A grandfather’s inspiration leads valedictorian to dream career

Posted on Friday, June 10th, 2022

As a child growing up in a small town in Brazil, Danilo Furlani Audi Calobrizi was known through his grandfather Osvaldo. Osvaldo was the principal of the local school and taught many members of the community.

“Everybody knew him and he taught everyone,” said Audi Calobrizi. “People would tell me they learned a lot from my grandfather. I avoided teaching in the beginning, but he was such an inspiration because he was in love with teaching.”

Audi Calobrizi graduates as class valedictorian from Algonquin College’s Faculty of Arts, Media and Design Language Institute on June 21. The 29-year-old is currently looking for a position as an English as a second language teacher.

Audi Calobrizi describes his family as “education-oriented and supportive.” When he decided he wanted to teach and began the process of applying to Algonquin College, his grandfather was his biggest supporter.

“He was the person who gave me the most support and was the most excited,” said Audi Calobrizi. “It was a long process to set up documents and visas, especially in COVID times, but he was very excited for me to come (to Ottawa).”

Sadly, Audi Calobrizi’s grandfather passed away one month before he arrived in Ottawa. “We all cried but he lives on,” said Audi Calobrizi. “Being a teacher is a way of honouring his name. He will not be forgotten.”

Audi Calobrizi’s time at the College has been a positive one. “I love Algonquin College. It was a real life-changing experience and I’m proud to be part of the community. Participating in events was awesome, especially with other international students.”

There certainly was a learning curve adapting to a new culture and climate. “It’s a roller coaster of emotions for sure,” he said. “You deal with homesickness and but also the chance to have new experiences every day. Every time I go to Loblaws I learn something new. I’d never seen snow before. I’d never heard the expression “lit.” I wanted to adapt to the language teenagers are using; adapt to both cultures.”

As a resident advisor, Audi Calobrizi was able to meet other international students. “I have two Brazilian friends on campus and friends from other nationalities. I got to meet a lot of people, especially Canadians. It’s great to practice your fluency in English and use language and words that the teenagers are using.”

He has positive things to say about his faculty and time at Algonquin College. “I learned a lot here; it was a life changing experience,” said Audi Calobrizi. “(Algonquin College has) a bright staff. Every teacher and professor taught me a lot and were very hands on. They know not only theory but how to work in a classroom.”

He looks forward to his career as a teacher, especially the lessons he learned from his grandfather. “You can change the world through education.”


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