“As a student new to Canada, I worried I would be perceived as the reserved, mysterious kid — always studying because I was never able to make friends. But I quickly realized just how misplaced this fear was. During my time at the U of A I have found such amazing people in such a short span of time through the clubs I joined and events I attended. Remember, it’s everyone’s first time navigating university, so don’t feel afraid. People are kinder and more open than you would expect. I love spending time on the 13th floor of DICE; the views remind me I now live in a completely different country where I am achieving the goals I set for myself with lifelong friends by my side.” Upkirat is a first-year Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology student from Punjab, India and recipient of the University of Alberta Presidential International Distinction Scholarship. Upkirat has founded several projects that have successfully raised $10,000+ for care of animals and the underprivileged. #UA...