Avenue magazine’s annual Top 40 Under 40 awards were recently handed out to seven University of Calgary graduates. We asked each of them a few questions about life, time on campus, their vices and habits. Their candid answers give us a glimpse into their post-university lives — lives that remain studded with university memories.
Lourdes Juan , BGS’05, MEDes’10, director, founder and director, LMJ Consultants and Soma Advanced Skin & Body Therapy, founder of local non-profit, Leftovers
If you went back to school to study a subject, what would that be?
I love what I studied, so if I were to go back, I would study the same, Environmental Design. Specifically, sustainable urban planning. Our future is in the places we create, the political, social, and environmental decisions we make affect how we live our lives. There is so much to learn and so much to know about how to improve.
What are you reading right now?
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, and Mastering the Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish.
If you could relive one moment at university, it would be?
Art History classes with Dr. Bershad. He was always so passionate and engaging.
How many hours a week do you really work?
Honestly, I don't know because what I do doesn't necessarily feel like work. I thoroughly enjoy my days, even the stressful parts.
How do you de-stress?
I started meditating, and I find that it's an effective way to calm my mind and all of the "noise." I also find that one-on-ones with people who have a positive outlook on life help me de-stress. Laughter is key.
If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would we find you?
Barcelona will always be dear to my heart. I learned a lot about life, people, and culture from that city when I did a study abroad there. I would go back in a heartbeat.
For the complete list of the Top 40 Under 40 University of Calgary alumni, click here.