I am an International Medical Graduate with many years of experience in clinical work and research. I worked for a long time in hospitals and academic centers, where I combined patient care with research. My teaching started during my medical school years, when I taught biology and chemistry in high schools to help support my tuition fee. Along with my work in clinics and hospitals, I was also active in two main areas: doing health research and teaching medical students.
After moving to Canada, I completed a Master of Health Science degree at the University of British Columbia in 2022. This program focused on health research and research methods, which gave me stronger skills. Later, after starting my job as a Lecturer at UBC, I joined the Master of Educational Technology program at UBC to grow my knowledge in education.
Over the years, I have learned that the small routines of daily life such as how I travel and what I carry in my bag, also show something about who I am. They reflect not only my work, but also the way I like to connect with the world around me.
What’s in My Bag
The things in my bag show my daily habits. It all begins with my bus ticket. Most days, I take the bus to the university and back, and I rarely use my car. I enjoy being with people, watching life around me, and feeling part of society. On the bus, I usually don’t use my phone or read a book. Instead, I look outside, watch people getting on and off, and enjoy the feeling of being present. Taking the bus also keeps my days from feeling the same. Every day is different. The driver changes, the passengers are different, the weather is never the same, and even my mood changes. Because of this, I see each day as a new experience, and I enjoy these small differences.
My bag always has more than a bus ticket. On days with afternoon classes, I bring food with me, and I always carry a water bottle. On days without afternoon classes, I go home and have lunch with my family.
I also carry more than one pair of glasses. I have been wearing glasses since I was about seven years old. Now that I am over 58, I carry reading glasses for close work, and sunglasses for sunny days.
For my teaching and learning, I always carry my lecture notes, which I read during breaks or in free time. I also keep pens and markers to underline and highlight important parts. Usually, I also bring a book. Even though I have many PDF books on my iPhone, I still enjoy reading a paper book more. There is a special feeling in turning pages, underlining sentences, and holding a real book. With a book in my bag, I can use any free time to read and reflect.
I also keep my ID card, which I use to enter my office and teaching rooms. Next to it, I carry a USB drive with its connector. Sometimes I copy files from my work computer to continue working at home.
One important thing not shown in the picture of my bag is my iPhone, because I used it to take the photo. It is more than a phone; it keeps my important files, my PDF books, my calendar, and my music. Along with it, you can see my AirPods. When I have time, I enjoy listening to classical music, which relaxes me and gives me energy. I also listen to podcasts, which give me new ideas and inspiration.
When I look at the things in my bag, I see they are more than just objects. Each item, such as a bus ticket, a book, or a pair of glasses, tells a story about how I live, work, and connect with the world. My bag is not only something I carry; it is a reflection of my journey as a student, a teacher, and a lifelong learner.
PS: This text was grammatical polished with the AI tools to improve clarity and readability.