Community and competition drive student-athlete and civil engineering student Thabiso Vela to succeed

Engineering was always going to be a natural fit for Thabiso Vela. As a child, she wanted to do more than just study math and science, although she was good at it — she wanted to use her creative mind to build something new, something that hadn’t existed before. At the same time, she was good at sports, kicking around soccer balls with other neighbourhood kids in Zimbabwe (where her family is from) and in Edmonton, where she spent most of her childhood.    

Thabiso found a way to combine both passions as a civil engineering student and as a Bears and Pandas Track and Field athlete, a daunting program for anyone, but Thabiso has never shied away from hard work. 

Now finishing her second year, Thabiso says her packed schedule is challenging at times but believes the discipline it requires will be character-building. She also knows she can draw on the support of her community, whether that’s the nurturing environment she found as an engineering student, or as an athlete, competing in varsity track and field. 

“Community and competition have pushed me to always want more for myself and to support others at the same time,” says Thabiso, who for many years has been a volunteer (in various roles) with Freeplay For Kids, which provides free places and programs for kids with the goal of empowering communities through play. 

The reciprocity of benefit she derives from student programs and initiatives, and her contributions to them, is something that Thabiso values.

“The fulfillment I get from giving back helps me to keep going,” she says.   

Thabiso’s support system is broader than her family, friends and teammates, however, thanks to the many departmental student-athlete alumni mixers that have connected her to a supportive community beyond the university. 

“I get to meet others who are on this journey and have been through it, and that has inspired me and given me so much hope, especially when I needed it most. Knowing that others are in this with me and have seen it through is amazing.”

Her goal is to get better.

“This journey always has a new milestone at every point.”

Where were you born and raised, and what prompted you to study engineering?

I was born in Toronto, Ontario but I moved to Zimbabwe where my parents are from for three years and then Saskatoon for two years but I have lived in Edmonton ever since. I would say I was mainly raised in Zimbabwe and Edmonton as those two places have shaped my identity the most. 

I was always an inventive child. The idea of creating something completely brand new that doesn’t exist already seemed so impossible, it became a challenge I wanted to complete. 

I loved science but didn’t want to just study it — I wanted to create it and since I was good enough at math, engineering became the path that I would take. 

What year are you in and is there a particular area of focus?

I just finished my second year of civil engineering. I’m not entirely sure what I want to specialize in as I love all aspects of civil engineering. I want to eventually be a consultant so I am more interested in construction management. 

Have you always been interested in sports and specifically track and field?

I have a very competitive nature and have always loved competition. I grew up playing outside with my cousins and neighbours in Zimbabwe. We had so many games that we would play for hours just trying to see who was the best and when I moved to Edmonton I found a similar culture in my neighbourhood. Everyone was obsessed with soccer. It was all we played everyday, and occasionally basketball. Track and field mainly came into the picture through family. My oldest sister and one of my brothers were also varsity track and field athletes and they inspired me to take this path. From there, falling in love with track and field was natural. The community and competition are just amazing and it pushes me to always want more for myself and to support others at the same time too.  

Engineering is a very rigorous program — as is athletics! How would you describe your academic and athletic journey?

Challenging. It’s a journey I’m very glad I am taking though. It is shaping me and opening my eyes in ways I would’ve never experienced otherwise. I’m so excited to see the person who comes out at the end of this journey. 

How have you been supported by your department along this journey?

The engineering department does an amazing job of recognizing student-athletes and helping us feel supported. Even better, they have created a community for us. They host many student-athlete alumni mixers where I get to meet others who are on this journey and have been through it. That has inspired me and given me so much hope especially when I needed it most. Knowing that others are in this with me and have seen it through is amazing. 

How has sports in general augmented your studies?

Sports have allowed me to have a more disciplined study regiment. As an athlete, sleep and eating is very important and as an engineering student it’s very easy to neglect those two things. Being a student-athlete makes me prioritize balance in my life. 

Why is giving back important? How did it contribute to your academic and athletic experience?

The track and university community has given so much to me and giving back feels natural. I try to be more immersed and engaged in the community because I enjoy it so much. The fulfillment I get from giving back helps me to keep going. 

What's next for you?

Getting better. This journey always has a new milestone at every point. From wanting an individual CanadaWest medal to always increasing my gpa. 

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