Year and program: Fourth-year, Psychology major
Where is home for you? Tehran, Iran
What three adjectives best describe you?
Empathetic, creative, adaptable
What extracurricular activities have you been involved with (UBC related or not)?
I was a peer tutor in my second year at Douglas College before transferring to UBC, and I also volunteered for a time as a call taker at the Fraser Health Crisis Line. At UBC, I’m currently a Cultural Ambassador for the Arts Vancouver Summer Program and will be an Orientation Leader this upcoming September. I also occasionally volunteer at my local women’s shelter, and in my free time, I love to paint…or at least try to 🙂
What is your best study strategy/tip?
START EARLY 😉 Review content in small chunks throughout the week so that by the time finals hit, you’re already familiar with most of it and not cramming. Also, try Active recall!! Instead of rereading notes, quiz yourself or try to explain the material out loud. Remember life happens, and sometimes we might have to study last-minute. If that happens, do your best to get a good night’s sleep. It helps with memory consolidation way more than an all-nighter. And finally, read your syllabus and set up a calendar with reminders so deadlines don’t sneak up on you.
If you could travel back in time to your first year at UBC, what is one thing you would do differently?
I wouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t understand a concept or something unexpected comes up, go to your professors’ office hours. Most of them are incredibly kind and understanding. I’d also reach out to my academic advisor much earlier (and more consistently) they’re a great resource for course planning and finding solutions when things get tough. And finally, I’d get involved on campus a lot sooner, to gain experience and build a stronger sense of community early on.