Entries From My Pocket

Although this summer has yet to come to an end, as usual I’m already planning and researching plans and activities for next summer (eager much?). Many of my friends and fellow students take the opportunity to explore and travel the world, I thought it would wonderful if I could incorporate this idea while still being productive through learning.

Internship is something that I’ve considered. The workings of industry and business seem so far away from the lecture halls and classrooms on campus. At school we’re given lessons and lectures, relying on our books and notes. But often what they don’t teach us are the fundamentals of the working environment: the real life lessons and knowledge. The opportunity to intern allows students like myself to continue to pursue academics but also be introduced to the work force, learn the ropes by shadowing a professional, and most importantly gain experiences and life skills. Since I am pursuing a degree in architecture @ UBC, so what better opportunity than being able to intern in the field?

Luckily architecture internships are offered in most places, but I am interested in possibly interning abroad in Shanghai. A city that I know and love, Shanghai continues to develop exponentially in all sectors. Throughout time, architecture has played a key role in shaping and distinguishing the city. Now with global attention set on the city, Shanghai is sure to captivate the world with unique inspirations and innovative designs. I’ll keep you posted on potential intern opportunities 🙂

@Courtesy of WeHeartIt

I’m currently waiting patiently for my course selection date on July 19th so I can pick my courses for my second year @ UBC Arts. As a UBC student you’ll be given a custom course registration start date and time, which can be found at your SSC Student Service Centre. Typically it goes in this order and this school year (Winter 2011-2012) is no different :

UBC also gives the benefit to select courses for the ENTIRE Winter semesters (Sept- Dec / Jan- April) at the time of registration. Individual registration start times are dependent on your GPAs. Personally I was thoroughly disappointed in my first year performance, however the date I was given wasn’t that bad for sophomores.

A great tool that I’ve come to rely on is the worklist on the UBC Course Selection website. It’s helped me immensely in organizing my courses instead of creating spread sheets on Excel. Currently I have 3 worklists in the works:

With Arts, I get the opportunities to take a variety of courses. There are only a few simple requirements undergrads must complete in UBC Arts before graduation, allowing students the freedom to explore their studies in depth and participate in school activities the rest of the time. I’ve always been one of those students who enjoys learning from across the spectrum, from humanities to sciences.  My course schedule this year is actually quite different than last year’s, considering I got to complete the Science courses ( Math and Physics ) that I liked in the summer. Usually I enjoy mixing courses from the faculties of Arts and Sciences together so I won’t get bored, but this year I only have my Arts courses to complete 🙂

I’m very much looking forward to this year, as I get to expand on my knowledge and head in a direction towards my major in architecture. First year gave the opportunities to really immerse myself as a UBC student and get comfortable in my new surroundings. Now I’m excited to begin further extensive studies so I can get one step close to establish my professional career.

Hello:) My very first post… quite petrified but I promise I’ll get used to it as I go. A brief intro of myself: My name is Liyang and I am heading into my second year @ UBC Arts come this September! Being a university student I’ve many blessed with rewards and benefits, including discovering my own expressive voice. Starting this blog is just an example of that and I hope it can be of use to others. I’m still learning about all the offerings (endless) which UBC provides to students. So I’ll be posting some of my experiences with classes, studies & exams, student activities, and even bits about my life on my down time.