Class of 2024: Hirari Sato
| Hirari Sato (she/her/hers) |
| Program: BSc in Global Resource Systems |
How did you hear about LFS at UBC?
To be honest, I didn’t know I was in LFS until school started! I was in Applied Biology my first year of university, and applied thinking that it was the regular biology program. The dropdown menu when picking my major during my application was in alphabetical order, so I picked Applied Biology, thinking it was Biology in the Faculty of Science. I am so glad I was wrong though — I wouldn’t have found my program GRS without being in Applied Biology. I wanted to switch out of Applied Biology since I wanted to study International Development and Education. After talking to my LFS academic advisor Ella, she recommended that I check out the GRS program. This program was everything I was looking for — choices in classes, a supportive community and the best program directors, Roxana and Les!
What challenges did you encounter while a student and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was managing my finances. I’m an international student, so tuition was already expensive, and on top of that, Vancouver living expenses were a lot more than I expected. During university, I had to get 3 part time jobs while studying full-time. Sprouts and Agora REALLY helped me throughout my entire UBC life. They genuinely fed me throughout university, since their food is extremely affordable, and when short on cash, they have free meal coupons. Their mission of fighting food insecurity has helped me and a lot of the students I know. GO SUPPORT THEM!
What was your favourite class and why?
Hands down my favorite class was EPSE 462, Human Development in Education. This course was very informative, and everything we learned was extremely applicable. We learned about how different aspects of our life impact our learning — social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Since these topics were so applicable to all of our lives in the class, we had some deep and interesting conversations that felt like a therapy session. Not only was the course interesting, but the professor Suna was the kindest and most patient soul I’ve encountered at university. She encapsulates everything I believe an educator should be. The class was super small so we all became pretty close by the end.
Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?
I definitely recommend that students get involved in extracurriculars, since they can help you make friends and get involved in the community. I joined the UBC Japan Association, and was a Social Executive, which was super fun and allowed for me to connect with my Japanese identity. I volunteered for West Coast Cancer Kids to hangout with kids and do different activities with them. I also volunteered Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House to tutor English to recent immigrant and refugees in Vancouver. My favorite job was working at Rain or Shine on campus, and I absolutely loved it. The people were incredible, the job is lighthearted and fun, and the ice cream was an incredible perk! I loved becoming involved with my community and getting to know Vancouver through different lenses.
What is the next step for you? Do you have plans post-graduation?
Next year I’ll be attending Teachers College at Columbia University to study for a masters in International and Comparative Education. I’m so excited to live in New York to find new food/coffee spots. After graduate school, I want to work at an international non-profit to work in international education policy.
Favourite place to eat in Vancouver?
My favorite place to eat in Vancouver is Duffin’s. They’re open late at night, and on weekends are 24/7. The food is super cheap and their fried chicken, doughnuts and sandwiches are incredible. Some of the things on their menu are kind of random, but you can’t go wrong with any of it. Their iced coffee is incredible.
Tagged with: 2024, Global Resource Systems, Undergraduate