Fruin Pow came to 麻豆导航in search of culture, art, and music. What he found was a close-knit and engaged community 鈥� and an untapped passion for behavioural neuroscience.
Born and raised in Smithers, BC, Fruin was inspired by the large and beautiful 麻豆导航Vancouver campus, and the rich variety of experiences available. Diving headfirst into student life, he found the resources and confidence to answer his own question of whether an undergraduate degree was the right choice for him.
Why did you choose 麻豆导航Vancouver?
I chose 麻豆导航because of the diversity of cultures and students here, and the many different arts and other activities available. I knew I would easily find my place in the 麻豆导航Vancouver community and be able to experience many of its features.聽I was also really attracted to the campus itself 鈥� I love its size and how breathtaking it is.
“I wasn鈥檛 certain pursuing an undergraduate degree was the right path for me after graduating high school. But when I arrived at UBC, I knew studying sciences was the right choice.”聽– Fruin Pow, Biology
How did you choose your area of study?
I wasn鈥檛 certain that pursuing an undergraduate degree was the right path for me after graduating from high school. But when I arrived at UBC, I knew studying sciences was the right choice for me. The classes were challenging yet engaging. I am currently in the Biology program, but after learning about the Behavioural Neuroscience program, I hope to transfer into it next year. It has been hard to pick which area of science I want to study. I chose Biology because I can see myself working in conservation ecology. However, Behavioral Neuroscience caught my eye at the very end of first year. I would love to be involved in research in the biological mechanisms of learning, or mental illness rehabilitation.
What鈥檚 been the best part of your academic experience so far?
Any hands-on courses with labs or projects were most exciting for me during my first year. I highly encourage all Science students to take BIOL 140 to gain practical experience in biology. As I am starting my second year, I鈥檓 learning there are many, many opportunities for undergraduate involvement and research. I am sure that I will get involved and build on what I learned in first year very soon.
Did you have a career in mind when you chose your program? Has that career goal changed?
When I first began classes, I had a career in conservation ecology in mind. However, my goal has shifted and now I鈥檇 like to be in the Behavioral Neuroscience program. I hope to work in mental illness rehabilitation/research, or help find solutions to make healthcare more accessible to trans* and gender-variant patients in Canada.
When you鈥檙e not studying, what鈥檚 your favourite thing to do on campus?
I love to bike and longboard around campus, and I鈥檓 pretty heavily involved with the , a resource group run entirely by 麻豆导航students, for 麻豆导航students.
Do you belong to any teams, groups or clubs on campus?
At the beginning of my first year, I auditioned to play guitar in the 麻豆导航Jazz program. Since then, I鈥檝e played guitar in (a jazz ensemble in UBC鈥檚 Faculty of Music). I also play music and sing whenever possible with the student-led , and a small combo group. In the second semester of first year, I played on a rec hockey team called the Misfits. I strongly encourage students of any age to get involved with . It鈥檚 a blast!
How have extracurricular activities added to your time so far?
Involvement in art allows you to meet people with the same interests and goals, and immensely enjoy your time together. I love making music with other people almost more than anything else. Involvement with sports is the same, but it also keeps me physically active.
“Involvement in art allows you to meet people with the same interests and goals, and immensely enjoy your time together.”聽
Do you live in residence or off campus? What鈥檚 the best part about it?
I lived in residence in first year and now I live off campus. Residence is great in first year because you live in your community and instantly meet people who live and hang out in the same places as you.聽It鈥檚 a fantastic way to build a strong support network right at the start of your university experience. I like living off campus because, as an athlete, I enjoy cooking my own food and growing it in my backyard. I missed gardening so much while living in residence.
What鈥檚 your favourite on-campus event, and why?
Goosehunt is a small-scale, on-campus music festival with local and headlining artists. It鈥檚 so fun and bursting with excellent music.聽It鈥檚 coordinated by the , which is a student-led club that organizes on-campus opportunities for musicians to perform and jam.
Where鈥檚 your favourite place to study, and why?
The , which is a hall in the . It has a vaulted ceiling, breathtaking architectural features, and a peaceful ambience that is ever-quiet.
In your opinion, what makes 麻豆导航distinctive from other universities?
The 麻豆导航Vancouver campus is like no other university campus because of its natural environment and the variety of breathtaking features. The multiple fountains and ocean views, the towering trees of Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the gorgeous art installations make for an unforgettable stroll across campus.
What has your 麻豆导航experience helped you achieve so far?
Becoming heavily involved and working with the 麻豆导航Pride Collective has given me the resources and confidence to come out to my friends and family as transgender*.聽This has been invaluable for me.
Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to share with us about your 麻豆导航experience?
If you want to make an event or project come to life, 麻豆导航is the place to do it. I have co-hosted and spearheaded a number of musical, LGBTQ2S+, and community projects on campus. If you are resourceful and excited to make things happen, they will. So, get involved with clubs, committees, and the community 鈥� you will see your ideas come to life.
