Diving into student leadership helped Dela Hini discover her true passion, inspiring her to make a switch that dramatically altered her university experience 鈥� and her career aspirations
Dela Hini arrived at 麻豆导航ready to serve the greater good through work in听engineering. She soon discovered, however, that the program wasn鈥檛 quite the right fit. Determined to learn more about herself, she pursued student leadership opportunities and extracurricular activities. On this new path, Dela uncovered the best way to use her talents, and found a new career path, too.
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Why did you choose UBC?
I first learned about 麻豆导航when I visited my brothers, who live in the Lower Mainland. Inspired by the contemporary feel of Vancouver, I became obsessed with everything 麻豆导航and applied to the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. I even asked my brothers to send me 麻豆导航swag as I awaited the acceptance letters! I was accepted into 麻豆导航Okanagan, and after just three days of mountain air and good company, I knew I鈥檇 found where I needed to be.
We understand you’re changing programs 鈥� what prompted that shift?听
A big part of why I鈥檓 studying at university has to do with finding myself. From the moment I stepped onto campus I was trying to find myself, and did so through student leadership. As I delved into projects around human rights and poverty alleviation, I realized I was more at ease in the social sciences than in Engineering. In my first year, I took Sociology as an elective and continued on that track until I was able to switch programs.
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鈥淔rom the moment I stepped on campus I was trying to find myself, and have done so through student leadership.鈥澨�鈥� Dela Hini, Sociology and Political Science
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Has switching programs changed your career plans?
When I started university, I knew I wanted to serve others in my future career. I initially thought that would be in the form of creating prosthetics and medical devices. Now, I want to serve others through advocacy and policy. After I complete my undergraduate degree I intend to pursue a legal education in human rights law. I鈥檓 still obsessed with all things UBC, so the Allard School of Law at 麻豆导航Vancouver is my number one choice for law school.
What appeals to you about Sociology?
I enjoy Sociology because it lets me explore the issues I thought about when I was younger. I was born in Accra, Ghana, grew up in Calgary, and briefly lived in Saudi Arabia as well. Growing up, we always had the news up on TV, and coming from an immigrant family, I was always aware of global issues. Sociology provides insight into how societies operate and the root causes of social inequality. It鈥檚 a great way to understand the spaces I take up and recognize the role I can play in alleviating those inequalities. Sociology is also a great way to apply my Engineers Without Borders (EWB) experiences, and vice versa.
Can you share a bit about your involvement with Engineers Without Borders?
It鈥檚 been extremely formative and is part of why I decided to switch from Engineering to Sociology. Engineers Without Borders isn鈥檛 just for engineers, it鈥檚 for anyone interested in systems change and alleviating global poverty. I joined because EWB鈥檚 values align with my own and I saw the potential to grow as a leader while being a part of something meaningful.
I started off as an EWB junior fellow, which enabled me to return home to Accra to work with one of EWB鈥檚 ventures, a tech enterprise called VOTO Mobile, now Viamo. The company creates and distributes educational information via SMS and voice call. Upon returning to Canada, I became a returned junior fellow and served as co-vice president external for the chapter. Most recently, I have been elected as co-president for the chapter.
鈥淢y extracurricular involvement has helped me zero in on my strengths and weaknesses. I鈥檝e taken on a variety of roles, and in each have learned something new about myself and what I鈥檓 capable of.鈥�
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What have you found most valuable about participating in extracurricular activities?
It鈥檚 a great way to connect with others and feel like a part of the campus community. Also, my extracurricular involvement has helped me zero in on my strengths and weaknesses. I鈥檝e taken on a variety of roles, and in each have learned something new about myself and what I鈥檓 capable of. I wanted university to be an opportunity for me to find myself, and getting involved on campus has definitely enriched my journey and helped in my understanding of self.
When you鈥檙e not studying, what鈥檚 your favourite thing to do on campus?
Hang out with friends in the , or the . I鈥檓 very involved in clubs and student government, so if I鈥檓 not studying, I鈥檓 often doing something for that.
What鈥檚 the best part about living in Kelowna?
The views! Kelowna is so breathtaking and that鈥檚 part of why I chose the Okanagan campus. It鈥檚 a very lifestyle-focused place, so there are a lot of options if you like hiking, water sports, or simply going for a walk. I鈥檝e also started training with the Okanagan Athletics Club, so I enjoy practising with them or going to the gym.
Where鈥檚 your favourite place to study, and why?
The quiet rooms in the library or an empty classroom. Everyone that鈥檚 in the quiet rooms in the library is in full study mode, so it really helps me focus. Whenever I鈥檓 studying in an empty classroom, I鈥檓 often with my friends and it鈥檚 often the night before an exam. We like to use the white boards and order pizza while we work. It鈥檚 a great space to get work done while feeling supported during exam stress.
鈥淭hanks to my time here, I鈥檝e been able to learn from exceptional scholars, staff, and student leaders, and my character has undoubtedly been shaped by the bright minds and wholehearted mentorship.鈥�
What has your 麻豆导航experience helped you achieve so far, and how?听
Meeting some of the best people in my life, realizing my worth, and growing as a leader. Thanks to my time here, I鈥檝e been able to learn from exceptional scholars, staff, and student leaders, and my character has undoubtedly been shaped by the bright minds and wholehearted mentorship. What really makes 麻豆导航Okanagan special is the people and the innovations they foster. This inspires me every day in my leadership.
What do you think differentiates 麻豆导航from other universities?
The sense of community, and the opportunities available to students. I wouldn鈥檛 be the person I am today if not for the opportunities that 麻豆导航Okanagan has given me. There is a very distinct culture of inclusion 鈥� it鈥檚 so welcoming and rich with opportunities to lead. When I talk about my university experience with my friends at other schools, I find their campuses lack some of the leadership opportunities that are in abundance here.
Also, the 麻豆导航motto, Tuum Est, can be a reality for anyone. If you have an idea, make it a reality; if you have a dream, pursue it. With its countless clubs, events, and academic avenues, 麻豆导航offers a rich educational opportunity where students can uncover the best of themselves. I took Tuum Est to heart and I鈥檝e been making my experience mine ever since!
