Sophie Lee

Academic Advisor

(She/Her)

Bachelor of International Economics (BIE), UBC

What would surprise people to know about you?

I have a notoriously bad sense of direction—even with Google Maps, I somehow manage to walk the wrong way or get turned around in places I’ve been before. I also don’t know how to drive, swim, or bike, which surprises people a lot. But I think these quirks have made me more patient and flexible. Just like I need a bit of extra time (and a few reroutes!) to find my way around, I know that students often need space and support to figure out what feels right for them, especially when things feel unclear or uncertain. We all find our own paths eventually—and it’s totally okay not to have it all mapped out from the start.

Why do you like supporting students?

I feel really lucky to be in a role where I get to support students through all the ups and downs of university life. It’s such a unique time—full of new experiences, big decisions, and sometimes a bit of uncertainty. I’m always grateful when students feel comfortable sharing a part of that with me. It means a lot to be someone they can check in with, open up to, or just talk things through with. I especially love those little moments when a student realizes they’re more capable than they thought, or when something finally clicks. My hope is always that students leave our conversations feeling even just a bit more grounded, supported, or encouraged. That’s what I love most about this work.

Associate Academic Advisor

(He/Him)

Bsc (Hons) in International Business & Public Relations

What do you value about Academic Advising?

As an Associate Academic Advisor, I value the opportunity to empower and support students on their academic journeys. I believe in creating a student-centered environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to make informed decisions about their education. Building trusting relationships and fostering open communication are paramount to my advising approach. I prioritize continuous learning and growth to stay abreast of best practices and effectively guide students through challenges and opportunities. Ultimately, I find fulfillment in helping students navigate their academic paths, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals, contributing to their academic development.

Why do you like supporting students?

Supporting students is deeply rewarding because it allows me to witness their growth, resilience, and achievements firsthand. I value the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives by providing guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance as they navigate their academic endeavors. Each interaction with a student presents a unique opportunity to contribute to their personal and academic development, whether it’s helping them overcome challenges, explore new opportunities, or celebrate their successes. Being able to empower students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals fills me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that motivates me to continue supporting them wholeheartedly.

Academic Advisor

(She/Her)

What do you value about Academic Advising?

I value my role in bridging the gap between the academic side of things, and the many opportunities, supports, and resources UBC offers!

Why do you like supporting students?

I love chatting with students and finding out about their motivation for being at UBC!

Academic Advisor

(She/Her)

B.A. in Geography (Environment & Sustainability), University of British Columbia
Certificate in Career Development and Academic Advising, University of Calgary

What do you value about Academic Advising?

An advising conversation can cover a wide range of topics related to your academics—whether it’s exploring the diverse program and course offerings, planning your degree progression, overcoming obstacles in your studies, or simply getting registration assistance. I value the pivotal role academic advisors play in guiding students to navigate their unique academic journeys.
The undergraduate years can bring a mix of challenges and opportunities as many of you transition into a new phase of life, discover your interests and potential, and make important life decisions. A visit to the Arts Advising office during this time might find you a helping hand, a listening ear, and a friendly connection.

What was your experience of further or higher education like?

My undergraduate experience was shaped by my identities as an international student, a transfer student, and a first-generation student. I came to appreciate university education as an avenue of self-discovery – an opportunity to better understand my approaches to learning, my strengths, and aspirations. What higher education meant to me evolved continuously as I navigated my studies—through changing my major, transferring universities, engaging in co-curricular activities, and exploring various career paths.

I also valued the opportunities university provided to develop my interests and abilities in research. Conducting research projects through the MURC and directed studies has enabled me to apply my knowledge in the field to tackle real-life problems.

These experiences, alongside my academic learnings defined my unique 4.5 years of higher education journey.

Who or what made the biggest positive impact on you when you were studying? And how did they support you?

A number of supportive professors really made a positive impact on my studies. Studying with them helped me to appreciate how various teaching and learning styles interact, and the importance to seeking help when needed. The Professor Emeritus who taught me first year math reassured me that having many questions about the course material was not seen as a sign of deficiency, but rather a measure of progress as I identified the gap in my knowledge and worked towards bridging them.

I hope that you too encounter kind professors, teaching assistants, and advisors who make a positive impact on your studies!

Academic Systems Advisor

B.A. in Political Science and Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice, University of British Columbia

What was your experience of further or higher education like?

Pursuing higher education exposed me to ways of thinking and ideas that I otherwise would not have had an opportunity to engage with in such a meaningful way. I learned how to learn, and through the 4 (or in my case, 5) years of writing, reading, studying, thinking, and learning (which included a fair amount of getting it wrong) I came to better understand my own values and what kind of career and life I might find worthwhile. The process of completing my degree helped me grow into the person I am today, and I feel I am better for having completed it.

Why do you like supporting students?

I really enjoy the challenge of demystifying complex rules and policy, and forging ways of more effectively communicating that information to students, so they they feel well equipped to make important decisions about their academics and future. I love hearing about why a certain course or discipline has piqued their interest, and then helping them chart different potential pathways to explore those interests or incorporate the course(s) into their degree.

What does your typical day look like and how does your role support Arts Advising?

A lot of the work I do involves managing the user experience of our systems such as Workday Student. I help solve systems issues that students and advisors identify. I also manage the second degree student portfolio, and I help UBC Okanagan transfer students and internal transfer students understand their requirements when they join Arts. I am also passionate about furthering equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) related work in the office; I have been, and am currently, involved on EDI committees.