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  • Mel Ang 10:21 pm on September 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Blue is BACK! 

    • sciencefrosh.ca
    • It’s that time of year again. Get your sleep on tonight and be prepared to run, dance and scream science cheers. Cause its SCIENCE FROSH 2010. For those of you a little out of the loop, expect to see blue pained people from the best faculty at UBC running around campus and downtown tomorrow. SCIENCE FROSH 2010

    See you guys tomorrow. Pictures to come.

     
  • Mel Ang 9:43 pm on August 31, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Summer 2010: That’s a wrap! 

    ——————————————————–
    1. Like every good adventure, it all begins at Wreck. Sunset on one of my last nights at KU.
    2. My Summer Essentials. Tuesdays with Morrie is my summer favourite <3 3. Nepal's Yeti Airlines takes us on... 4. the Mount Everest flight. (through the lens of my crap camera, WAY more breathtaking in real life) 5. Neighbourhood kids in Kathmandu. The little boy is such a cutie. 6. Beautiful ladies+ Puran at Sari Night. Can you spot me in the picture? 7. Stolen from Kim's camera. Singapore night lights. 8. You don't know the meaning of crowded until you go clubbing in Singapore. 9. Universal Studios, Singapore.. where we waited in lines longer than we rode on rides. 10. Golden Gate Bridge hunting was an epic fail. But what a gorgeous day in San Francisco. 11. Rocky Mountains = summer road trip! 12. A summer is never complete without a backyard barbecue. 13. Stereos in concert at the Calgary Stampede 14. Cheering @ Team Cattle Penning, Stampede 2010. 15. Lazy days+ lovely naps on Kits beach 16. HOT guys @ Pride Parade 17. My lovely Yamaha F310 18. First meal at Marine. Hamburger Helper to the rescue!

     
  • Mel Ang 5:00 pm on August 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    I’m 19 going on…90? 

    This so-called “pivotal moment of my life” calls for a blog post. Because guess who just turned 19 yesterday?

    Thank you everyone for the lovely birthday wishes. <3 It means so much to me. Love you guys.

    I had an amazing day at West Ed. Super chill and relaxed, just the way I like it. Hit up the WATER SLIDES with my little brother. What can I say? I guess I’m still a kid at heart. Plus, road trips, good food and even better company. Couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a birthday.

    Sorry to disappoint. But contrary to the smack loads of comments on my facebook wall on the expected agenda for the evening… I did not hit up Caprice, Fabric or downtown at all for that matter. To be perfectly honest, I didn’t feel like it and I’m going to say that it’s not really my thing anymore. But of course, school’s just around the corner and with school comes the parties. So here’s the “…going on 90” part: This is my attempt to play the grown-up figure (my mother would be proud) and probably the only time I’ll ever lecture you. So listen up, you’ll thank me later.

    Spend your Saturday nights at Irving or Koerner (not Koerner's). Sleep at 10 pm sharp. Don’t go to the frat party. Avoid Granville Street. Don’t give a thought about Pit Night. Stay away from Wreck.

    …you’re probably rofl by now. Gotcha! I may be “going on 90”, but I’ll still be a cool 90 year old. I get that you’re in university to learn + have fun. And since everything I listed above not to do, you will inevitably find yourself at one day… here’s a list of resources to stay SAFE while having FUN. (aka things I wish I knew in first year).

    1. Campus BluePhones

    Not just for emergencies, press the button on the big blue phone to be linked to UBC Campus Security 24/7 for access to information, directions and safewalk. BluePhones are also located in some campus elevators.

    Blue Chip cookie for the first person who can list all the locations of the BluePhones on campus. I know I walk by them all the time but as big and blue as they are, for some reason you never remember their location. So courtesy of Mr. Paul Wong, Manager of Community Relations at UBC Campus Security, here’s a list:

    1 Northwest Marine Drive (across from the Rose Garden Parkade)
    2 West Mall & Crescent Road (near International House)
    3 Main Mall & Crescent Road (across from the Flag Pole near Buchanan A)
    4 Main Mall & Memorial Road (at Wyman Plaza)
    5 Lower Mall between Memorial Road & University Boulevard (near Place Vanier)
    6 West Mall & Agricultural Road (near First Nations House of Learning)
    7 Main Mall & Agricultural Road (near White Spot/Tim Hortons)
    8 East Mall & Agricultural Road (between Barber Library and Hennings)
    9 Student Union Boulevard (near Student Union Building)
    10 Health Sciences Plaza (near Woodward Library/Instructional Resource Centre)
    11 East Mall & University Boulevard (across from the Bookstore)
    12 Main Mall & University Boulevard (near Biological Sciences)
    13 Lower Mall & University Boulevard (across from St John’s College near Ponderosa Centre)
    14 Main Mall & Stores Road (near Earth & Ocean Sciences and the Barn Coffee Shop)
    15 Stores Road between Main Mall & West Mall (near Frank Forward)
    16 West Mall & Agronomy Road (near Ritsumeikan)
    17 Main Mall & Agronomy Road (near Land & Food Systems/MacMillan)
    18 West Mall & University Boulevard (near Hut M21 & M22)
    19 East Mall & Memorial Road (near Brock Hall)
    20 Main Mall & Thunderbird Boulevard (near the Barn Community Centre, Hawthorn Place)
    21 Main Mall & Eagles Drive (near Rhododendron Wood, Hawthorn Place)
    22 Health Sciences Mall & Agronomy Road (near Life Sciences)
    23 Between Land & Food Systems/MacMillan and Frank Forward (leads to stairs up to the Barn Café)
    24 Barber Library 1st floor
    25 Barber Library 2nd floor
    26 Barber Library 3rd floor
    27 Barber Library 4th floor
    .

    2. AMS Safewalk

    Save the number: 604-822-5255 (direct line).
    Available anywhere on campus. Savewalk operates 7pm to 2am nightly. Call them on their direct line or ask for Safewalk at one of the bluephones.
    .

    3. UBC Campus Security
    Save the number: 604-822-2222.
    Available 24/7 also look for those Campus Security Patrol cars in case of emergency. Campus Security also deals with lost and found as well as all these cool resources I never knew about: jumpstart, key watch, bike security, property engraving as well as putting invisible ink on your textbook. Check their website for more info. Campus Security also provides a free safety whistle, pick yours up at the Imagine Day Carnival or at their office, 2133 East Mall (next to Bookstore).
    .

    4. UBC Shuttles (C20, C21)

    Would you rather trudge through campus from Vanier to the bus loop in your heels? Or would you rather just take the C-20? That’s what I thought, and also the safer option. A very popular mode of transportation on Friday/Saturday nights, expect full buses! C-20 servicing Thunderbird, Totem, Ritz, Hawthorn, Marine + Vanier. C-21 servicing Fairview and Hamptons. Click on link for full route maps.
    .
    5. Yellow Cab
    Save the number: (604) 681-1111
    Eventually when you get brave enough to venture downtown. Do yourself a favour and add one more number into your cell. In case you can’t find your way to the N-17 (direct nightbus to UBC). Expect $30+ cab fares from downtown to ubc.
    .
    6. Other Useful Phone Numbers
    I hope you never have to call any of these numbers, but just in case:
    Ambulance 604-872-5151
    Biosafety 604-822-7596
    Chemistry Safety 604-822-9280
    Counselling Services 604-822-3811
    Environmental Programs 604-822-9280
    Family Practice Unit — UBC Site 604-827-4168
    Fire Prevention 604-665-6069
    Equity Office 604-822-6353
    Health, Safety and Environment 604-822-2029
    Occupational Hygiene 604-822-2643
    Radiation Safety 604-822-7052
    RCMP — University Detachment 604-224-1322
    Student Health Service 604-822-7011
    Trouble Calls — Plant Operations 604-822-2173
    Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) 604-827-5180
    Vancouver Fire Department 604-665-6000
    Vancouver Police Department 604-717-3321

    Know of other safety/security resources? Please email me at angmel@interchange.ubc.ca

     
  • Mel Ang 7:39 pm on August 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Marine Drive Babbbbby 

    Current Location: Marine Drive UBC.
    Status: Unpacked and officially moved in.

    Back in the day, (first year) I remember gazing at Marine and being like, “one day I will live there.” Well turns out that day is today. Yay! But is Marine all it cracks up to be? This UBC student investigates the pros and cons to Marine life.



    Take 1: The Location

    Last year, most of us either lived in Totem or Vanier, so Marine is quite the middle ground. Can’t complain. But who cares about the location if you got an AMAZING view. (Lucky me, I’ve got a breathtaking view of Commons..) But no I’m talking to you, 17th floor balconies/18th floor penthouse people, million dollar view baby! (That’s right, I hate you Amy)

    Take 2: The Roommates

    This one is all your LUCK. UBC housing does its best, but more than likely you’re gonna end up not living with all your friends. (Case and point, ME) So keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best, thats pretty much all you can do. Or start your countdown for September 10th (first day to make a room transfer).

    Take 3: The Living Arrangements (kitchen, bathroom -apartment style)

    I’m lovin’ it! Goodbye White Spot and Vanier caf! Hello to setting off the (ultra-sensitive) smoke detectors and grocery shopping sprees! (Tip: first tuesday of the month=10% off at Safeway) I’m getting better; over the past few weeks, I’ve gone from instant noodles and hot dogs to pasta and salmon. Any easy recipe suggestions guys? The bathroom= more work than I’m used to. I MISS you cleaning lady.

    Take 4: The Residence Life

    Obviously incomparable to Vanier or Totem. Maybe it’s because its summer housing right now, but everyone’s saying upper year residences have less of a res life. So if you’re all about that, then stay in Vanier or Totem. Personally, I enjoy not being woken up every Sunday morning by Ultimate.

    BTW, fun fact about Marine:

    Did you know that people like to congregate outside building entrances at 3am? People also particularly like to have heart-to-hearts, spazz attacks and sometimes even makeout sess in front of buildings. Well GET A ROOM! Because mine happens to be too damn close to the main entrance. So yes, I (and about 10 other people with rooms on this side of the bldg) can hear EVERYTHING you are saying. Next time don’t be surprised if you get a bucket of water on the head. Especially you, lady with the hyena laugh. And guy with the baseball cap, I’m sure you’ll find a research position eventually.

     
    • Depressed Student 6:43 pm on January 15, 2023 Permalink

      I’m in spot 177 for marine drive and I’m crying after reading this. Bless.

  • Mel Ang 9:28 am on July 11, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Registration Time 

    When my Facebook NewsFeed gets taken over with people’s STTs, worklist and final timetable, I know it’s that time of year again.



    Endless hours spent creating worklist after worklist, only to discover that you in fact don’t have the necessary prereqs, or all the classes you wanted are already full. Gotta love registration time. Here are a few handy websites to take a load off your registration stress. (For us second year year kids, registration is right around the corner. For those in other years who have already registered, this is a little late but at least you got your courses already. Just keep these tips in mind for next year.)

    PAIR
    It’s often the case that you need a few extra credits but don’t know which elective to take. Or you’re looking for those “GPA booster” courses, because honestly who doesn’t want a higher mark? Or maybe you’re wondering which prof gives the best marks. Here’s where PAIR (Planning And Institutional Research) comes in. It gives you everything you need to know about every single section of every single course at UBC since 1996. From who taught the class to the class averages to the grades distribution in the class. So look up your classes on PAIR and find out for yourself. And for those mandatory classes, seeing that previous course averages are 60%, definitely motivates me to study. Click Data Access –> Grades Distribution.

    My-UBC-Course-Is-Full
    I’ve heard quite a bit about this service although I have yet to tried it for myself. Basically, when the class you need is full. You pay a fee of $5 fee per course and if a spot opens up in your desired course, they shoot you an email or a text. You register and voila you’re in it!

    GPA Boosters
    SFU and UBC courses reviewed by fellow students. There isn’t many reviews right now, but check it out anyways or even better, get the ball rolling and post a review!

    Property of UBC
    A blog by UBC students dedicated to those aspiring to live the MD dream. Pre-med, pre-dent, pre-pharm. It gives you quite the reality check as well as straight up course reviews. Property of UBC tells it like it is.

    Rate My Professors
    The obvious. Perhaps the most well-known university review sites This website has caused quite a bit of debate over the years. Like other review sites, approach with caution.

     
  • Mel Ang 3:39 pm on July 5, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Life After First Year – [Guide to Volunteering Abroad] 

    So since the last time I’ve blogged:

    • Finished FIRST YEAR.
    • Moved out of ku4th =(
    • Volunteered overseas in Nepal
    • Visited family and friends in Singapore
    • Finally back HOME in Red Deer
    • Is officially a 2nd year integrated sciences major in physiology, psychology and kinesiology. woohoo!
    • Will be taking summer school at UBC in a few weeks
    • Got into second year housing at gage marine drive babbbbby

    So much has changed since April, volunteering abroad definitely changed my perspective and outlook on life.

    The Basic Lowdown:

    I did a 3 week project from May 7th to 28th in Kathmandu, Nepal. My project through Volunteer Abroad was called Improvement Project Siddhi Memorial Hospital Children’s Ward. What does that mean? Basically we help the hospital in any way we can, from making the out-patient dispensary more “child-friendly”, to painting murals in the conference room to visiting with the seniors to job shadowing doctors to attending meetings with their health care professionals and giving our opinions.

    Life in Nepal:

    …was pretty scary in the first few days with the Maoist strike going on. Articles online kept referring to the situation as “dangerous and chaotic” and one even said, “blood was spilled again on the streets of Kathmandu.” So imagine how freaked out of my mind I was. But don’t always believe what you hear or read from the media. Although some of it may be true, the way the media words it gives it all a bad impression. For example, I pictured the Maoist to be a group of strong men all collectively deciding to overthrow the gov’t. But turns out, there were also everyday women and children part of the protest marches too. Besides the protest, life in Kathmandu is very simple. Kathmandu is one of the few capital cities in the world without power 24/7 and is also the second most polluted cities in the world. Water availability is also scare. But the culture is amazing! There are so many temples, historic monuments and architecture to discover. The city is bustling, from the lady who sells (and screams) cabbage outside our front window at 5am to the many street dogs who bark and howl the night away.

    My thoughts:

    (Snippet from my journal) After spending a month in Nepal, I understand the simplicity of life. You really do not need power or running water to be happy, let alone luxuries like shopping, makeup or cellphones. It is all about being POSITIVE and appreciating what you already have. Roll with the punches because you cannot change what has already happened. You can only choose how you will react. So choose to be positive, make the most out of it. (If a dying patient at the hospital can be positive, if a kid living on the street can be positive, then there is no reason why you can’t be.)

    Life is all about the experiences we have had and the people we meet. Always put yourself out there and meet new people. Everyone has a story. The least we can do is LISTEN to them. And never judge people. (I am guilty of this.) It’s so easy to make a judgement based on a stereotype, assumption or their appearances. All of it are misleading, give everybody a chance.

    TRUST yourself. You are more capable than what you give yourself credit for.

    The adventure:

    Volunteering abroad doesn’t have to be all work. Weekends are a good way to escape from the city life and give yourself a break (or an adrenaline rush in my case). A three hour drive north from Kathmandu takes us only minutes away from the Tibetan border. To last resort, a place not for the light-hearted. I had one of the most memorable weekends of my life: Hanging out with the other volunteers, meeting so many cool interesting people and dancing the night away. Canyon swing, bungy jump and white-water rafting.

    My advice:

    For those interested in volunteering abroad, here’s a basic step-by-step guide of the process involve with going abroad to volunteer.

    1. Start researching EARLY (like now). Keep your eye out for meetings and information sessions. Volunteer abroad, GoGlobal, projects abroad, and ecuaexperience are a few good places to start. Look into everything just to get a general idea of the application process, the deadlines and what placements are available.
    2. Ask yourself what you want out of your volunteering experience, how much you’re willing to spend, where you want to go, how long you want to go for…etc.
    3. Apply, apply, apply! I applied to four different organizations before I found the one that was right for me. Something that may look like a terrific idea at the start, may give you doubts on second look. It’s okay to turn the offers down after. (Just do so in advance of the deadline to give others a shot)
    4. The interview. It’s not just about them questioning you. This is your chance to get the answers to any questions you may have. Find out how many other volunteers are going, who will be making travel arrangements (you or the organization) and what is included in your fee (meals, transportation). Tip: Reoccurring questions throughout interviews seem to be “how you will deal with culture shock and changes,” etc. And of course the standard “why you want to volunteer abroad through such-and-such organization”
    5. Offers and decisions. After offers are made, consider the pros and cons of each placement such as duration, location, price and obviously the placement itself before finalizing your decision.
    6. Accept and get excited. Acceptance deadline is usually in the spring. Try to connect with a few volunteers from your placement. It’s all about having the support, and being able to chat about “what are you bringing” to “booking flights and applying for visas.”
    7. Fundraise. Depending on your organization, you can either fundraise with your fellow volunteers (goglobal, ecuaexperience..) or by yourself. Anything from bottle drives to writing letters to local business or banks. It’s not just about the money, it’s also about increasing awareness through your fundraising. Don’t forget to do a follow-up/thank you when you return.
    8. Details, details. Look into passports, visas, immunization and vaccinations, booking flight tickets (tripadvisor or travelcuts in the SUB is a good place to start) and converting currency. Also check out http://www.voyage.gc.ca for travel reports and advice as well as notifying the Canadian embassy of your volunteer plans. Research into culture expectations to reduce culture shock upon arrival (ex, Nepal is a conservative country, women are expected to wear long sleeves and long skirts/pants). Additionally, do you plan on making any side trips after your placement, plan those now. (In my case, when I was in nepal, I wanted to go to India after my placement but because of the short notice I couldn’t get a visa.)
    9. Time to go. Go with an open heart and mind, be ready to explore and discover. Don’t forget to bring along a journal to record all your experiences. Have fun!

    Good luck everyone! And as always, shoot me a message or comment if you have any questions or just want to share your experiences. Always happy to listen. =)

     
    • Sri 6:26 pm on July 5, 2010 Permalink

      Thanks for the detailed info – and congrats on being an integrated sciences major! I hope you’ll have tons of fun there!!

    • Tyler 1:16 pm on July 7, 2010 Permalink

      Congrats on getting into Int Sci 🙂 That makes two of us on the Blog Squad so far 😀

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  • Mel Ang 11:50 pm on April 4, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Bamfield 

    Bamfield <3

    Even after the 5+ hour journey, horrible cellphone reception and crazy busy schedule, Bamfield still rocks! I love being by the ocean and learning about all the cool marine organism. I just wish it wasn’t as crazy schedule, 7am to 9pm days. So for future reference, to anyone who consider taking Bio140, BAMFIELD as your elective is the way to go.

    Bamfield

    Ferry to NanaimoThe coolest seastar ever

    Field Study

     
    • Eastwood 10:34 am on April 5, 2010 Permalink

      Good times.

      Last year, on the way there, our bus broke down on the logging road. Another highlight was the walk a few of us took in the forest at midnight.

  • Mel Ang 5:19 pm on February 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    GO CANADA!!! 

    WOOHOO!!!! 3-2.

    I love team Canada, but more importantly I love Crosby! Woot!

     
  • Mel Ang 12:14 am on February 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Reading Week Photo Journal 

    Pictures are worth a thousand words

    Excuse the messiness, clutter and randomness of my photos.

    Zipline Across Robson

    Zipline Across Robson

    Snowboarding at Grouse

    Snowboarding at Grouse

    Olympic Mitts

    Olympic Mitts

    Olympic Tourist Moments

    Olympic Tourist Moments

    Hanging out Downtown

    Hanging out Downtown

    Dinner @ Posh

    Dinner @ Posh

    Photo Day on Campus (Echo Circle)

    Photo Day on Campus (Echo Circle)

    NYC Taxi on campus

    NYC Taxi on campus

    But the past week has been insanely busy with social stuff. The thing is, I made so many plans with people during exam week just because I never thought I would made it to reading break alive. Alas, reading break came and my social calender was jam pack! Can’t complain, had so much FUN!!!

    But finally back home and it’s good to be back. Visited my high school, catch up with some HS teachers, hang out with old high school friends I haven’t seen since grad, wake up at noon everyday, play video games with my brother, cheer on Canada in the OLYMPICS, enjoy being legal, drive my car, loving the snow… all the little things in life I miss while at university.

    Although I gotta admit, I feel somewhat guilty, as I haven’t touched a single textbook or anything for over a week. Guess I should be studying/catching up with my school work since more midterms are scheduled as soon as reading break is done. Sigh.

    Playtime’s over?

     
    • Ella 10:29 am on February 23, 2010 Permalink

      Hi Mel,
      Thanks for sharing what you’ve been up to during Reading Week! I’ve posted a link to this blog entry on our UBC Prospective Students Facebook page so students who are applying to UBC can see what you’ve been doing with your time off.

  • Mel Ang 4:43 pm on February 10, 2010 Permalink | Reply  

    Final Exam Schedule 

    Hmm as if midterms aren’t bad enough already. Final schedule are now posted on SSC. Apparently I have a math final on Saturday evening?!?!

    Enjoy.

     
    • Sri 11:43 pm on February 10, 2010 Permalink

      Thanks for the heads up! Cheer up, at least you’re not the only one suffering… It’s something UBC hasn’t improved on, but I can’t complain too much about it when UBC’s been doing it for years.

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