Mirta Roncagalli, PhD Student of Hispanic Studies, describes her role to help prospective and newly admitted graduate students as a Graduate Student Ambassador, and why she chose to pursue a PhD at UBC in the first place.
Mirta Roncagalli, PhD Student of Hispanic Studies and Graduate Student Ambassador
Graduate Student Ambassador
“Our role is to connect with prospective grad students to help them decide if UBC is right for them, as well as to help newly admitted students adjust to a new university and a new city.”
I was looking for a program that could support my professional development and help me improve my leadership skills. When I heard about the Graduate Student Ambassador Program, I just knew I had to apply! It was time to give a name to what I have always been doing for friends and fellow students, and to combine that natural tendency with a larger number of collaborators and impactful projects.
As a Graduate Student Ambassador, our mission is to provide an authentic and genuine perspective about UBC grad school. We are a liaison between students and the institution we represent, therefore part of our role is to connect with prospective grad students to help them decide if UBC is right for them, as well as to help newly admitted students adjust to a new university and a new city. The program also gives us a great opportunity to provide feedback and insight on new projects and initiatives promoted by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS).
Graduate Student Ambassadors are engaged in information sessions and orientation events where prospective and newly admitted students can ask us ANY questions, including how to find an accommodation, how to connect with other students, how to budget, etc. You can also always reach out by email or social media, or by checking out our website.
Graduate Student Experience
“My choice to pursue a PhD was driven by the aspiration to have my voice heard in the cultural debate and to show my students the beauty of literature and the relevance of the humanities to modern life.”
I have always wanted to make a difference in my field, both as a researcher and a teacher. My choice to pursue a PhD was driven by the aspiration to have my voice heard in the cultural debate, to continue learning in a stimulating environment, and to show my students the beauty of literature and the relevance of the humanities to modern life.
While a was completing my MA, I used to hear only great news about Canada which, back in my home country, is presented as a land of excellence. The possibility of studying at one of the top Canadian universities, and the idea of living in a city like Vancouver, were very appealing and, ultimately, a convincing match!
I appreciated the interdisciplinary approach and innovative research conducted by the Hispanic Studies cohort of professors in my department, and the opportunity to be a teaching and research assistant for both Spanish and Italian courses.
Grad school can be challenging and, from time to time, overwhelming. Try to make time to decompress and talk to your peers! You will realize you are not alone and that all grad students are in the same boat!
