Class of 2025: Joseph Al Rahmani, BSc in Global Resource Systems
| Joseph Al Rahmani (he/him/his) |
| Program: BSc in Global Resource Systems |
How did you hear about LFS at UBC?
My first memory of UBC is when my sister received her acceptance letter when I was just 5 years old; I remember seeing the email on her computer screen as her scream of excitement echoed in the halls of our home. After her admission, my family and I would travel from Jordan to UBC every summer. I experienced many firsts here at UBC: University Village is where I got my first scar from learning how to ride a bike, the old Aquatic Centre is where I jumped off my first diving board, and my first bus ride was on the notorious 99 B-line. UBC has been weaved into the fabric of my existence, and now so is the faculty of Land and Food Systems. I did not know what LFS was, but I had a deep interest in science. I heard that LFS had a more, what many outside of LFS considered a “non-conventional route into the sciences. Later on, discovered that the courses I learned at LFS are probably the most applicable and useful courses one could take at UBC. No matter your program in this faculty, you will come out as a well-rounded individual.
Favourite class?
It’s hard to choose just one – I’ve really appreciated the flexibility of the Global Resource Systems program, which has allowed me to tailor my coursework to my interests. That said, FRE 490 (Impact Evaluation Analytics) with Sean Holowaychuk stands out. It equipped me with some of the most practical and transferable skills I’ve gained at UBC, particularly in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Logical Framework modelling. These tools are foundational for anyone working in development or policy, and the course gave me the confidence to apply them in real-world contexts, from internships to consulting work.
Should students get involved in extracurriculars?
Absolutely! Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC came from stepping outside the classroom. Serving as a UBC Senator gave me a voice in university governance and taught me how institutional decisions are made – skills that directly relate to my interest in public policy and global affairs. Participating in case competitions, here at UBC and internationally, pushed me to think critically under pressure, collaborate across disciplines, and present ideas that could have a real-world impact. These experiences not only helped me apply what I was learning in class but also shaped my leadership style, expanded my network, and gave me a deeper sense of belonging within the LFS and UBC communities. I truly believe that extracurricular involvement transforms your education from something you passively receive to something you actively shape.
Your next steps?
I’ve been accepted into UBC’s Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program, which feels like a natural next step after my time in LFS. My goal is to work at the intersection of foreign policy, development, and governance, with a particular focus on the Middle East. Having grown up between Canada, Jordan, and Iraq, I’ve witnessed firsthand how policy decisions made far from the region can have deep and lasting impacts on local communities. I hope to use my graduate studies to deepen my understanding of global systems, refine my policy analysis skills, and ultimately contribute to more transparent, inclusive, and locally grounded frameworks in international development. Whether it’s through multilateral organizations, government, or civil society, I want to be part of shaping policies that centre lived experience and long-term resilience.
Favourite place in Vancouver?
I love food – especially breakfast – so my favourite place will be a restaurant. Cafe Zen in Kitsilano is my go-to brunch spot. No matter what season it is, it is always a staple Kitsilano brunch spot that I frequent often. Their classic breakfast is straight up, affordable, and delicious.
Tagged with: 2025, Global Resource Systems, Undergraduate