Category Archives: School Events

Leadership & Involvement as a Thunderbird

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Almost everywhere you look at UBC you’ll see some form of advertising for getting involved on your campus or “giving back” to your future alma mater. While the options may seem like a lot of work or not interesting, I firmly believe there’s something for every Thunderbird. As I’ve mentioned in past blogs, there’s a niche’ for a variety of individuals and interests. While these opportunities may only focus on this idea of “giving back” to your school, there’s equal opportunities for you to also gain something from the experience. I found my opportunities through various leadership positions on campus.

My second year of university began the same way my first year did – with the unforgettable Imagine Day. Except, this time around, I was a student leader in charge of a group of new –to-UBC students. It was a good chance for me to practice being in a leadership role while simultaneously re-living one of my personal favourite memories from freshman year. Now, in the second half of my second year, I am taking this same role a step further. After an application and interview process, I was given the opportunity to be an Imagine Day Orientation Squad Leader. In this position I would be observing not one, but about 10 new-to-UBC student groups which each contain anywhere from 5 and up in people. It seems like a huge responsibility but leadership is a learning and ever-growing process.

This particular volunteer job has given me the chance to strengthen the leadership abilities I already possess as well as learn new ones. The orientation leader position required me to attend the UBC Student Leadership Conference (The SLC) and partake in a weekend long retreat in the stunningly beautiful Chehalis. This is just the beginning of my role and I’ve already gained more than I’ve given. I’ve made new connections, found new friends, learned more about my community, and more all in the process of giving back to UBC. These are just a few of the things my opportunities have given to me. I encourage you to find your own whether it be a leadership role, within extracurriculars, or even a club – the options are diverse and numerous. If my experience seems like something you would also enjoy, please apply to be an orientation leader here: http://students.ubc.ca/fun/give-back

Feel free to leave any question, comments, or even your own personal stories on involvement and/or leadership in the comments section below. Happy studying!

Hectic, In a Good Way

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Hello All! And happy second semester!

I know it has been a while, but like most university students know – life gets crazy! Today’s blog is essentially about why my life has been so hectic and hopefully it can be helpful that it can make your life hectic as well – BUT in a good way.  I find that generally university life is going to be an eventful, yet busy, time in life so why not clutter it up with things that you’ll enjoy? Hence, my term “hectic, in a good way.”

So, let’s get right in to it. I’m sure you’re probably just bouncing up and saying asking “Alex! Yes! Please tell me how to make my life more hectic!” Well, don’t you worry, I’ll deliver!

*Tune In – What’s going on at UBC?

There’s always something cool going on around campus. Did you know there was a giant colon tour this past Tuesday in the Life Sciences Centre? I bet you’re bummed you missed that lovely exhibition (Check out the details here: http://www.hr.ubc.ca/health/tag/giant-colon-tour/). But, don’t you worry – there’s tons more to do!

One of my favorite aspects of this campus is the support for understanding and diversity. This week is Out Week at UBC. All week is all about celebrating the wonderful diversity of sexuality. There are events all week and an awesome concluding conference this weekend. I’d definitely suggest checking it out!

There’s so much going on around campus, it’s difficult to know where to start or even make time. I suggest just checking out some of the booths in the SUB when you’re grabbing lunch or Starbucks. It’s an awesome place to start because there’s usually something going on.

For all the events at UBC in one place I suggest downloading the UBC app on your smart phone – it has all the events listed with all of the information. It is quite wonderful. If you don’t have a smart phone check out : http://www.events.ubc.ca/.

 

*BROKE? Ya, you and every other college student. Get a job J

Oh goodness I know this one doesn’t sound fun, BUT hang in there! Jobs on campus are one of the best ways to get involved, give back, make connections, and gain experience.  Two jobs I recently applied for, and got interviews for (*pats self on back*), were the positions of Residence Advisor and Jump Start Junior Leader. This is an awesome chance to interact with your peers and practice essential career skills. Who knows, you might have fun! Going through the interview process has been fun and unique because it was my first time being a part of a group interview or carousel session.

Happy job hunting!

 

*Join a Club! Volunteer! Apply to be on the Blog Squad!

One of the most awesome experiences I have been a part of this school year is doing what I’m doing now – blogging! The Blog Squad has become like a second fun family for me. I’ve met new people from all over the globe and different faculties. The best part is I get to read all of their wonderful and often hilarious blogs. There are so many clubs on campus; I honestly believe there’s something for everyone.

 

Well, I hope you find these tips helpful. Best of luck in your wonderfully hectic lives 😀

S.S. Try Not To Capsize! : A Personal Account of The Day of The Longboat

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My Day of the Longboat team!

Well, my Saturday involved a group of my floor mates and I being soaking wet, a lot of screaming, singing, and an unexpected seal sighting! How was your weekend? This past Saturday I was lucky enough to compete in the UBC Rec’s Day of the Longboat. The all-day event is a series of heats between different longboat teams. All different types of people in teams went out to compete that day – sorority sisters, frat brothers, residence house/floors, some co-ed teams, university clubs/faculties, and many others! Some people adorned hilarious costumes in order to win the competition of best dressed team.

My team wore our house color, green, and chanted our house cheers while we were out on the water in order to represent! The day was really fun, but most of my team, me included, has never paddled a long boat before so it was quite the experience. The beginning of the race commences with one of our team members running from the beach to push our boat off in to the water. Needless to say it was a rough start! Our boat was sardined in between multiple other boats so it was difficult to paddle our boat off the beach, but we eventually got moving. Unfortunately, we ran in to another obstacle after we got going – our team managed to miss the first buoy so we had to take some time to back track and go around it. However, this didn’t slow our team down. We sang lots of house cheers to boost our morals and keep pace with each stroke in the water. We even through in “Row Row Your Boat” just for laughs. After we managed to gain some speed again it was back to the beach to grab our group’s baton. As we were making our way we ran in to a slippery supporter – a seal! Naturally, being in a boat full of girls, we all took time to “Ooh!” and “Aww!” before moving on.

After hitting the beach, baton in hand, we were advancing yet again to the final leg of the race. It was full throttle now – everyone giving their all. Much to my team and I’s surprise we managed to claim the title of 4th place, not too bad for all of the obstacles we had to navigate around. Even more surprising, we advanced to the final round! However, my team had to opt out for various reasons, but the one experience was more than enough for me to recommend it for anyone else. Sore arm muscles aside, it’s a great day filled with lots of fun, good food, great music, and laughs with friends. Oh, and a hot tub – can’t forget that!

 

🙂

 

 

Jump Start

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After what seemed to be an all too quick goodbye with my father, I realized that I was on my own, but that didn’t last long. In fact, I feel that I quickly became a part of a new family, my Jump Start* family. Initially I felt that I was on my own, but after looking around and conversing with other Jump Start kids I realized that everyone attending was all in the same boat. We were all from various backgrounds, cultures, religions, and places. Many of us had travelled great distances just to get to UBC and many of us ended the trip not knowing a soul in sight. I was constantly asking as well as answering “What’s your name and where are you from?” All of us were looking to make friends since most of us came here on our own.

After two weeks of group activities, social events, and school tours it was hard to part ways from the people I had met. Most of my friends I made lived on my floor during Jump Start, but had to move to their new homes prior to school starting. These same girls that lived on my floor are now some of the people I’m currently closest to. We still get meals together, travel to class in groups, and just have fun as if we never moved. Jump Start helped me make great connections early on so I felt better adjusted before the start of the school year. Not only did I make friends, but I also connected with various professors in my faculty! This opportunity allowed me to have my most pressing questions answered and know what to expect when the term actually began. Also, through various activities on campus, I quickly learned my way around and felt confident when I needed to locate my classes the first week. Through exploration on my own as well as with friends, I learned multiple tips and tricks on where to get food, the fastest way to class, and the best study spots.

Jump Start gave me three great things that I find necessary in being a university student: connections, confidence, and knowledge on where to go if I need help. This experience was something I don’t regret participating in. I owe the smooth transition from high school to university to Jump Start.

 

*Jump Start is a two week program that helps international students by acquainting them with the campus as well as the surrounding area.