Class of 2024: Abeera Irfan
| Abeera Irfan (she/her/hers) |
| Program: BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health |
| Major: Dietetics |
How did you hear about LFS at UBC?
LFS Academic Services actually came to my highschool, Seaquam Secondary, to present about the faculty! I am so grateful because that was my first introduction to LFS, and I remember feeling like it would be the perfect mesh of my love for science, food, and sustainability. That’s pretty much what influenced me to apply and well, here I am now graduating!
What challenges did you encounter while a student and how did you overcome them?
Time-management: With my heavy course load, jobs and extra-curriculars, often I’d find myself struggling to balance my workload. I slowly learned to prioritize my tasks and also reached out to classmates and professors when I needed support or had questions.
Self-doubt: Self-doubt was a significant challenge during my student years, causing me to question my abilities and decisions. However, through self-reflection and seeking support from mentors, friends, and family, I gradually learned to trust in my skills and persevere despite uncertainty. It can be really easy to compare yourself to others so I always try to remind myself that I am right where I am supposed to be at this present moment!
What was your favourite class and why?
I think it’s a tie between FNH 371: Human Nutrition over the Life Span and SPPH 300: Working in International Health! Honestly there’s so many cool electives at UBC that I wish I had time to explore more of them.
Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?
Absolutely! I think my “outside of the classroom” experiences were a huge part of my UBC undergraduate journey. I have made incredible memories and formed meaningful friendships through my extracurriculars.
Within LFS, I was part of UBC Nutrikids and the Dietetic Student Community club, I took a leadership position as the president last year for the latter which really challenged my skills and allowed me to improve as both a leader, and a future dietitian. I chose to also get involved as an Imagine Day Orientation Leader and help out with prospective student events whenever I was able! I also spent years in different FNH labs as a research assistant and was also a TA for a few courses. These positions allowed me to form long-term connections with my professors, develop technical skills required to excel in my career, and sprouted a deep appreciation for both education and research, both of which I am open to pursuing later on.
I also chose to get involved in many things happening outside of the faculty. I worked at the UBC Global Lounge for three years where I was able to explore my love for activism, community engagement and event organizing. Through this role I met incredible students from different faculties and changemakers in the community. Collaborating with different students on event topics ranging from international development to art as a form of activism allowed me to reflect on topics I had never considered, broadening my interests. I was also a Residence Advisor last year in Totem Park which allowed me to connect with first year students and help them out in their transition to university.
My advice to LFS students would be to never compare their undergraduate journeys to others, and to get involved in whatever you feel most drawn to. It can be overwhelming because there’s a lot happening on campus, so take it easy and don’t be afraid to attend different things until you find out what you are truly passionate about! Also don’t be afraid to create a new space or initiative if you find something’s missing!
What is the next step for you? Do you have plans post-graduation?
I am currently working as a pediatric dietitian at BC Children’s Hospital which I’m really enjoying as I get to establish trust with children and families, come up with a nutrition care plan for my patients, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care. Passionate about the systemic and environmental factors that impact a patient’s nutritional status, I’d like to pursue further education in public health down the line and work in global health and food policy.
However, as a chronic planner, I am slowly learning to embrace the uncertainty of post-grad life, and am eager to explore the possibility of un-planned opportunities coming my way and shaping me in ways I couldn’t imagine.
Favourite place to eat in Vancouver?
I’m a brunch gal so I’m going to go with the iconic Jam Cafe. You can catch me standing in line for those eggs benedicts!
Tagged with: 2024, Dietetics, Undergraduate