Class of 2024: Clover Lee
| Clover Lee (they/them/theirs) |
| Program: BSc in Food, Nutrition and Health |
How did you hear about LFS at UBC?
I first heard about LFS at UBC through the university fair at my high school in Ontario. The Faculty of LFS, as explained by UBC’s representatives at the fair, offered what I was looking for at the time — an accredited Dietetics program, a warm, welcoming student community, and a sense of adventure. It’s strange (in the best way possible) to recall my excitement about the *idea* of LFS because here I am, five years later, closing this chapter.
What challenges did you encounter while a student and how did you overcome them?
Like many undergraduate students, I struggled to define an area of study. I initially came to UBC with the intention of majoring in Dietetics, but (largely in light of the COVID-19 pandemic) I wanted to open up my education to encompass Asian Canadian, gender, psychology, and public health studies. I overcame my challenge by utilizing resources like LFS Advising and reaching out to connections through the LFS Undergraduate Society to speak with mentors and learn how I could potentially explore a breadth of disciplines at UBC. The attentive care and anecdotes provided by LFS faculty and students helped me decide on FNH General where I have more flexibility to tailor my degree to my liking.
What was your favourite class and why?
My favourite classes that shaped my academic interests and personal growth are FNH 342 and ACAM 320B. In FNH 342 Critical Perspectives in Consumer Food Practices, I appreciated our conversations about food, nutrition, and bodies at a systems-focused, community-oriented level, which provided social meaning to my FNH degree. I took ACAM 320B Health of Asian Diaspora in Canada as an elective, and its course content, including migrant health, traditional and Indigenous medicine, and discrimination within the healthcare system, complemented my learning of land and food systems. I would recommend both courses if you’re interested in public health as an LFSer!
Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?
Definitely! Extracurricular involvements were the highlight of my undergraduate. Not only did I meet lifelong friends and mentors through the LFS Undergraduate Society (LFS|US), research, and assistant teaching, extracurriculars supported my development and application of a range of skills, professionally and interpersonally. I value the community-building and leadership skills I acquired in the LFS|US, quantitative research and lab competency at the UBC Wine Research Centre (through the Work Learn Program), and learning facilitation as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. All that I tangibly (un)learned would not be possible without the incredible and diverse extracurricular opportunities in the Faculty of LFS.
What is the next step for you? Do you have plans post-graduation?
My immediate plan following graduation is to build new relationships and experiences with changed yet ever-growing perspectives in Taiwan where I’m lucky to call home. Throughout my undergraduate, I’ve held the memory of my people, culture, and land close to my heart and studies. It’ll be incredibly moving for me to reconnect with my roots that so strongly anchor my academic intentions. In September, I’ll embark on my pursuit of a Master of Science in Population and Public Health at UBC. My proposed thesis aims to explore body image and disordered eating amongst transgender and gender-diverse Asian Canadians.
Favourite place to eat in Vancouver?
There are so many great food spots in Vancouver (and neighbouring cities)! Having grown up in Taiwan, I find pieces of home at Memory Corner in Richmond. Their yan su ji (popcorn chicken), lu rou fan (braised pork over rice), and dan bing (egg rolls) are my favourites! I enjoy studying at Platform 7 and Aperture on West Broadway. I’m also frequently at Kwong Chow Congee & Noodle House, New Town Bakery, and Chickpea. 🙂
Tagged with: 2024, Food Nutrition and Health, Undergraduate