In her second year in the communications program Christina Rontynen decided she wanted the full experience of university and set out to make it happen.

"I had this idea of what I thought university should be," says Rontynen. "I thought I would automatically have tons of friends and make a bunch of connections. What I found out is that you really have to take initiative to create your own experience."

Rontynen did some research and found out what she could be involved in. She joined clubs, and was in the Students in Communications club for three years, her last year as president.  Rontynen also got involved with the students' union and was the rep for the communication and culture faculty for two years. She was instrumental in securing much needed club space and a student lounge within the faculty.

Christina also excelled on the academic side of things and pursued an honors degree where she researched the use of Facebook by candidates running in student elections at both U of A and U of C. For her an honors thesis was a way to combine two of her interests, politics and new media, into one.

"My research indicates that Facebook is a form of open communication online," notes Rontynen. "It provides a forum for interaction between candidates and the voters."

Her interest in politics also led her to a job as the constituency assistant for Calgary Elbow, a position she still holds part time along with completing her Masters in Communications at the U of C.

Rontynen, who also received one of the university's highest honors, the President's Award for Student Leadership, gives this advice to students, "step out of your comfort zone, it is so important to get involved in your university experience, you'll be glad you did!"