My combined five-year experience as a science undergraduate and experimental medicine graduate student provides the committee with knowledge of student experiences and understanding of students’ needs. As the Executive Director of Empower The Future, a nonprofit that supports high school students with the transition to post-secondary life, I take part in recruiting exceptional directors. I am a member of the Bright Future’s Education Fund Advisory Committee with the Big Sisters of Greater Vancouver to help develop a scholarship program for at-risk youth. I am involved in research and the community work within the Lower Mainland. I am a Youth Accessibility Leader designated by the Employment and Social and Development Canada to help improve accessibility and inclusivity. I am a Natural Science and Engineering Research Canada Student Ambassador to help increase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics outreach. Furthermore, I am a recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship by the Government of British Columbia which is given to citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities.
Due to my passion for supporting students, I have a strong sense of responsibility to participate in this search and ensure the success of a new chancellor. I would like to stand collectively for graduate students to ensure the next chancellor fits with the atmosphere of UBC and the committee includes the voice of UBC’s most important stakeholders – its students.
If you have any questions for me, I am happy to connect through email at shawnanarayan@alumni.ubc.ca.