Olga Loggale

Current City: Edmonton, Alberta

Year arrived in Canada: 2002

School: University of Alberta, Bsc, DDS.

Academic program(s): Bsc., Biological Sciences, Psychology. Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dentistry.

1.      What inspired you to pursue your studies in Biological Sciences and Psychology of all the academic programs that were available to you? 

I decided to pursue a biology degree because I genuinely enjoyed learning about Biology. In high school, I often found myself excited to go to my biology courses and was more engaged during class time. I went above and beyond when I was studying for exams because I always wanted to know more than what was being taught in class. When it was time to decide where I wanted my academic journey to go, there was almost no doubt in my mind that I wanted to pursue biology. The thought of having my questions answered in detail and going beyond the surface to truly understand the why-and-how of concepts we were touched on in high school was overwhelmingly exciting for me.

2.      What are your main success factors in your academic journey? Inherent intellectual aptitude goes without saying.

Before I started university, I took some time off to explore options and decide on a profession that had a personal “why” for me. Throughout my academic journey thus far, much of my motivation has come from remembering that why. Whenever I would begin to get overwhelmed, I would take some time to remind myself of the bigger picture and why it is that I am in the position I am in. This, alongside surrounding myself with others who also have dreams beyond their ancestors wildest imagination, allowed me to wholeheartedly commit myself to my academics.

Once I had decided I was all in, I took time to find routines and habits that would help me succeed. For example, I write down all assignments, exams, labs, etc., for the whole semester in a planner right at the beginning. I also have a monthly calendar that allows me to visualize upcoming due dates so I can start early. I plan study times and do my best to remove all distractions or possible barriers during those times. And, most importantly, I just keep going. Bad days and unforeseen circumstances that result in low marks are bound to happen but there is almost always a good chance that you can bounce back as long as you choose to learn from your mistakes, and use them to do better the next time.

3.      Do you have any advice for new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?

Choose something that YOU like. It is important to consider advice given to you from your parents, councilors, teachers, mentors, etc., but at the end of the day, you are the one who will be sitting in those classes, taking those exams, and pursuing that degree. Being successful in school is not impossible, but certainly more difficult, when you do not enjoy what you are doing. This is not to say you will like every course, or enjoy every moment during your journey, but it is much easier to deal with a few unfavorable courses when you know that at large, you genuinely enjoy that program you are in.

4.      What challenges do you think hinder students from succeeding in Canada?

I think a lack of representation in academia or professional programs prevents a lot of youth from even considering their potential. Due to structural bias and racism alone, students are less likely to be supported and encouraged by their teachers and mentors during their primary education years, and when they also see that no one they know or no one who looks like them is in a profession they are interested in, it makes it difficult to want to pursue that route.

If a student pursues a challenging professional program regardless, there is a good chance that their home environment further hinders their success. Many current students are first-generation and have overwhelming responsibilities at home. This includes things like caring for younger siblings, working full-time to help their parents, or taking on parental-tasks due to language and cultural barriers that exist for their parents. This leaves them in a vulnerable place of low support for their academics both at home and at school and makes it more challenging to succeed.

5.      From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms). 

You have to be willing to adapt. Canadian culture is vastly different from the cultures of many immigrants, and Canadian culture itself is constantly changing. Just consider the way technology has taken over in the last 10 years, and especially over the pandemic. You have to be ready to adapt to the new environment and also ready to fail a few times before you succeed. Learning new skills or information will only help you in your professional or academic career.

6.      Do you have any ideas on how students can manage expectations from friends and family here or back home? ­­

I have personally never had expectations from family back home so I cannot speak to that. However, I can certainly speak to the pressures of friends and family here. I realized a few years ago that I had to slightly untangle my identity from my friends and family. What I am doing is not for anyone but myself. Yes, of course, I hope my success bleeds into their lives and they are included in my “why” equation, but accounting for everything they wanted from me was becoming too much considering I was the only one doing the work. I had to stop taking things they say personally, and just remember that their pressure is a result of wanting the best for me. With that came the realization that I had to clearly communicate what my capabilities are. I think that because some of our parents do not completely understand the academic situation here, they push for things that are not reasonable. By telling them what I was doing, what my plans were, and how I planned to get there, it helped them readjust their expectations to meet my capabilities.

7.      Is your racial profile helping or hindering your success? That is, if race is a factor at all.

I am sure I have lost out on opportunities, support, and encouragement based on my racial appearance, but at large I try not to equate my failures or hindering of success with my race. I know what I am capable of and have demonstrated time and time again that my race does not dictate that.

8.      Looking back, did you envision this is where you would be when you were in middle school?

In a way, yes. I had not seriously considered any professional career in middle school but my parents had drilled into my head the importance of maintaining high grades to keep doors open down the road.

9.  What do you know now that you wished you had known before you started your post-secondary education?

Getting involved in clubs, organizations, teams, campus activities, research opportunities etc., are just as important as maintaining a high GPA. It is difficult to balance all of it, especially when you also have to work, but it is worth it if you can manage it. The networking and mentorship opportunities you gain from getting involved are invaluable. Additionally, the lessons you learn by simply being a person in these settings bleed into your success as a student.