As an Arts Academic Advisor, Natasha Philander is passionate about creating spaces where students feel supported and seen. In this Q&A, she reflects on her work connecting with the Black student community, shares the career lessons that have guided her, and reveals what makes her role truly rewarding.
Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less
I help students navigate their time at UBC, trying to make their time here a bit easier and hold space for them when it is difficult.
What is a project or work achievement you are most proud of?
We’ve piloted Black Student Academic Advising in the Black Student Space (BSS) over the past year and a half. Along with my colleagues Khalid Ahmed and Giudi Ghebre, we have been providing in-person academic advising every Wednesday from 3:00 pm–4:30 pm. When the Black Student Space opened, I wanted to find a way to connect and make sure that Black students knew that there are Black academic advisors in our office. We have been so grateful for the support of the BSS Student Development and Leadership Coordinator Nana Adu-Botchway and her predecessor Melissa Mumbi, who have been so supportive of the initiative.
Being able to show up in spaces where students are and feel comfortable lets us support them and get to know them. Of course, we are always available in our regular Arts Academic Advising sessions, but there is something special about the BSS that lets everyone relax a bit more. It’s also a great change of scenery for us as advisors, which lets us have more intentional and casual conversations with students and stay connected to our community.
What is the best advice you’ve received, or a key lesson you’ve learned, whether related to this project or your career journey?
It is probably the easiest thing to say and one of the hardest things to learn to do, but trust yourself. Early in my career, I was always a bit worried that my instincts were wrong or that I didn’t know enough to make suggestions or try different career paths. But as I’ve grown in my career and in my life, I’ve been learning to trust myself and my voice.
That’s why I am so happy with the Black Student Advising project. It took a bit of time to get it off the ground, but being persistent about the need for the project and seeing its success has been really affirming.
Of course, learning to trust yourself takes time, and it doesn’t mean that every idea I have is a good one. I think it’s more about gaining the confidence to share my thoughts and knowing that I have the skills to manage things and see them through. As advisors, we feel a lot of pressure to get everything right and know all the answers, which is impossible. But being able to trust myself to know what I know — and also fix a mistake when I make one — is a really great place to be.
How do you like to recharge?
Patiently waiting for Beyoncé to go on tour… seeing Beyoncé when she goes on tour.
