Current City: Vancouver, British Columbia

Year arrived in Canada: 2020

School: University of British Columbia

Academic Program: Pharmacy

1. What inspired you to pursue your studies in Pharmacy of all the academic programs that were available to you?

Until halfway through high school, I had this undying interest in pursuing law. I wanted to be a lawyer. In form two, I fell in love with sciences ,specifically chemistry and biology. That was how my passion for the medical field began...I find science fun, intriguing and satisfying by the fact that it answers my curiosity concerning many things with facts. The pharmacy field is interesting. It is adventurous and the possibilities of new discoveries are cool, not to mention that it is fulfilling if you want to make the world a better place health-wise. Job-wise, the career opportunities are unlimited. Chances of not finding a job after graduation or during the course of your studies if you want to gain pre-graduation work experience are minimal.

2. Do you have any advice for new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?

My advice to new students is to follow your interest and passion. Do what you love, and you will do it best. The zeal that emerges from within towards what you like is powerful and can overcome any obstacle combined with arduous work. I also highly recommend exploring your desired programs with relevant people in your fields of interest in case you are in a dilemma, talking to professionals and experienced personnel in those specific sectors can help you to figure out a sense of direction. Explore the job market and the nature of work, make sure these will not be points of regret after graduation. Lastly, be open minded and flexible especially at the onset of your major, there are a wide range of programs that we are not aware of when we first join post-secondary institutions, and it is possible to develop new interests. If a program is not going on so well academically, then be proactive and reach out to academic advisors or talk to senior scholars that may have a broader knowledge of other options available to you.

3. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?

I would say living up to societal expectations, mostly. A lot of students come here with a list of expectations in their minds about what either their families, relatives, or the entire society looks forward to seeing in/from them. This affects us because a student may be interested in psychology, but the family or society expects him/her to be a medical doctor or an engineer because these careers have been stereotypically aligned with high standards back home. This student would academically struggle in a course they are not passionate about, which then reduces their chances of entering and succeeding in that field. Another drawback is working so hard to change conditions back home, this mostly affects students academically as balancing a job with schoolwork is hard. When you take up a physically demanding job, realize that your academic performances are most likely going to be jeopardized. Other challenges like homesickness, culture shock and loneliness contribute as well.

4. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?

This is almost inevitable to anyone new, but it can be avoided by staying connected to your family and friends back home. And mostly your Canadian cohort of friends with whom you can share experiences with. At school, join clubs and make friends, do the same at work and Canada will be a home (or at least livable in due time).

5. From your experience so far, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).

So far, I would say it takes the will to get out of your comfort zone and self-assurance/confidence. Transitioning into a new system can be challenging and discouraging …. Many times, you will meet a lot of drawbacks from different directions, your grades may not be pleasing or you may apply for many jobs and get rejected because you do not have the relevant experiences they need. Just be patient with yourself, tell yourself that you have done so much to be where you are. You are going to be victorious in this new environment. Beside self-motivation, staying connected to your community is essential. There are many resources available to help you settle in Canada, make effective use of them.