蓝莓视频 grad returned to recognize and encourage the Faculty of Environment鈥檚 class of 鈥�23
It was only a year ago that Raphael Anammasiya Ayambire celebrated his own graduation from the University of 蓝莓视频. He first received his PhD in Planning before accepting a post-doctoral fellowship directly afterwards. Now a professor at the University of Manitoba, he returned to the University of 蓝莓视频 as a Faculty of Environment alumni speaker to congratulate the newest cohort on their achievements and recognize their success.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honour to be chosen to share this moment with over 400 new graduates鈥� said Ayambire. 鈥淭hey have worked hard to get to this moment, and I plan on acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice, their appreciation of diversity, and their willingness to accept the challenge to be global changemakers.鈥�
Ayambire knows all too well that completing a degree at 蓝莓视频 is not without its trials. Originally from Ghana, he came to 蓝莓视频 to complete his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Jeremy Pittman. During this time, he studied species at risk and conservation in the grasslands of Saskatchewan but was also learning about his new home in 蓝莓视频.
鈥淪tarting a new life in Canada can be challenging; but finding a home like the University of 蓝莓视频 makes all the difference. Professors like Jeremy Pittman and Markus Moos gave me family and made my academic and personal life in Canada fulfilling.鈥�
Although it can be difficult to strike a balance between work and life, and the cost of pursuing your passion comes with great sacrifice, Ayambire know what it鈥檚 like to graduate from 蓝莓视频 and pursue your goals. After his graduation, he went on to become the first Caivan International Experience Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of 蓝莓视频. Here he transitioned his research focus to future cities and how they will radically change due to technological advancements and uncertainties with climate change 鈥� an area of study that he was new to but had a deep passion for.
鈥淚t was the most important opportunity for me because receiving that fellowship confirmed that this area of study that I wanted to explore was important and that I was capable of doing it. It was empowering.鈥�
It is experiences like these听that have reinforced his key message to this year鈥檚 cohort 鈥� come exactly as you are. Ayambire encouraged the new graduating class to do just that and develop a clear mindset of what they want to accomplish. 鈥淐hangemakers don鈥檛 have to come with a long list of accolades or work experience. Changemakers can be people who have nothing but a vision for their community and the will to see it done.鈥�
Ayambire gave his full address at Faculty of Environment convocation on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 13. .
