Class of 2024: Jonanda Kisingiri
| Jonanda Kisingiri (she/her/hers) |
| Program: BSc in Global Resource Systems |
How did you hear about LFS at UBC?
I discovered LFS the same day I discovered UBC — while I was still in Year 11 (10th grade). A representative from UBC came to my school in Uganda and handed out UBC brochures with a complete list of all the degrees offered by each UBC faculty. I was amazed and overwhelmed. Knowing I wanted to study something related to food, I was naturally drawn to the section that read “Faculty of Land and Food Systems.” In all my time of looking into universities (up until that point and even thereafter), I hadn’t encountered a single university with such a diverse selection of food-oriented degrees at the undergraduate level. I knew UBC was my top choice from then on.
What challenges did you encounter while a student and how did you overcome them?
My first year was a memorable one because it was the year COVID-19 shut down the whole world and I found myself having to do my entire first year of university online from back home in Uganda. Beginning my classes at 7pm and ending them at midnight was certainly draining. I got connected to the LFS community online so as not to become isolated, which lifted my spirits and reminded me that I wasn’t facing these difficulties on my own. This involved joining the LFS Mentorship Program. I also struggled with motivation during the first 2 years because the classes I was taking were very general in scope — hardly connected with my global health interests. Joining the GRS program and diversifying my electives allowed me to quickly explore classes that were more in line with my career aspirations.
What was your favourite class and why?
I have two! SPPH 410 gave me a practical opportunity to apply my knowledge and practise for a career in global health by writing a proposal and pitching it to my instructor, a class of hundreds of students and a guest. HIST 318 will forever be a favourite of mine too. Dr. Morton is highly intelligent; being very intentional and mindful about the way he taught history. Class discussions were some of the most eye-opening and intellectually stimulating I’d ever had at UBC. It also helped me appreciate the interconnectedness of the past world and how that translates into modern society which is crucial for someone like myself who wants to pursue a career in global health.
Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?
Without a doubt! Besides it being great for resume building, you gain a lot of transferable skills and get out of your comfort zone, which helps you discover new interests and guides you towards what you want to do after school. I was involved in the LFS Mentorship Program as a mentee and became a mentor with the Centre for Accessibility. I was also a member of the LFS ACE Team and did a directed studies in Uganda, which helped me gain some experience in the real world.
What is the next step for you? Do you have plans post-graduation?
I plan on working now that I’ve spent the last few years of my life as a student. I’d like to gain some experience in the global health and/or food systems space to apply everything I’ve learned and make new connections. I’m open to wherever the best opportunities are (in or out of Vancouver and even Canada). I’ll decide later down the road whether I’ll pursue a masters degree.
Favourite place to eat in Vancouver?
It’s hard to pick one. I’d say probably Jambo Grill, which is an East African and Indian restaurant in Vancouver (one of very few places I can get some tastes from back home) or any fine dining place, really (I’m all about ambiance). I really like the fries at the Brown’s on campus too!
Tagged with: 2024, Global Resource Systems, Undergraduate