Although my time in Canada is coming to a close, I am happy that I can look back at all the exciting times that I have had. Even with all of the challenges that has come with it, I have no doubt that if I had the chance I would do it all over again. I have met so many new people, taken new classes, tried new sports, and so much more that I never could have imagined.
When I first came to UBC, one thing I noticed was the scale of the school. The campus seemed neverending with every type of amenity available on school grounds. It was honestly daunting being on this massive campus and also being completely lost. Throughout my first couple of years at UW, I had found every little spot that I needed: places to chill between classes, secret study areas, best lunch spots. At UBC I realized that I would have to go through this process again on this (somehow) even bigger campus. However, over time I realized how much fun it can be to explore a brand new place because when you don’t know anything, everywhere you go is a new adventure.
As far as outdoor adventures go, there is no short supply of outdoor activities when you are at UBC. From biking to snow sports to just going on one of many hikes, there is always something new to do here in Vancouver.
Some students tied in ready to climb at Rock Party. Photo credit: Micah Long.
My favorite outdoor experience so far was near the start of the year where I was able to be a climbing instructor at the annual “Rock Party.” The Rock Party is an event run by the UBC Varsity Outdoor Club which organizes outdoor events throughout the year. At the Rock Party, a couple hundred people go up to Squamish, a popular rock climbing spot in BC. During the day, the instructors teach other students how to climb and then we all spend the night on the campground before leaving in the morning. Rock Party was extremely fun and memorable and I was able to make friends that I have kept throughout the entire year. I did not know that things like the Varsity Outdoor Club were so popular here at UBC. There is so much more outdoor culture ingrained into the life here than I could have imagined and I love every part of it.
Me (middle) competing at WWU representing UBC. Go T-birds! Photo credit: Kiran Lingappa.
Something new that I have tried in Canada is competing in wrestling. When I first came to UBC I wanted to continue practicing Judo, but since there was not a dojo close enough to campus I decided that I could use this opportunity to try a new sport. Wrestling has been very hard but also very fun to practice. I always figured wrestling to be more American than Canadian but I have met many Canadians like my coach Nicholas Ugoalah who have such a passion for the sport. And through wrestling, I have met people that I never would have met otherwise and I realized that there are even more similarities between the US and Canada than I thought.
As far as school goes, I am happy that I have been able to take classes that I would not have been able to take otherwise. For example, I have taken a class focusing on Canadian economics along with a class on Canadian History. It was very interesting to learn about the interconnectedness between Canadian and US economies but I think the larger takeaway was the Canadian history class because it helped me better understand the country as a whole. I was able to learn about Canada’s complex past and the countless ways its history parallels the history of the US.
Overall, my time at UBC has been full of exciting experiences and adventures. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to explore this beautiful campus, meet so many new friends, take on a new sport and more. Maybe most importantly though is that I have a much deeper understanding of BC and Canada as a whole. And although there were times when I felt a bit homesick, that feeling has since passed and it only feels right to consider this place a new home.
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The Corbett British Columbia-Washington International Exchange Program Fund provides an opportunity for undergraduate students at the University of Washington to spend two semesters at the University of British Columbia or University of Victoria; and for students from the University of British Columbia and University of Victoria to spend three quarters at the University of Washington.