_) on Jun 25, 2015 at 8:26am PDT

Felicia recently spent 6 months in Shanghai, China interning for the Canadian Missions through the Education Abroad program. While there, she was keeping her Instagram game on point! Felicia’s thoughtful captions and beautifully captured photos are sure to inspire you to embark on your own adventures – or at least live vicariously through hers. 

@kateblack

Follow on Instagram

modern art

A photo posted by Kate Black (@kateblack) on May 31, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT

#yeg

A photo posted by Kate Black (@kateblack) on May 23, 2015 at 3:54pm PDT

Creative, witty, and always on fleek, Kate Black’s Instagram account portrays Edmonton (and abroad) perfectly.  I’m still not sure whether I like her entertaining captions or awesome photos more. I’d say it’s a tie- I love it all. She has a slightly strange obsession with brunch, but I follow along fanatically. I guess you could say I’m a fangirl.   

Also- just a side note, I want all her clothes. 

@jasonvpurcell

Follow on Instagram

A photo posted by Jason Purcell (@jasonvpurcell) on May 26, 2015 at 11:08am PDT

A photo posted by Jason Purcell (@jasonvpurcell) on Jul 11, 2014 at 11:40am PDT

I had a class with @jasonvpurcell last semester and you can imagine how excited I was when we began following each other on social media.  Thanks to Jason I now have a list a mile long of books I want to read, drinks I want to drink, and clothing I want to buy. I literally swoon every time he posts a new photo. 

@justjoelee

Follow on Instagram

A photo posted by Joe Lee (@justjoelee) on Sep 16, 2014 at 8:48pm PDT

A photo posted by Joe Lee (@justjoelee) on Jun 21, 2015 at 6:09pm PDT

@justjoelee is a bit of a mystery to me. He doesn’t have much information about himself on his profile but that’s okay because a single picture speaks a thousand words.- and he’s got 187 pictures!   If you are ever having U of A /Edmonton withdrawals, just take a quick peak at his account and your heart will be full with so much #yeg pride.

@nicholasdyee

Follow on Instagram

Light is more important than the lantern. #WHPcolorplay #houseportrait

A photo posted by Nicholas Yee (@nicholasdyee) on Apr 12, 2015 at 8:26pm PDT

Watching the fireworks from under the High Level Bridge yesterday evening. Happy Canada Day! 🍁 #explorecanada #explorealberta #exploreedmonton

A photo posted by Nicholas Yee (@nicholasdyee) on Jul 2, 2015 at 12:42pm PDT

Can we all just take a minute to appreciate this guy’s skill?!  @nicholasdyee takes Instagram to a whole new level. On a scale of one-to-fabulous, I’d rate his account as a jaw-dropping, OMG I can’t believe this is real life, seriously the best ever.  With photos like his, you would think that photography is his professional career, but no. He is also a successful cellist and a Biomedical Engineering student, NBD.  Absolutely unreal-- You need to follow him right meow! 

@craigwyeg

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#tbt A year ago at #ualberta - was it Spiderman's Lair? Nope, turns out it was the new PAW Centre under construction.  #yeg #exploreedmonton  #weloveedmonton #edmonton #alberta #yeggers  #explorecanada  #travelalberta #imagesofcanada

A photo posted by Craig Wilkinson (@craigwyeg) on Mar 12, 2015 at 10:49am PDT

A photo posted by Craig Wilkinson (@craigwyeg) on Mar 11, 2015 at 1:31pm PDT

I can’t actually tell if @craigwyeg is a student at the University of Alberta or not, but he sure does a heck of a good job capturing its beauty.  Whether you are a nature nut, or just in need of an afternoon pick me up, Craig’s account will leave you motivated to get out and explore what Canada’s backyard has to offer. 

@jordhon

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Great day 🇨🇦 Canada is such an amazing place.

A photo posted by Jordon Hon (@jordhon) on Jul 2, 2015 at 12:32am PDT

A photo posted by Jordon Hon (@jordhon) on Mar 20, 2015 at 3:50pm PDT

@jordhon poses as a 19 year old engineering student by day but really he’s an Instagram sensation in the making.   He’s all about the close ups and cool angles which make for a stunningly unique perspective.  Jordon could easily make even the most boring day rad with his photography skillz. Edmonton winter has never looked so desirable-- you almost forget about how cold you were it made you because right now, you are feeling all warm and fuzzy inside looking at a glimpse into his world.  

@ivanaabroad

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The view from the Burj Khalifa wasn't quite good enough, so I decided to make like a bird and jump out of a plane with a Russian guy strapped to my back. #skydiving #Dubai #mydubai #skydivedubai #adrenaline #adventure #goabroadualberta @uofagoabroad

A photo posted by Ivana 🇨🇦🇪🇸 (@ivanaabroad) on Apr 1, 2015 at 9:00am PDT

#followmeto Los Cahorros, Granada, a wondrous little place straight out of a  National Geographic spread. #Spain #hiking #Granada #travel #explore #wander #goabroadualberta @uofagoabroad

A photo posted by Ivana 🇨🇦🇪🇸 (@ivanaabroad) on Jun 6, 2015 at 1:00pm PDT

Just as her handle suggest, @ivanaabroad is a UAlberta student exploring the world. Anyone who understands the term “Wanderlust” will definitely get all the feels and then some from her account.  When she’s not doing cool things like skydiving in Dubai, she can be found soaking up the sun, sightseeing, and posting really, really breath-taking photos of her experiences abroad.  If you have ever travelled abroad, if you are going to be travelling soon, or you are just curious about the world around you, you should follow her adventures. 

@tweeesa

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#fresh #fruits #ediblearrangements

A photo posted by Teresa (@tweeesa) on May 12, 2015 at 9:30pm PDT

One last time. #ualberta #ualberta15 #graduation

A photo posted by Teresa (@tweeesa) on Jun 5, 2015 at 8:16am PDT

Despite being a semi- infrequent Instagramer, there is something so undeniably real about @tweeesa’s account.  Whether it’s the unique convocation photos (because let’s face it, convocation photos can get pretty generic), or cookies decorated as emojis, every single photo is a refreshing surprise.  She looks like someone with a great sense of humour, an artistic touch, and just an overall cool chick. If you don’t want to be her friend after looking at her photos, you might be a robot. 

----About the Author

Jobey

Jobey is in her fifth and final year studying Spanish Language and Literature & Women's and Gender Studies. She gets most of her inspiration from Vines & YouTube videos and over enthusiastically quotes them any chance she gets. When Jobey is not spending her days and nights in Rutherford Library, she can be heard from miles away "trying" to whisper. She really can’t whisper. Like, not even a little bit.