Arvie Justine B. Isidro

“I was sitting in the library, and I received a notification that SAIT was looking for mentors for international students,” recalls Arvie Justine B. Isidro. “I automatically signed up.”

And so began Arvie Justine’s journey as a mentor. They didn’t quite know what they were doing at first, but they pushed forward. “I let my experience guide me,” says Arvie Justine. “I asked myself what I would have wanted to have when I was first starting in university.”

Arvie took their passion for mentorship a step further and even volunteered to supervise the Peer Mentorship Program at SAIT, a role in which they were able to inspire their fellow students to make connections and help each other out. “We all want someone to guide us, support us,” says Arvie Justine. “Life is full of challenging choices, and it’s great to have someone to learn from.”

They consider their mentorship going hand-in-hand with another passion of theirs: learning. “I’m a big believer that everyone can learn from one another,” says Arvie Justine. “Even if I am a mentor, I can learn from you. Even if you are a mentee with a lot of experience, you might learn from me.”

One of Arvie Justine’s biggest inspirations: Their younger self. “I’ve experienced a lot of bullying and such because of how I present myself to the public,” says Arvie Justine. “My younger self was able to push through it and get to the place I am right now. I think my younger self really inspired me to be who I am and not change myself to fit in. You don’t have to fit in.”

Arvie Justine’s tip for students wanting to blend in: Don’t! Be courageous, and don’t be afraid to be who you are. Don’t be afraid to speak up for what you want. Embody your uniqueness.

Q&A with Arvie Justine B. Isidro

What does being named a Capitalize Campus Star mean to you?

Being named a Capitalize Campus Star represents my efforts to build an inclusive community for my fellow students despite my uniqueness. It is more than a recognition of my commitments towards school; it is a title I can use to further inspire my fellow students to embrace every bit of their uniqueness.

What pump-up jam do you listen to before a big test or presentation?

I always listen to “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child. I know it is a bit cliché, but I always fear presenting in big crowds. I always try to hype myself up before a big presentation, and listening to “Survivor” reminds me I will survive this big presentation if I stay calm.

Why do you want to become a CPA?

For me, CPA is more than a designation that will provide me multiple opportunities in the field. A CPA designation would be the ultimate fruit of my labour over the last few years. Becoming a CPA allows me to clearly understand that giving up is not option, but I should instead continue on my journey and that good results are the fruits of my own actions and hard work.

Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to announce the inaugural class of Capitalize Campus Stars. The Campus Stars program recognizes amazing Alberta post-secondary students who are dreaming of one day becoming CPAs. Learn more about the entire 2021 class!