# @ualbertastudents on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DL7x-kkx8oL
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33266562-ualbertastudents-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2f3af50039.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-10T16:31:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** University of Alberta (@ualbertastudents) — https://gondola.cc/ualbertastudents

## Caption

“When I first began university, I was very timid and terrified of embarrassing myself or saying the “wrong thing”. It got to the point where I would spend hours practicing basic speech patterns as if I was a robot, and would overthink interactions as small as “hi” and “how are you”. I thought I could invisibly pass through university, but I quickly realized that I was missing out on so many opportunities, friendships and experiences because I refused to engage. I came to learn that no one is watching you as critically as you’re watching yourself. I started saying what was on my mind, allowed myself to make mistakes, asked more questions and started making connections with people. It wasn’t easy, but it’s better to be authentically yourself than to be perfectly palatable but never truly known. So go out there and engage, because the people you’re meant to meet won’t judge you for being you.”

Feni is a fourth-year honours Arts student double majoring in Political Science and Media Studies. She is also completing certificates in Community Service Learning, International Learning and Globalization and Governance. She was a member of the University of Alberta Black Students’ Association mentorship program and currently volunteers with the Ezra Marfo Cancer Foundation. #UAlberta

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,068
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 8

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| University of Alberta | @ualbertastudents | https://gondola.cc/ualbertastudents | University |
| Alex Pugliese | @aperspectiveyeg | https://gondola.cc/aperspectiveyeg | Photographer |

## Tags

ualberta

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