Sofia Li

Sofia Li

Academic Advisor

(She/Her)

B.A. in Psychology, UBC


What do you value about Academic Advising?

I appreciate academic advising as it creates space for conversations that may otherwise be confusing for students to face alone, such as how to navigate their degree when there’s a conflict between family expectations and their interests, how to cultivate a sense of belonging on this big campus while still uncovering their identities and values, or how to apply their classroom learning to prepare for their next steps… Undergraduate is a unique period that’s marked with transition, discovery, and decision-making, and conversations with an advisor can bring out additional perspectives and resources. It is my inspiration and hope to, through the conversations, contribute to creating the feeling of Tuum Est.

If you were to meet your younger self again, what advice would you give based on your experiences?

During my undergraduate studies, I approached both big and small decisions cautiously, trying to “future-proof” myself. I would compile a list of pros and cons, debate with myself over an extended period, and create a detailed plan that I would steadfastly follow. Over time, I realized that having a plan is helpful, but it cannot eliminate uncertainty; focusing only on following the plan caused me to miss opportunities or connections (and fun!) I was unaware of. If I could meet my younger self again, I would tell her to trust that she can handle the reality she creates. It’s good to have a plan, but it’s also okay to stay open and see where the path leads.