51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

We are delighted to welcome back Jovanna Sauro to the Faculty of Education community. Her journey at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏhas spanned several staff roles, the completion of her Master of Education in Health Education and Active Living, and the challenge of balancing graduate studies while undergoing treatment - an experience that earned her the 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏStaff Achievement Award in Personal Achievement. Now returning full circle as a staff member in the faculty, Jovanna reflects on her path, the lesson's she's carried with her, and what it means to return to our community.

Q: When you first joined 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏin 2015, what might have surprised you about the campus culture or community that still stays with you today?

I actually joined the Department of Archaeology at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏin June 2015 and held several positions at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏbefore being laid off in May 2024 and then returning to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏin the Faculty of Education in May 2025. When I had my interview with the Department of Archaeology back in 2015, I remember feeling a warm and welcoming feeling as I was sitting in the AQ preparing for my interview. Since my husband works at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏand my mother-in-law used to work at SFU, I felt it would be a great place to work. As I prepared for my interview, I enjoyed seeing the students walk by in the hall and the campus itself had a community feel. It was a pleasant feeling before walking into my interview. This feeling has stayed with me throughout my journey at SFU.

Q: You managed a demanding job, graduate studies, and treatment all at once. What activity, event/memory have you found helped ground you through it all?

I honestly feel that my graduate program couldn't have come at a better time. It was an extremely difficult decision to make whether I wanted to pursue my degree despite being recently diagnosed with cancer. I knew that I needed treatment, but I didn't necessarily know what to expect and how it was going to take a toll on my body. I thought long and hard and discussed the situation with my mom. I realized that if I didn't pursue my degree, I would likely regret it. I'm so happy I did my degree as it was completely life changing.

The activity that helped me stay grounded is walking daily and my studies. Chemotherapy was incredibly hard on me physically, mentally, and emotionally and I quickly learned that my worst days were days 3-5 after treatment due to the brain fog and fatigue. I would do my readings during chemo sessions as I would be at BC Cancer for half a day. That's when I felt most alert. I would walk daily, usually twice a day. My oncologist stressed the importance of physical activity and how this has an impact on one having the best possible outcome as a cancer patient. The notion of physical activity was so relatable to my MEd in Health Education and Active Living so I would often write about it. Walking kept my mind active and also helped me achieve daily goals of doing at least 30-60 minutes of active minutes per day. It was helpful for me to have a goal to work towards each day. My studies also had a great impact on my well-being. I had the opportunity to write about my journey with cancer and then later as a survivor. It helped me process the fact that I had cancer in the first place and the importance of self-compassion for myself. My professors and classmates were very supportive which also helped me heal. I felt very welcome to not only research cancer and survivorship but to speak openly about what I was experiencing, especially during the peak of COVID.

Q: Being both part of the staff and studying—was there a particular moment that stands out when those two worlds intersected? What was it like being on the other side of the student journey?

I was on medical leave for 6 months which correlated with the first part of the 2-year program. I was grateful that my colleague at the time was able to step in and look after my work. I realized the importance of taking full medical leave to not only receive treatment but to heal afterwards. I started treatment at the end of July 2020 and finished mid-November 2020. It was a total of 4 months of chemotherapy with continuous scans and blood work tests.

When I returned to work at IT Services, it was the height of COVID, and we were all told to work from home for a year. It made the transition back into working easier since I was working from home and not commuting into the office. I was able to take breaks which my body needed.

Once I eventually returned to the office, it was very difficult at the beginning. I found it hard to return to work as it was a constant reminder of the fact that I had cancer and didn't know about it at the time. I also found myself getting tired very quickly and it would feel like I was hitting a brick wall. I couldn't work at the same speed, which was very challenging. After a couple of months passed, I began to feel more like my old self – or at least my new normal.

In January 2023, I received the amazing news that I was the recipient of the 2022 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏStaff Achievement Award in Personal Achievement. The awards celebration was in February 2023, and I was working in Advancement and Alumni Engagement at the time. I remember Yabome Gilpin-Jackson presented the award at the event and she showed so much compassion and admiration announcing my name. She and the entire audience gave me a standing ovation for my achievements. She even asked the audience to applaud me again for another standing ovation shortly after.

Q: If today’s Jovanna could send a short, encouraging message to Jovanna at the start of her 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏjourney—what would that message be?

I would share with her the importance of self-compassion and how physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are all interconnected. I would share the importance of determination and remind her of Terry Fox's inspirational journey. As a survivor, I have become more inspired by his journey and his impact on the world. I would remind her of his determination and strength as well as his humanitarianism. It's so important to have a positive mindset, especially when a traumatic experience such as cancer occurs.

Q: Having completed your Master of Education in Health and Active Living, are you exploring creative paths where health education and community well-being intersect in the future? Have your path and/or goals evolved in any way? What are you most excited about?

I would love to be in a role that relates to health education, promotion, and advocacy as well as community well-being. I have explored some roles, but they appear to be few and far between. With the competitive job market and this niche area, it can be a bit difficult to find roles like this. I'm also interested in a role that perfectly combines academia and health education. I would like to give back in a meaningful way and I have found this through volunteering with the University Health Network's Peer Navigation program supporting adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. I act as a Peer Navigator providing support and informational resources to help them take a proactive role in managing their health. I also volunteer with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada as an ambassador of the blood-cancer community. I'm also a patient partner with the University Health Network's research study on the benefits of advanced palliative care for patients with relapsed lymphoma.

Q: Beyond academic credentials and awards, what do you hope your journey—from student through personal challenge to staff—is remembered for within the Faculty of Education community?

I feel as though I'm very supported and respected because of my journey. I have been told I have returned "full circle", and this is nice to hear. It makes me feel that I am meant to be in the Faculty of Education and that I'm helpful to faculty and staff. I hope that I am remembered for my dedication, determination, and perseverance through difficult times and my ability to offer compassion for myself and others.