Emily Wong
About
| Fourth Year | |
| Degree | Applied Biology |
| Hometown | Vancouver |
A fourth-year APBI student, Emily Wong travelled to the Island of Hawaii (Big Island) during Reading Week to join the seminar Systems Approaches to Regional Sustainability (Integrated Science ISCI 361). This intensive 9-day, 3-credit seminar was offered through UBC’s Go Global program, allowing students to experience Hawaiian land, ecosystems and communities firsthand.
Why did you pick Hawaii for your global seminar? How did you hear about it?
I decided to go to Hawaii for the diversity of activities and intriguing topics. I found out about this field course by searching through the Global Seminar Programs on the UBC Go Global website.
What was the application process like? Any tips?
The application process consisted of a written component and an online interview. As for tips, just be yourself! As an APBI student in an ISCI (Integrated Sciences) course, your experience and background are different but valued. Watching the information session recording and reviewing the course website before my interview helped me relate my experience to the course topics. I would also suggest revisiting the written questions prior to attending the interview.
How did you prepare?
Prior to our departure, there was a meeting where I was introduced to most of the attendees and was informed about what to pack. The instructors were great about telling us what activities to expect and any specific equipment we would require.
How was the overall experience? What did you learn?
I had an incredible experience! There was a variety of activities from hiking in lava tubes and tree sanctuaries, to touring a national historic site and a coffee plantation. The diversity of activities allowed me to understand the Big Island as a system, teaching me about the complex history of the island and providing a first-hand experience of its rich biodiversity.
If you could change something or do it differently, what would you change or do?
I would not change a thing! Well, maybe I would pack lighter so I could bring back more food.
How were the academics?
The course was divided into three components: pre-departure modules, an exam on our final day, and a research project examining an aspect of sustainability on the island. The modules provided a base understanding of the island, exploring its mythology, biology, and volcanology. The field component is taught by three professors with various backgrounds who were highly approachable and informed about these topics. Overall, this course provided a plethora of information regarding sustainability on the Big Island in a highly digestible manner.
How was the social aspect?
The students and teaching team all stay in one house for the week, while that may sound jarring, I think it allowed us to become a close-knit group. The rooms and daily car groups were selected via a lottery system, so everyone was able to mingle. I met so many amazing people through this course, and we were all heartbroken to leave.
Would you recommend this experience to others? What can they look forward to?
I would highly recommend this experience to others, it is easily one of the best decisions I made during my undergrad. The Big Island is filled with unimaginable scenery, rich history, and delicious food. You can expect to see amazing wildlife, learn from locals and professionals, and make lifelong friends!
What was the impact on your academic and personal development?
As an APBI student who primarily takes LFS and Forestry classes, this ISCI field course provided a new perspective on what sustainability looks like. Each day ended with a group recap, and due to the small class size and diverse academic backgrounds of my peers, these discussions helped me see things from new angles. It challenged me to think more critically about the social and cultural dimensions of sustainability, not just the environmental aspects, a perspective I will carry into my future academic and professional endeavours.
Tagged with: Applied Biology