Class of 2023: Yolanda Masacha (BSc Applied Biology)

Major in Applied Animal Biology

Yolanda Masacha

How did LFS match your personal and/or professional interests?

What drew my interest to LFS was how programs are designed to address real world problems through an interdisciplinary approach. As an APBI student I was able to explore different topics surrounding animals and also learn more about the food system. It was important for me to see the practical application of what I was learning which was directly addressed in all my LFS classes. I was able to work with community partners as well as take part in various projects which helped me understand the different facets of animal welfare and interconnected global issues. As I am still exploring my interests within animal health and welfare, LFS gave me a great foundation of knowledge and skills.

What challenges did you encounter while a student and how did you overcome them?

As a student I encountered numerous challenges which affected my academic progress. The biggest challenge I faced was my health which required me to reduce my course load and seek accommodations through the Centre of Accessibility. I would not have endured or overcome the struggles I faced without the support of LFS Student Services, my LFS professors, counselors and various support systems within UBC.

LFS being a small tight knit community helped me to build relationships with my professors and to reach out when I needed any accommodations. I also had regular appointments with my Academic Advisor which really helped be more accountable and to identify where I needed assistance. I believe I would not have been able to complete my studies strongly without the full support of the LFS community.

What was your favourite class and why?

All LFS classes are so unique and interesting! As an APBI student I had the opportunity to tailor my degree towards my interests in my upper years. All the classes I got to take such as Animal Welfare and Ethics of Animal Use, Human Wildlife Conflict, International Nutrition, Experimental Analysis of Animal Behavior, First Nations Health and Traditional Role of Plants, not only sparked my interest but showed me the application of biology to real world cases.

While it is difficult to select one class a special mention goes to an Indigenous Food Systems class taught by Dr. Tabitha Martens. This class is one of my favorites as I got to explore other ways of knowing, i.e. to experience and appreciate traditional knowledge systems. We got to meet weekly at the UBC Farm and experienced land-based learning. It was a great class to have in my final semester as I was able to reflect on my learning, connect with my peers and build my knowledge on Indigenous communities which is pertinent as a guest on this land. I also got a chance to explore creative ways of knowledge dissemination through a zine project!

Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?

YES! Getting involved in extracurriculars enriches your university experience, nurtures your interests and challenges you to grow as an individual. In my first year, I volunteered as a gardener with Roots on the Roof which led me to later volunteer as Yard Garden Harvest farmer with the Little Mountain Neighbourhood House.

I was able to enjoy taking a break from classes through getting my hands in soil and growing food! As someone who is interested in social welfare, I have also volunteered with various organizations within Vancouver such as Indian Summer Arts Society, Covenant House Vancouver, Ignite the Warmth Society, BC SPCA to mention but a few. In these various volunteer opportunities, I had the opportunity to build long lasting connections and lifelong skills.

I also worked as a first-year Residence Advisor for two years where I helped multiple students residing on campus in their transition to UBC. In addition, I worked as an LFS Student Ambassador which is a Work-Learn role within LFS Student Services. I was able to leverage my skills in both my volunteer and work position, which would have not been possible if I was not trying new things. I have grown my network through my extracurricular roles and have developed professional skills which I am currently using as a young professional.

What advice do you have for students?

Everyone has different experiences at university and each of our academic journeys are unique. Reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed or if you anticipate any challenges. It is important to always prioritize your health, which I know can be very challenging. There are structures put in place to assist you, even when you are unable to advocate for yourself, so always reach out! Enjoy your experiences, explore your interests, build connections and always give yourself credit for how far you have come.

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Class of 2023: Lian Boltwood (BSc Global Resource Systems)

Lian Boltwood

How did LFS match your personal and/or professional interests?

In 2018, I actually applied to UBC and was admitted through the UBC School of Engineering. However, upon discovering LFS, I felt a stronger sense of connection with the focus of study. Having developed a passion for health, nutrition, and sustainable food systems during my high school years, I made the decision to switch faculties before the commencement of classes.

Upon entering UBC, it became evident that LFS was a perfect fit for my personal and professional interests in sustainable food systems, nutrition, and public health. Later on, when I enrolled in the Global Resource Systems program, I had the opportunity to foster my sense of global citizenship. It allowed me to establish meaningful connections within a close-knit community, gain valuable professional experience, and embrace the idea that my career interests can evolve and grow over time. This experience has made me more confident in exploring new possibilities and embracing change in my professional journey.

Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?

Absolutely! I would recommend that students intentionally engage in a diversity of extracurriculars. For example, joining a small club and a large campus organization to experience the range of what UBC has to offer.

I also find it important to have extracurriculars that are not just focused on academics or professional development but bring joy, rejuvenation, and creativity. When the semester gets stressful, it can become very hard to make time for anything but studying and working. But life is a balancing act, and in the long run, prioritizing that rock climbing session, intramural soccer game, or painting session helped prevent burnout and give you more energy to keep going. These experience not only enhance your personal growth but also provide valuable perspectives and insights that can complement your academic pursuits.

What is the next step for you? Do you have plans post-graduation?

Post-graduation I will be taking a break to travel to Guatemala with some friends. Then I’ll return in June to Vancouver to work as a Food Security Project Assistant with United Way British Columbia, focusing on the programming and implementation of United Way’s Regional Community Food Hubs.

Come September I will hopefully be traveling to the city of Taipei to attend the Mandarin Training Center at National Taiwan Normal University. This would mark the beginning of a 9–12-month journey of language learning and cultural immersion in Taiwan, complementing my minor in Chinese language.

Although I am currently waiting to hear back from my application to the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, which is a scholarship from the Taiwanese government to foreign students who seek to dedicate themselves to learning Mandarin. I should hear back from them by the end of the month! After that, I remain open minded although a master’s in public health is certainly a strong possibility.

What advice do you have for students?

My advice for students is to try to overcome hesitation about reaching out to individuals who captivate your interest. UBC is teeming with people engaging in interesting projects, both in their personal lives and professional pursuits. Despite the initial intimidation, don’t hesitate to connect with someone who caught your attention, whether it’s a participant in a case competition you admire, a professor from a different department, or even someone you discovered on a UBC Club Instagram page. You’ll find that most individuals are eager to discuss their experiences and provide valuable insights.

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Class of 2023: Christopher Mulya (BSc Food, Nutrition and Health)

Major in Food Science

Christopher Mulya

How did LFS match your personal and/or professional interests?

LFS provided a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between land, food, society, and the environment. As someone who is passionate about food and nutrition, LFS offered an opportunity to delve into topics such as food science, food safety, food policy, and the role of nutrition in human health. Through the program I gained plenty of knowledge about the production, distribution, and consumption of food, and contributed to improving food systems and promoting healthy diets.

What challenges did you encounter while a student and how did you overcome them?

Balancing coursework, lab work, assignments, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities can be demanding. I managed to overcome this by applying effective time management skills, such as creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding procrastination, which helped me track and reduce stress. I also found it helpful to delegate tasks and seek support from classmates or professors when needed.

What was your favourite class and why?

LFS 350 was definitely one of the highlights of my undergraduate years in the faculty. As part of the LFS 350 course, my group undertook a project titled “Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in Food Systems,” which involves gathering information on youth employment and engagement in food systems around the globe. We collaborated with the High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) Report Team who was leading the work for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) Committee on World Food Security. Our group delivered five case study summaries and figures that illustrated some gaps and opportunities to boost youth involvement in the agricultural sector. Some of our deliverables were featured in the 2021 HLPE report that aimed to inform national and international policy discussions on food systems topics such as Committee on World Food Security and bring more youth to the table.

Do you recommend students get involved in extra-curriculars? What did you do outside of the classroom?

Yes, I highly recommend that students get involved in extracurricular activities during their academic journey. I strongly believe that participating in extracurriculars can complement and enhance the overall college experience. In my last year of undergraduate studies, I was lucky enough to be a part of LFS ACE. As a team lead in LFS ACE, I was actively involved in organizing various events and initiatives. I led a team of fellow LFS students in planning virtual and in-person workshops, and events, providing valuable networking opportunities for the members of our faculty.

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