Victoria Pitsiaeli

About

Name	Victoria Pitsiaeli
Pronouns	She / Her
Program	Bachelor of Science in Global Resource Systems and Master of Management Dual Degree
Year	3
Hometown	Port Coquitlam, Canada

Exploring Food Systems Through Science, Sustainability, and Community

Victoria is an undergraduate student in the Global Resource Systems (GRS) program. She switched from the Applied Biology program to GRS after realizing she wanted to explore food systems through both scientific and social science perspectives. With over a decade of involvement in the 4H BC Program, Victoria developed a strong connection to agriculture, animal care, and sustainability. She also became increasingly curious about the broader policies and global issues that shape our food systems.

She encourages other students to build a sense of community early on, whether through student clubs, research labs, or campus groups. Her biggest piece of advice is to follow what genuinely interests you, both in and out of the classroom, because university is not just about academics—it is also about the relationships you build and the experiences that shape who you are becoming.

What are three adjectives that describe you?

Passionate, Enthusiastic, Driven

Why did you choose the Faculty of Land and Food Systems?

I chose LFS because I wanted to explore food systems from a broader perspective. I was interested not only in crops and food production, but also in areas such as business, economics, and social sciences. The Global Resource Systems program stood out to me because of its flexibility and interdisciplinary focus. It allows me to combine my interest in science, such as soil and plant studies, with a deeper understanding of the social and economic factors that shape food systems. This program offers a balance between science and social science, which matches my academic interests and learning goals.

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

The best part of my university experience so far has been developing a sense of community through the Land One program. It carried me through the early part of my degree and gave me friendships that have strengthened my sense of belonging at UBC. The courses helped me see how different parts of LFS and Forestry are connected, and it gave me real-world context that helped me figure out what I enjoy learning about.

How did you first become interested in the Global Resource Systems Program?

I grew up in an urban area, but I have always felt a strong connection to agriculture. I joined the 4H BC Program when I was eight years old, and for the past eleven years, it has been such an important part of my life. It gave me the chance to work closely with farms, animals, and food systems in a way that felt meaningful. Through animal husbandry and livestock showmanship, I learned how to care for animals and build relationships with them, and I also connected more deeply with Canadian agricultural traditions.

What made 4H even more special was how it helped me see the bigger picture. I started learning about important issues in our food systems, such as farmland use and sustainability. One of my favourite parts was the public speaking component, where I had to think about local issues and come up with real solutions. That experience opened my eyes to a world I had never really seen before, and I realized just how passionate I was about making a difference.

What kind of career do you hope to pursue after your degree?

I go back and forth between two career paths that I care about deeply. One part of me is drawn to soil science. I can see myself working as an agronomist, helping restore agricultural lands and promoting healthy soil practices. At the same time, I am also interested in the bigger picture of agriculture, especially trade, food systems, and policy. I could see myself working with a nonprofit or a larger organization to help shape agricultural policy and support sustainability.

When I first joined LFS, I was very focused on soil science. But through my classes, I discovered how much I enjoy the social science side as well. My program allows me to explore both areas and build a career that brings together science, policy, and meaningful community work.

For other students, what advice would you give them about making use of resources at UBC?

One piece of advice I’d give to other students is to really take advantage of the support offered by LFS Student Services—they’ve been incredibly helpful throughout my journey. Even before I officially started at UBC, I reached out to ask questions about which classes to take, and they were so quick to respond and made everything feel less overwhelming. They helped me plan out my courses and get a better understanding of how things work in the Faculty.

The GRS Program Coordinator has been especially wonderful. She’s so enthusiastic and genuinely cares about helping students grow and succeed. From the beginning, she made me feel like I had someone in my corner. Anytime I have a question or feel unsure about something, I know I can go to her and get support. It’s made a huge difference in helping me feel more confident and settled at UBC.

What strategies would you recommend for adapting to university?

One of the biggest pieces of advice would be to build a sense of community outside the classroom. University can feel overwhelming at first, but finding your people and creating a space where you belong makes it feel more like home. Community has been one of the most important parts of my experience. It reminds me that I am not just here for grades, but to grow and be part of something meaningful.

Getting involved outside of the classroom helped me to learn about myself and contribute to my community. LFS has so many clubs, student groups, and labs that are easy to join if you are open to trying. Catholic Christian Outreach was one of the first communities that made me feel supported. Volunteering in the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Lab also gave me hands-on experience with things I care about, like how farming practices affect the environment.

Lastly, do not put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Academics matter, but so does taking care of yourself and your well-being. Make time for things that bring you joy, take breaks, and enjoy the moment. University goes by quickly, and this is your chance to explore, connect, and build something that feels truly yours.