#192 - Paige Wall - Moving from PEI to Edmonton & The Shock of Starting Over

Paige Wall is the University of Alberta’s Vice President (Student Life), whose leadership style has been deeply shaped by her background in Air Cadets, residence leadership, and student advocacy. Originally hailing from Prince Edward Island, her transition to a major urban campus in Edmonton profoundly influenced her personal growth and dedication to building inclusive student spaces. In this episode, we sit down with Paige to discuss how these experiences informed her approach to student governance, how her small-town roots impact her perspective on community, and how her journey through Kinesiology is laying the groundwork for a future career in medicine.Paige’s foundation in leadership is rooted in a service-first mindset cultivated during her years in Air Cadets, where she learned that strong leadership is defined by responsibility and empowering others rather than authority. Translating those principles into residence life taught her the vital importance of authenticity and trust when leading alongside the very peers she lived with every day. Now as VP Student Life, she seamlessly balances this disciplined, highly structured background with the adaptive, vocal energy needed to challenge large institutional structures, ensuring that every decision begins with how it directly impacts and supports the student body.Moving from the close-knit, familiar pace of Prince Edward Island to a bustling campus of tens of thousands in Edmonton marked a major turning point for Paige. Overcoming the initial culture shock of starting fresh in a sprawling city forced her to step out of her comfort zone and intentionally build her own community through residence and student groups. This firsthand experience of navigating a massive new environment directly fuels her advocacy today, as she brings her small-town values of accessibility, connection, and neighbourly support into her role to ensure every student feels a true sense of belonging.Paige’s academic journey in Kinesiology expanded her understanding of health beyond basic diagnosis, highlighting the vital roles that movement, prevention, lifestyle, and social factors play in overall human well-being. This holistic view of health inspired her ambition to pursue medicine, equipping her with a unique perspective focused on long-term wellness and preventative care. Managing her rigorous studies alongside the demanding responsibilities of an executive student governance role has also required her to practice what she studies, relying on recovery, physical activity, and boundary-setting to maintain peak performance without burning out.Paige Wall’s journey illustrates how grounded beginnings and diverse leadership experiences can create a powerful advocate for student success. From the structured discipline of Air Cadets to the dynamic challenges of executive governance and pre-medical studies, her continuous effort to foster connection and systemic well-being stands out. As she continues to shape student life at the University of Alberta and prepares for a future in healthcare, Paige demonstrates that effective leadership begins with empathy, intentional community-building, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.KEEP IT LONG TERM!