Samantha Castaneda

Biography

 "Create a life you can't wait to wake up to." - Unknown

My passion for kinesiology started from a simple conversation in the car with my dad. Growing up as a competitive dancer, who had an equal passion for studying the science behind the human body, the field seemed like the perfect intersection between my two worlds. While my dance career is in the rearview mirror, it is clear that the passion is sticking around. Whether it’s through working at a physiotherapy clinic, choosing dance-based practicums or dancing in our basement blasting my favourite songs, I hope to incorporate the joy of movement into my everyday life.

I dream of pursuing physiotherapy, seeing the world, and helping improve quality of life. But above all, I want to be the representation I never had. I want to show young Filipinos, like my little sister, that they are just as capable of achieving their goals! I have been forging this path by taking the role of Vice President of External Affairs of the University of Calgary Filipino Students' Association, volunteering at the RMHC and Peter Lougheed Centre, and joining clubs that I am passionate about. I firmly believe that true leadership is both transformational and empowering, and that everyone has the capability to enact change.

Awards

• Julia Turnbull Leadership Award (2022)
• Co-operators Student Scholarship (2022)
• Alexander Rutherford Scholarship (2022)
• Morin Family Gratitude Scholarship (2022)
• Jim Darrah Chemistry Scholarship (2022)
• AP Scholar Award (2022)