Hi! My name is Aisha, I’m a fourth year UBC Kinesiology major in the Interdisciplinary stream. I transferred from Capilano University in 2018 and am now completing my second year at UBC. I aspire to have a career in healthcare, particularly in physical therapy or chiropractic. My area of interest lies in rehabilitation and treatments using alternative medicine. I currently volunteer at physical therapy and chiropractic clinics to learn more about new healthcare innovations and practices, and have recently started working as a therapeutic play instructor with a child that has cerebral palsy. After I graduate from KIN, I hope to pursue my passion for healthcare in a professional program.
After transferring to UBC there were countless opportunities to get involved, but the chance to become a Senior Orientation Leader (SrOL) with KIN is what most drew me. As a transfer student myself, I was unhappy with my Imagine Day experience and felt isolated as a result. As a SrOL, I was able to impact the KIN transfer student experience for the better by working with a dynamic team; in particular, working to incorporate more relevant events and to foster a sense of community!
Serving as a SrOL provides several unique experiences and responsibilities for students. Throughout the role, providing insight from a student’s perspective is key. We are encouraged to bring our personal perspectives, leadership styles and work ethics to the table. Senior Orientation leaders are given the opportunity to find a working group dynamic, and to practice public speaking, as well as planning and strategy. I’m really proud of the outcome, and knowing the amount of work we put into a year of planning the upcoming Imagine Day, I can’t imagine spending all that time with anyone other than the Kinesiology Senior Orientation Leaders!
Being a SrOL allowed for lots of self-reflection, community engagement and personal growth. I’ve grown so much over the year, I feel a part of the UBC student body rather than just a student who attends UBC. I’ve learned more about myself, student leadership, student resources and having worked with students from a variety of faculties, about the diversity of the UBC community.
I believe personal growth comes from challenging yourself and pushing the envelope to change something about yourself — I would recommend others also try pushing their boundaries and become involved with UBC in a new capacity. As a SrOL, the opportunity to try new things and challenge myself has been so rewarding! This role has redefined how I perceive leadership; you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Your ideas impact so many incoming students, some you may directly work with and so many more that you can influence but don’t directly work with; recognizing this shows how integral a SrOL is in the process leading up to Imagine Day. After this experience I’m glad I took a chance and applied to be a SrOL. The personal growth I’ve experienced would never have happened if I hadn’t taken on this leadership role!