A bittersweet end to an unforgettable year

Posted on April 26, 2012 | Leave a comment

Tec 3rd Floor

I regret my lack of presence on the Blog Squad for the past while. Exams and projects had gotten the best of me and it was difficult to keep up with the posts.

It’s a bittersweet symphony.

As cliched as it sounds, there really isn’t a better way to describe it.

Right now, I’m sitting in my empty dorm room, savouring the last hour I get to spend in my home for the past 8 months. All the markings of my identity are gone: posters, books, clothes. It’s back the way it was in September when I entered my room for the first time on move-in day, wide-eyed with the prospects of the year ahead.

It’s a feeling that’s really difficult to fathom. The excitement of summer lies ahead (but in my case, summer school before the fun begins), while the memories of the past year keeps me in first year mode. It feels like high school graduation again: we leave with amazing memories, some regrets, and promises to keep in touch with each other. However, this time around, it’s been so much more difficult to say goodbye.

Entering UBC, I felt like the eleven-year-old Harry Potter stepping into Hogwarts for the first time. Until that point, Harry had never truly fit in. Like Harry, when I came to UBC, things took a complete 180-degree turn and I’ve never met so many amazing people in a matter of months. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ll ever have and I’m constantly amazed by everyone’s unique experiences that contribute to the diverse campus community. Everything just feels so right.

But April 26, 2012 feels like a rude interruption.

I’m really not ready to leave first year yet. There are so many things I wish I had or had not done. It pains me to see my friends fly away thousands of miles away, when we saw each other every day throughout the year. I felt that we take our proximity for granted throughout the year until we realize that we’re going to be separated.

Last night, my floor, Tec 3rd, shared a tender, sentimental moment together. Many cried, but it didn’t hit me until this morning when the reality of the situation really sunk in and the tears started to spill. We really are leaving. It’s a concept that I haven’t come to terms with yet. I feel uprooted, a little lost, and melancholic. But I guess no one is ever prepared to leave. I remember when I first received my keys, the guy told me that I would be moving out sooner than I’d expect. It is completely true.  The day just comes when you have to breathe, let go, and say goodbye.

All in all, my first year at UBC has been one of the best years of my life so far.

This time last year, I was still unsure where I’d be heading that September. If you think about it, it truly is amazing how all our paths converge. If we hadn’t taken that class, lived in that house or even gone to UBC, the people we know would be completely changed. We’re affected by every person we meet; we change each other in big or small ways.

I think the largest component of university is the people. The infrastructure and classes set up the framework, but it’s really the uniqueness of every individual that fleshes out the institution. Each person makes the university experience what they want it to be.

I’ll end first year with some parting words from the Broadway musical “Wicked.”

I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…
I have been changed for good

- “For Good” – Wicked

Have a wonderful summer and hope to see you next year!

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Posted in Residence Life

Me Inc. Conference: Finding Your Way

Posted on March 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

Accounting? Marketing? Finance? TLog? HR?

As Sauder students, we are expected to declare our option/major by the end of 2nd year. Coming into school this past September, the notion of this major decision seemed like a figment of the distant future. However, the past 7 months have whipped by, and the home stretch of first year is upon us. 2nd year will fly by in a blink of an eye, and we will need to choose our option.

The first year BCom program involves very few Commerce courses: Commerce 101 Business Fundamentals and Commerce 292 Organizational Behaviour. In second year, the course load is extremely Commerce heavy, with a sampling of courses from every area of business. Unfortunately, the design of the BCom degree makes it difficult for first year students to gain a sense of their interests and passions as we still haven’t had the opportunity to get our feet wet in various aspects of business.

Last Friday, March 16, I attended the Me Inc. Conference, along with over 200 delegates, which aimed to alleviate this dilemma common among lower year students. It presented a variety of workshops from every field, from accounting to marketing to entrepreneurship, to offer a real world perspective of potential careers. We had the opportunity to listen to professionals and also speak to them in a networking lunch.

The most memorable workshop for me was the Entrepreneurship one, presented by Heather White and Lori Joyce of Cupcakes. Each of the locations of Cupcakes is unmistakable, with their whimsical character, vibrant colour scheme, and the trademark smell of cupcakes. The business is nearing its 10th anniversary but the initial obstacles were immense. At the time, Heather and Lori had no business plan and no previous baking experience, and they were bombarded with doubts from both family and friends, and the public. However, they held onto the entrepreneurial fire inside that spurred them to build this unique brand. Like these women, I have always had the desire since I was a kid to start my own business, and watch it grow and flourish. However, as we mature, facts of reality distort our rosy childhood visions, and we realize that entrepreneurship may not be plausible, given the numerous challenges and difficulties. But if you are truly passionate about an idea, you can pour your heart and soul, and dedicate 110% of your life into it. Entrepreneurship is one of the most difficult routes to embark, but if we put enough patience and dedication, our dreams can take flight.

Nearing the end of first year, I am still racked in debate about choosing my option; it is indeed a huge decision, one that can possible change the course of my entire life. However, I think it is important to keep an open mind. Learn about the world, listen to your heart, and get to know yourself better, step by step. Some people already have it sorted out, but many others have yet to figure it out. It’s okay to be confused; there are many of us here feeling the same.

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Posted in Career, Sauder

Comm 202: Building Your Brand

Posted on March 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

“After a long decision process, we are sorry to inform you that…”

“We regret to tell you that…”

Rejection.

It’s one of the toughest realities to face. The ill-fated letters always deliver “positive” messages that never quite cushion the blow. You’ve worked so hard in crafting your application. Sometimes, you may even feel that rejection is a personal testament to your abilities and accomplishments.

But never be discouraged.

You are unique. You’ve done amazing things. You are awesome. The most important part is knowing how to present yourself in a favourable way.

At the beginning of this school year, I applied for some positions around campus. Needless to say, I was turned down at many of these posts. Seeing other people with similar qualifications and characteristics was very discouraging. I wondered whether there was something wrong with me…am I really that unemployable?

This term, I decided to take Comm 202: Career Fundamentals, a 1-credit course mandatory to the BCom program. It is designed for 2nd year, but it is beneficial to take it in 1st year in order to get a head start in learning about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and networking skills.

I saw examples of resumes, and cover letters, and learned about how to write them. It was then that I realized my resume required a huge makeover.

No matter how wonderful your accomplishments may be, employers are immediately turned off by poor formatting, and your application may then be sent straight to the rejection pile. Back in September, I still used the same poorly done resume as I did in high school. Little did I know that this summary of my accomplishments would not carry me very far in university.

I learned in Comm 202 that resumes should be clear, consistent, and succinct. Every accomplishment should be backed by the result, proof, action, and context. Everything must be perfect as it’s the first impression you’ll leave on your resume.

Everyone faces rejections, but don’t take them too personally. Sometimes, you have to step back and realize that it’s not about changing yourself, but simply changing how you present yourself.

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Posted in Academics, Career, Sauder

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Warm Weather = Longboarding

Posted on February 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

After what seemed like days and days on end of rain and dreary weather, the sun finally emerged from the clouds on Tuesday for a glorious day. Finally, we are able to catch the last rays after we leave our 5 o’clock classes. The warm air soothes our sinuses, giving us hopes with hints of spring.

It was also the promise of a great day.

En route to the library, I bumped into my friend, who had whipped out her longboard for the day. The sun was out, and the ground was dry – what better day to go longboarding? We started to get excited and giggly like the girls we are, and I ran back to my dorm to grab my longboard and skateboard.

Admittedly, I have not mastered the art and sport of it, but still, it’s all in good fun. I haven’t met many other girls who skate, but many of my friends are interested in learning. We shared our boards and gave friends a chance to try it out. Other fellow boarders zipped by on the pavement, catching the sunshine of the beautiful day.

I feel that longboarding is a medium for us to connect with each other. It is a way to foster a sense of community on this large campus. A way to meet new people and help each other. A way to discover new passions while doing our part to save the environment.

Over Reading Break, my friends and I hope to get together and skate. Hopefully, I’ll learn to slide! I’m so excited to enjoy the promising spring weather!

My longboard and skateboard

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UBCMA Gateways: Building a Network

Posted on February 2, 2012 | 1 Comment

Networking.

Sweaty palms tucked in pockets, hesitant to reach out for that handshake. Tongue tied, choking on every word. You’ve forgotten your name. You weave through the sea of people, hoping that you wouldn’t spill your glass of water on a President’s perfectly tailored suit. Awkward.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Yesterday, I attended Gateways, a marketing conference in downtown, hosted by the UBC Marketing Association. Throughout the evening, we listened to the keynote speaker, George Moen, the president of Blenz Coffee, share his journey of success. In addition, members of some prolific businesses shared their insights and stories in smaller workshops: Aaron Cruikshank, Associate Vice President of Ipsos Reid; Jessica Best, District Merchandising Manager at Aritzia; Cameron Lang, Account Executive at TBA Digital; Todd Towers, President and Creative Director of Farmboy Fine Arts.

Then came the networking session…

I checked to make sure that my blazer was sitting straight. I dabbed the sweat off my hands and popped a mint in my mouth. “Hi my name is…Hi my name is…Nice to meet you….” rushed through my mind as I tried to look for corporate delegates. It was my first networking experience.

I calculated how I should approach a professional. Should I join in, or wait for a conversation to end? How firmly should a shake someone’s hand? With conviction, but not so strongly that his or her circulation is cut off.

These apprehensions are barriers to a rewarding networking session. I took a breath, strided as confidently as I could in my heels, and simply approached someone. I tried to remember the basics: greeting, smile, firm handshake. Got that. How should I start the conversation then? At first, it was a brief introduction about their careers. Once the conversation was in full-swing, awkward silences evolved into easy laughs, and engaging dialogue. I let go. Let go of the apprehension pushing me on the verge of unease. Let go of the idea that I am just a first year student. I became more confident.

For the rest of the night, I spoke to various professionals from the business community, from organizations such as financial institutions, to ad agencies, to the Vancity Buzz Blog.

As a business student, networking is an essential element in the transition from Sauder to the real world over the next few years. It’s about getting your foot in the door and being in touch with the reality of the industry. It’s about developing good professional interpersonal skills. It’s about developing genuine connections with professionals who may be able to offer some mentorship. And perhaps even connect you with a job.

Being exposed to networking opportunities like this one early on in your university career is ideal because it is a great opportunity to develop confidence and discover your passions in business. As a first year, there is still lots of time to explore and test the waters before the frenzy of recruitment hits in the years ahead. I’m glad I braved the cold, walking to the bus stop and around downtown, wearing a dress and 4-inch heels. Besides the excitement in polishing up in our best business clothes, the experience to hear and speak to some of the most influential members of the business community was inspiring and invaluable.

——-

Networking Tips (that I learned from Comm 202: Career Fundamentals):

1. Just say hi, introduce yourself, and show you’re genuinely interested in talking to the professionals.

2. Be polite. Shake hands web to web, look into their eyes to see their eye colour, look at their name tag, and SMILE! :)

2. Start the conversation with an open-ended question about them.

3. Talk about their careers and your career aspirations. Ask about their jobs, their story, industry information and advice.

4. Or discuss anything you’re interested in, including hobbies – that’s how you might strike a chord and develop a good connection.

5. Bring a buddy with you, but don’t cling onto each other too tightly.

6. Hold only one drink or food at one time – you want to keep one hand free to shake hands. Choose to be either thirsty or hungry!

7. Wait for a lull in conversation before you leave/enter one.

Remember: Just BE YOURSELF!! You’re unique, so why not be the best that you can be? Everyone has something interesting to contribute to the world – this makes us stand out from each other. Genuineness and an affable personality go a long way. Be confident in yourself – you are awesome in your own way! Relax, have a good chat, and connect!

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Posted in Academics, Career, Clubs, Sauder

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CSI Turns 2!

Posted on January 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

Snacks and delicious birthday cake? You’re invited to come to the CSI’s (Centre for Student Involvement) 2nd Birthday and Involvement Fair! It’s this Wednesday, January 25 from 12 pm to 3 pm in the CSI in Brock Hall.

You’ll learn about various involvement opportunities around campus as well as talk to a lot of great student leaders.

As a first year, I remember being bombarded with the myriad of clubs and activities around campus in the first few weeks of September. Walking down Main Mall on Imagine Day, I recall being handed a plethora of coloured pamphlets and pens as clubs beckoned us to sign up. It’s really great that UBC is alive with so many vibrant activities, reflecting the diversity of our student body. However, I found it difficult to wade through all these opportunities and discover what I’m truly passionate about.

Half a year later, I’m still figuring things out for myself. I’ve been involved in a few things but I’d really like to engage in more aspects around campus over the next term and also in second year. I think it’s really important to respect everyone’s individual differences. Some people are comfortable diving head first into a bunch of activities, while others would like to test the waters. I’m gradually becoming more involved with all that UBC has to offer, and I’ve felt that I’ve grown over the past few months. The CSI has the support you need to find your niche at UBC – there is truly something for everyone.

Hope to see you all at the Blog Squad booth! Come check out our blogs and we’ll be passing out buttons!

Get involved!

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Posted in Clubs, Student Involvement

The Joy of Print

Posted on January 17, 2012 | 1 Comment

One of the greatest feelings is seeing your work in print.

Blogging is great, and it’s an easy and wonderful way to share our experiences with each other. But I still feel a bit old-fashioned. Of course I use technology, but sometimes, it’s nice to be able to step away from the screen for a bit.

The habits of the past compel me. I’m not quite used to e-books, and I still like to take notes using good old cursive on paper. And I miss holding albums in my hands rather than browsing through iTunes. It just feels more…tangible. It’s not something that is a figment of the virtual world, but an element of our reality. Something we can hold, touch, grasp. We know it’s here with us, and it won’t be gone with the simple press of the delete button.

Last week, I opened The Ubyssey and I found my first Features article for the newspaper. I enjoyed working on it and finally it was in print! Words pressed onto paper rather than movable pixels on a screen! There’s just something special and magical about it.

This edition of The Ubyssey was published last week and print copies may not be available anymore but I hope you check out the link to it: http://ubyssey.ca/features/finding-your-place432/

I feel that it’s an issue that is relevant to many students at UBC. No matter if you’re Chinese or not, these cultural dynamics do shape the atmosphere of our campus, for better or worse. I hope that the article will help raise the topic and spark dialogue between different groups.

I suppose that I’m contradicting myself in sharing the online version with you. But perhaps, it’s a sign that I should move on. Things that we can hold right now will exist only in the present. But the universe out there on the Internet can be shared among billions of people and will transcend time. Unlike paper, websites won’t rot and weather over the generations.

The world of journalism is evolving, as is every aspect of our daily lives. Technology is changing us, sometimes in detrimental ways, but mostly, these changes have been positive, and they will pave the way for the future. We need to keep up with change. Adapt to it. Embrace it.

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Posted in Uncategorized

Cold Cut College

Posted on January 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

I was sitting in class today. My stomach writhed. I was hungry…but I wasn’t. I craved for food…but I could vomit. My mind and body were conversing in contradiction to each other. I suppose I wasn’t feeling too well.

It’s been a week since I’ve been back on campus and I’ve truly enjoyed it so far. It’s always wonderful to run into familiar faces and catch up on each other’s holidays. However, between running from class to class, and getting started on readings, I haven’t paid too much attention to my diet.

I’ve never been one to skip meals. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. And perhaps a snack or two. I’ve always followed this regimen. Usually, I try to cut down on the grease and avoid burgers and fries. As a result, I’ve turned to “healthier” options, such as wraps and sandwiches. They seem almost too good to be true, containing elements of every food group wrapped into one convenient package. I remember how much I loved the wraps from the cafeteria back in September. Upon evaluation of the past week, my diet has consisted almost purely of wraps and Subway sandwiches. Beyond the banality of this lifestyle, it really isn’t healthy. Cold cut meats are high in sodium and sometimes cured with nitrites. Bleh. It just isn’t farm-fresh, home-cooked goodness.

However, it’s not only my high-sandwich diet that is at the root of the problem. I’ve realized that I haven’t eaten a hot meal in a week.

Throughout the day, we brave the rain and wind as we trek around campus. By the end, we walk back into our dorms in our mud-covered boots while our wet clothes drip onto the floor. Wouldn’t it be simply wonderful to enjoy a piping hot bowl of soup and a hearty bowl of pasta that awaken our senses and warm our souls?

Instead, I’ve been eating food that’s as cold as the walk to an 8:30 class in the pouring rain. I can’t speak for everyone but I feel that our bodies yearn for some warmth for nourishment. Even when a storm is raging outside, it feels safe and assuring to be warm inside. You need to take care of yourself and respond to what your body needs.

After feeling a bit of discomfort, I decided to end the drought and finally get a large plate of hot, cheesy scalloped potatoes for dinner today. Man, were they delicious.

It was what I needed. You need a bit of comfort to stay sane.

 

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Posted in Residence Life, Wellness

2012: First Day Back in Residence

Posted on January 2, 2012 | Leave a comment

I can’t believe it’s already been 2 weeks since I turned down the thermostat, switched off the lights and locked the door of my dorm room for the holidays. I came back this afternoon and felt welcome once again in residence. I braced myself for the frigid air inside my room but I was pleasantly surprised that the heat was back on and my room was cozier than ever. It’s good to be back.

There were only a few people on our floor who returned today; many will be coming back over the next few days. The usually bustling dining hall was oddly quiet, but in a pleasant way. Although residence has a calm tranquility right now, I’m looking forward to seeing it restored to its usual liveliness, back in full swing. I’m excited to see everyone again and hear about their adventures over the holidays.

In a sense, it feels like the beginning of September again. It’s a new term, with new classes and new people. But I feel that I’m approaching it with a more positive outlook. After first term, I’ve become more confident. I’ve adapted to the pace of university and I really love being engaged in the campus culture. Back in September, most of us came with some fears and anxieties over the 4 years that lie ahead of us. But I’m sure all of us have changed in some way or another, hopefully for the better.

I’ve felt that I’ve grown a lot over first term, and I hope for good things over the next term. Wish you all the best of luck in your studies and enjoy the last half of your first year! Summer will come in a blink of an eye.

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Posted in Academics, Residence Life

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2011 | 2 Comments

Oh where has the time gone? Looking outside at the yellowing grass and the bare branches, it is hard to believe that Christmas is in just one week. Being in Vancouver, the weather barely signifies the coming of Christmas; sometimes, it feels like only the beginning of autumn. But believe it or not, Term 1 is already over, and everyone is packing up their dorm rooms and heading home.

A week ago, I finished my exams. Hooray! I survived 1/8th of my university career! Since I live in the Lower Mainland, I decided to stay on campus for the past week. With the obligations of school lifted off my shoulders, I saw UBC from a different perspective. During regular classes, the walkways were filled with people and we all rushed from class to class without much attention of our surroundings. I remembered trying to rush to class within the 10-minute break while attempting to process supply and demand curves in my mind. When we’re too absorbed with our studies, we often forget some of the simple pleasures in life. Walking around campus, at ease, with nothing on my mind, I really started to appreciate the beauty of our campus. From the diverse architecture to the birds and the trees, UBC is a great place to simply enjoy. It is a mecca of sorts for students; a safe haven from the rest of the world. Returning to campus after heading out, there is a welcoming feeling about the place.

While I look outside wishing for signs of snow, I figure it is unlikely there will be any unless you hit the mountains (which I hope to do this winter!) But still, I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Enjoy spending time with your family and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in the new year!

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Posted in Uncategorized