Celine Djap

About

Program	Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health
Major	Double Major in Food and Nutritional Science
Year	Second Year
Hometown	Jakarta, Indonesia

Overcoming Fear in the LFS Community

Celine arrived at UBC unsure of what to expect, but through leadership, and deep connections within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, she gradually found her footing and her voice. What began as fear of the unknown has transformed into confidence rooted in community, growth, and the people who encouraged her every step of the way.

What are three adjectives that describe you?

Empathetic, resilient, and purpose-driven

What has been the best part of your university experience so far?  

The best part of my university experience so far has been the journey of growth, both personally and through the relationships I’ve built along the way.

Before entering university, my biggest challenge was making new friends. I was often scared of the unknown, and as an international student, I arrived without really knowing anyone or fully understanding what studying abroad would look like. However, day by day, I learned to embrace that fear and put myself out there.

Were there specific resources, people or events that helped you embrace that fear and put yourself out there?

A month before coming to Vancouver, UBC invited me to an event called UBC Bounce, where over 50 Indonesian prospective students gathered in Indonesia. That experience remains deeply meaningful to me. I met so many students from different high schools whom I had never known before, and through that event, we formed a support system that made the transition to living abroad far less intimidating. Knowing that we had each other’s backs meant that I never truly felt alone, and many of those friendships remain strong to this day.

LFS also played a huge role in helping me feel welcomed. The warmth of the LFS students and faculty quickly eased my fears. I was especially impacted by the genuine care shown by two senior students, whose hospitality and encouragement helped create a safe and supportive environment from the very beginning. Even now, in my second year, every interaction continues to affirm that I am exactly where I am meant to be. More than the faculty itself, it is the people within LFS who make it a space where I feel safe to grow.

How have your extracurricular experiences enhanced your learning or prepared you for life after graduation?

One of my biggest achievements in my first year was showing up to an audition for UBC’s Dance Horizon Intensive (DHI) Club. I still remember how scary and intimidating it felt, and how nervous I was walking into the room. Yet, beyond my expectations, I made the team. Being part of DHI for a full year allowed me to witness how passionate and resilient the dancers were, constantly striving to improve and pursue excellence. That environment deeply inspired me, and I grew to love the process of practising, improving again and again, and strengthening my mentality before stepping on stage. Those moments truly taught me endurance and courage.

In my second year, I decided to challenge myself in a different way by developing my organizational skills. I became a Wednesday Night Dinner co-manager under the LFS Undergraduate Society (LFS|US), and I also chose to give back to the LFS community by becoming an LFS Outreach Assistant. Through these roles, I had the opportunity to connect with many faculty and staff and experience the LFS community more closely. The best part of these experiences wasn’t just the skills or accomplishments I could add to my resume, but the relationships I built along the way. I am deeply grateful to work alongside people who truly want to see me grow.

What are some highlights of your time in Vancouver, some favourite places to go or activities to do outside of UBC?

I’ve grown to love the nature that Vancouver has to offer. Some of my favorite activities include biking along the seawall at Stanley Park, strolling around Granville Island, and hiking in Lynn Valley. Being in nature grounds me deeply and fills me with awe, reminding me of the beauty of creation.

Some of my favourite moments in Vancouver have been late-night conversations with friends, celebrating birthdays away from home, and supporting one another through difficult times. I have learned to shift my focus from chasing grades or building my resume to truly valuing the people around me. This change has also been meaningful for my faith, as I am grateful to have found a supportive Christian community on campus that continues to shape and ground me. Knowing that my university years will not last forever, I have become more intentional about how I spend time with friends and community.

What final advice would you give to a high school student?

My biggest advice is that you do not have to have everything figured out yet. The major or career path you are interested in now might not be the one you pursue in the future, and that is completely okay. University is a space to explore your interests, discover your strengths, and grow. Stay curious, be open to trying new things, and do not be afraid of change. When you find something you enjoy, commit to it and practice, and you will naturally grow over time.

By constantly putting myself out there and embracing new challenges, I have learned to face the fear of the unknown with more courage. What once felt overwhelming has slowly become something I can lean into. While I still feel anxious at times, I now carry a sense of trust that everything will work out eventually. This journey has taught me that growth often begins in discomfort and that stepping forward, even when afraid, can lead to the most meaningful experiences.

Interested in studying in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems? Learn more here!