My Story

Hello! I'm Laurence Espallardo (he/him), a fifth-year undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology program, majoring in Family Science at the University of Alberta. 

My journey began in Manila, Philippines, in a bustling multi-generational household filled with my parents, aunts, (great)uncles, and cousins. At age five, my mom, a nurse, moved to Canada for a new job, leaving my dad, my two brothers, and me in the Philippines. Despite the distance, we stayed connected through advancing technologies like Skype. Our separation was emotionally challenging, especially for young children who did not know if and when we would reunite. My father, who took on primary care responsibilities, felt the impact deeply as he was separated from his loving wife. Fortunately, with extensive familial ties, both on my mom's and dad's side, I was cared for by my aunt, "Dete," and great-uncle, "Lolo," along with other relatives. Their love and support nurtured my brothers, Antonio and Leandro, and myself to be the humans we are today.

At age seven, I established new roots in Canada, shaping a multicultural perspective that propels my dedication to Family Science. My family and I took time to acclimate ourselves to a new community. I am grateful for my mom's experience as she took the lead in navigating our family's life in a new country. However, I can't fathom the profound loss she experienced being alone in a foreign land without her support network. She is one of my cherished superheroes. This amalgamation of cultural experiences has fostered a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of individuals within diverse communities. My immigrant experience has been the driving force behind wanting to support recent immigrants in Canada, adding a personal dimension to my commitment to Family Science.

Moreover, my familial dynamics have allowed me to navigate an immigrant experience, especially cultural differences (for example, collectivism versus individualism) between the two countries. Growing up with immigrant parents who worked tirelessly for our family's stability instilled a deep commitment to community well-being. This commitment, rooted in cultural and religious values, has been a guiding force in shaping my professional dreams. 

As I delve into the concept of "work," I embrace a holistic perspective that extends beyond financial stability. For me, work is a means of personal and professional growth, societal contributions, and a source of purpose and meaning. Having lived through my experiences of integrating into a novel community, I aspire to help others see holistic well-being and social equity through collaborative education at an individual, family, and community level. 

The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced my dedication to my mission. While my initial path in the Physiology program posed obstacles, my transformative experience with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights revealed the potential of a career dedicated to supporting individuals and communities. 

My academic journey, marked by challenges, self-discovery, and resilience, is integral to my commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities. In the winter of 2022, seeking experiential learning through a practicum, I encountered obstacles after switching to a psychology major/human ecology minor combination. Undeterred, I persisted in my commitment to the human ecology practicum journey—a deliberate effort to merge diverse experiences with a focused pursuit of healthcare policy, research, and promotion.  

Transitioning to the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences (ALES) and majoring in Family Science was a conscious decision to align my education with my passion for improving individual health and well-being. The significant step of applying for a Winter 2024 practicum has led me to Alberta Health Services (AHS), collaborating with their Primary Care and Chronic Disease Management (PC & CDM) team—an opportunity aligning with my passion and career aspirations. My upcoming practicum symbolizes the culmination of my academic endeavours—integrating my multicultural background, passion for family science, and dedication to making a tangible impact in healthcare policy and research. Standing at the intersection of my past, present, and future, I carry a mosaic of experiences.

From the Philippines to Canada, through academic challenges and triumphs, my dedication lies in positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities through healthcare and immigration policies within Family Science. The influence of my parents, particularly my mother's role as a nurse, has shaped my desire to contribute compassionately to healthcare. My journey converges with a trio of envisioned career paths rooted in my commitment to improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 

As a family physician, my vision extends beyond immediate healthcare to fostering relationships and championing preventive care. In health promotion and education, I aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions, emphasizing preventive care and community health initiatives. Lastly, as a health and social policy analyst, I aspire to advocate for equitable healthcare access and foster more inclusive healthcare environments—a commitment aligned with social equity and holistic well-being. 

The sources of inspiration for these career paths are embedded in my family's values of compassion, empathy, and dedication to service, profoundly shaping my professional dreams. My immigrant experience serves as a wellspring of aspiration, emphasizing the impact of community support highlighted in the previous section. Insights gained from practicum preparation for CDM and my mom's work in healthcare have further motivated me toward these career paths. 

My journey in human ecology, specifically majoring in family science, has instilled a deep understanding of civic engagement and community well-being. Employing systems thinking in my coursework has allowed me to envision the interconnectedness between individuals, families, and communities, considering contextual factors influencing their health and well-being. 

These inspirations and values drive my dedication to my professional life—helping others and enhancing our community's health and well-being. At the crossroads of my past, present, and future, the convergence of academic and personal experiences solidifies my commitment to positively impacting individuals' lives and contributing to community well-being through my multifaceted journey in human ecology.