Who: Bonita Perko
Unit: Student Support and Advising
Position: Enrolment Services Advisor
Since: October 2018
Professional Background:
I graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History. My passion has always been working with and for students. This was the drive behind the organizations and activities I was involved with during my time as a student, and which ultimately led me to my career. After taking a leap of faith and moving across the country 13 years ago, I’ve been immensely lucky to have worked in many units across UBC, all of which have had a connection to students and have given me opportunities to build upon the skills I built as a student leader.
I started my time at UBC in Housing as a Residence Coordinator. I then moved on to Student Development in the Centre for Student Involvement and Careers, where I lead orientation and transition as well as student engagement activities, including Imagine UBC, GALA International Student Orientation, and the Student Leadership Conference. I then moved on to International Student Development where I lead UBC Jump Start Orientation. For the last seven years I was a part of the Faculty of Arts Development and Alumni Engagement unit as the Alumni Engagement Officer, where I oversaw alumni and student programming such as the Arts Tri-Mentoring Program. Recently I had been eagerly looking for an opportunity to return to working more directly with students, and I’m really thrilled to have joined the Enrolment Services team!
Personal:
As mentioned, I am (another) transplant from Ontario. Before moving out here for work, I had never been to BC before. It was definitely an adjustment, but I have to say I do not miss the intensely cold winters and sweltering summers of Southern Ontario! I enjoy travelling quite a bit and try to get to Europe every 3-4 years to visit family in Croatia. I spent a week in London during the 2012 Summer Olympics which was so fun and visited Prague in 2015. Other travels have taken me to New York City and San Francisco and I find myself starting to think about where my next trip will take me. I’m an avid reader, a reality TV aficionado, a movie buff, and I also enjoy swimming. Much of my spare time is spent with close friends and their kiddies, including my almost 9-year-old godson, as well as travelling back to Ontario to spend time with family and a plethora of nieces and nephews.