Meet your valedictorians: Chiara Sedola
When Chiara Sedola first arrived at VIU, she wasn’t planning on a particularly extensive post-secondary journey.
Six years later, she graduates this spring with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Liberal Studies and a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Biology.
She’s also been selected as valedictorian for her convocation ceremony this June.
It’s the culmination of a journey that Chiara wasn’t sure she would even begin.
“I honestly don’t think I would have pursued higher education if not for VIU, simply because it wouldn’t have been accessible,” she says.
Homeschooled and unaccustomed to a formal learning environment, Chiara chose VIU because it was close to home, financially accessible and offered smaller class sizes that felt approachable.
What she didn’t expect was how these practical considerations would turn into something far more meaningful.
Chiara immersed herself in academics, research, student leadership and campus life. Highlights for her include her biology field labs, botany courses, presenting at the Pacific Ecology and Evolution Conference and participating in the Liberal Studies Abroad program in Italy.
One of her fondest memories is an annual toga party hosted by the Liberal Studies Students’ Association, an association she co-founded.
“This year, we co-hosted the event with the VIU Philosophy Club, which made for many interesting conversations because of the variety of expertise, interests and perspectives,” she says. “There was great conversation, karaoke and, of course, the best bedsheet togas this side of Athens.”
As a founding member of the association, who also served as its treasurer, events director and later its president, Chiara helped create opportunities for students across various subjects to connect.
“I could not be prouder of the community and friendships that the club helped grow over the years,” she says. “Being part of something that made it easier for people to participate, feel welcomed and find their place was incredibly meaningful to me.”
In her third year, Chiara was nominated by the Liberal Studies department to present her essay at an international conference in Washington, DC. While she initially felt unsure about going, “my professors and peers encouraged me to go. In the end, I’m really glad I didn’t let my uncertainty stop me.”
Looking ahead, Chiara plans to spend the next year working at the Vancouver Island Regional Library “and keep an eye out for more professional development opportunities.”
For current and future students, Chiara’s advice is centred around creating connections like she did: “Talk to people, be involved in the university community, take classes outside of your major, know when to ask for help and when you're offered an opportunity, believe that you are capable.”
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