I did not immediately experience a sense of belonging or community at UBC right away. However, after having first-hand experience of what it was like to be in a UBC community, I was pushed to be innovative and therefore, led me to think about ways of how I can create community for others.
With my parents both not around during my first year, I often felt that the cultural component, a key part of my identity, was fading away. As well, academically, I was no longer at the top of the class like I used to be in high school. This caused an identity crisis in my life and that sense of belonging which I had back in high school seemed out of reach.
To resolve this matter I, along with other students, decided to help create the Nepali Students Association at UBC. Our group of like-minded individuals endeavored construct a cultural community on campus. The self-identification of where I belonged on this campus soon came back to me. I helped transition international and local Nepali students to life on campus, and as well enjoy the cultural presence. Today, this club is still running and we get to continue on the celebration of our culture and as well share it along with the other cultural clubs, which allows us to learn from each other and celebrate the ethnic diversity that this campus incorporates.
Empirically, the idea of creating community was more than just a saying after I helped a small hub. As with many UBC affiliated clubs and organizations, they have a common sense of satisfaction, one that further inspires one to do more. With the catalytic empowerment from my experience, I was driven to apply for the Collegia Program to be an Advisor. Currently, I am humbled to converse with students that are commuters like myself. As well, I am able to further positively stimulate that ripple effect that I experienced with my advisors. Not only do I get to share my experiences as a third year student, having gone through the same tribulations that many students might face, but I also get to learn more myself about the diversity that this campus offers – through the highlights of this beautiful campus – the students.
As I progress through my UBC journey, I learned many things about myself and other students. My friends, my belief in myself, and my wholehearted commitment to giving back was envisioned and modelled through students who presented the same in the past.
For anyone thinking about getting involved – just do it! You will never know who might you meet, the experiences you will have and the impact you will leave on campus once you graduate.
What will be your footprint?
