What it takes to be a Ryerson Gold Medallist

Annita Velasque Moreira, Collaborative Nursing Degree Program (BScN) ‘19, received the Ryerson Gold Medal and the Board of Governors Student Leadership Award and Medal at the Faculty of Community Services convocation ceremony on June 18.

These two awards are the university’s highest honours, given to students with outstanding academic achievement and involvement with the university, their profession and the community.

So what does it feel like to receive not just one, but two, of the university’s top awards? We asked Annita to share some of her insights.

What does receiving the Gold Medal mean to you?

Receiving the Gold Medal confirms that I contributed to my community in a significant way and that I gave back what the school needed from me – that is incredibly rewarding! I am very thankful to all the people who supported me throughout my journey. Several colleagues joined me in different initiatives, mentors inspired me to pursue projects and friends encouraged me to keep going. My family supported me in every way possible, and my husband cheered me on, no matter what. I want to make sure they know that this medal is their achievement too.

What advice would you give students entering their first year?

Respect the transition into university life. Find your ground first so that you don’t become overwhelmed. The opportunities will be there, but make sure you are consistent in your academics before taking on more work. Eventually, you will feel ready to take that next step.

When you do, remember that time is a finite resource. Invest it in the few projects you are excited about. Experiment, create new initiatives and join friends in their endeavours. Each experience will teach you about who you are, about your community, and what the world needs from you. That way, you will come out on the other side knowing where you want to make a contribution and what you have to offer.

What do you wish you knew when you started undergrad?

I wish that I had trusted the process from the get-go. In 2015, I was 28 years old, going back to school for a second undergraduate degree in my second language. I felt like an imposter and worried about whether I made the right choice. But I stuck it out. Something my husband told me back then still resonates: time will pass anyway. If I had shied away from what I wanted to do, I would still be sitting here today. Only I would be wishing I had done it four years ago. Pursuing a meaningful career is a process worth going through. I will make sure to bring this lesson with me into my next chapter.

Do you have any favourite classes/teachers, and what made them stand out?

I had great support at the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing. But three special women stand out. First, I couldn’t have pursued some of the most interesting projects that I did without the support of Margareth Zanchetta, an associate professor and associate director in the school. She created opportunities for me where there were none and always believed in me. I am truly grateful for that.

Sue Williams, dean emeritus of the Faculty of Community Services, became my mentor even before I started the program. Her guidance and support were unrelenting throughout the last five years. She encouraged me to insist on my goals and helped me to believe that I could succeed.

Finally, Janice Waddell, a professor in the school, afforded me great opportunities in and out of the program which were essential for my development, both as a person and as a nurse. I feel blessed for having these inspiring women cheering me on!

What is your proudest accomplishment at university?

Two moments come to mind. The first was working with the Nursing Course Union team to organize the 2018 “Beyond BScN: Exploring Nursing Specialties” conference. It was an exciting event attended by almost 100 students – I am so proud of our team.

Another proud moment was securing a Mitacs Globalink federal grant to pursue a research project in Brazil. It was very rewarding to help my home country and put the skills I had acquired at Ryerson to its service. I hope I can continue to make an impact in my home country as I move on in my career.

What are your future plans?

I am thrilled to have been accepted to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine. I am passionate about women’s health and family-centered care. As a future physician, I hope to work with that population and with underserved communities, both in Canada and in Brazil. I am very grateful for the rich background in community health and equity, and the amazing clinical experience that I got from the Ryerson Collaborative Nursing program, and can now bring to my next chapter in healthcare.