Preferred name: Aprisa

Pronouns: She/Her

Faculty: Applied Science

Specialization/Major: Mechanical Engineering

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Indonesia

Most important piece of advice you have received from someone: Dr. Alireza once told me that as an undergraduate student who want to achieve our best dream, we should place "our health" as our top priority, then we can focus to develop our passion. So, guys, health is the most important within these chaotic terms!

What were some challenges you came across during your Vantage year? How do you think the Vantage Peer Mentors can help students who experience these challenges? Being used with the study abroad environment for the first time is hard for me. At that time, I felt like a stranger who study engineering in a country which is thousand km away from my home. However, the VPM program helped me by providing several tricks and information that is useful for me to support my learning performance, also to let me enjoy this new environment! That is why I think by following the VPM program and by being engaged with them, asking the VPM about something that you really want to know, asking about their experience in the first year, allowing the first-year student (just like me before) to be more used to the learning environment in UBC!

Fun fact: I like to collect kinder joy toys <3.

Interests/Hobbies: Badminton, k-drama, weekend jogging.

Preferred name: Bernadette

Pronouns: She/Her

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Cognitive System: Cognition and Brain

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Indonesia

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? Every time the term comes to an end, we take a picture and have some casual conversation with the professors and TAs.

What are you looking forward to this year (2023-24)? I am looking forward to meeting and collaborating with amazing new people. I am also trying to have a work/study-life balance this year to establish a healthy lifestyle.

Fun fact: Usually I don't really like watching cartoon or animation, but whenever I feel sad, I always watch SpongeBob, Larva, or Studio Ghibli to comfort myself. 

Interests/Hobbies: Drawing, travelling, watching movie or TV series (especially K-drama).

Preferred name: Callixta

Pronouns: She/Her

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Chemical Biology

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Indonesia

What were some challenges you came across during your Vantage year? The challenges encountered are handling the courses and managing time so that there is still work and life balance. The presence of Vantage Peer Mentors could help the student by giving advice and new perspectives on how to deal with those challenges since they have experienced the same things before. 

Most important piece of advice you have received from someone: Make the day, don't let the day make you.

Fun fact: I am an avid reader, especially when it comes to Pierce Brown's novel.

Interests/Hobbies: I like to play badminton as well as basketball. I also like to play guitar during break time.

Preferred name: Calvin

Pronouns: He/Him

Faculty: Arts

Specialization/Major: International Economics

Year Level: Year 4

Where do you call home? China

What were some challenges you came across during your Vantage year? How do you think the Vantage Peer Mentors can help students who experience these challenges? The one of the biggest challenges I had is my language problem, but I believe all the peer mentors is here for you to practice your language. Therefore, feel free to chat with all the peer mentors.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? Attend office hours regularly!

Fun fact: I am Chinese, but I am not good at Math.

Interests/Hobbies: Badminton and Pool.

Preferred name: Fiorella

Pronouns: She/Her

Faculty: Arts

Specialization/Major: Major in International Relations, Minor in Law and Society

Year Level: Year 3

Where do you call home? Peru

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? The Vantage Capstone Conference: it was the result of our effort and also where everyone could look back and realize how far we have come, how people we have met, and how many things we have achieved and learned.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? Don't be afraid of failure. The latter prevents us to take risks and try new things. You are at the age of making mistakes so try, fail, learn, and most importantly, ENJOY!

Fun fact: I spent last year's birthday in three different countries (flying back home lol).

Interests/Hobbies: Photography, travelling, and learning languages.

Preferred name: Fouzan

Pronouns: He/Him

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Combined Major in Science

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? India

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? Late-night last-minute studies with friends at Orchard Commons before exams.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? Embrace the journey, explore new horizons, and grow as an individual. Balance academics and self-care to thrive. Create cherished memories and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Enjoy every moment of this remarkable experience!

Fun fact: I find that I am most productive when I push through fatigue and work even when I feel tried and sleepy.

Interests/Hobbies: Coding, Photography, Cricket, and Badminton.

Preferred name: Frances

Pronouns: She/Her

Faculty: Applied Science

Specialization/Major: Electrical Engineering

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Taiwan

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? Reflecting on my time in Vantage College, the most memorable moment was during our third term, which we spent on Okanagan campus, when we were tasked with creating a dryer prototype. The process was challenging yet immensely rewarding. Also, the friendships formed during this time were a significant part of the experience.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? A piece of advice I would give to new Vantage students is "Be resilient". There will be success as well as failures. Just remember that it is part of the process. Each difficulty is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Fun fact: A fun fact about me is that I am so into the movie Top Gun: Maverick that I've seen it seven times in the theater.

Interests/Hobbies: I like watching movies, listening to music (mostly Taylor Swift), and playing guitar.

Preferred name: Kevin

Pronouns: He/Him

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Combined Major in Science

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? China

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? The best memory to me in the Vantage One program was staying up late to midnight to review for final exams with friends at Orchard Commons.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? Managing your time wisely and the dedication to the studies are keys to success.

Fun fact: My motivation to become a doctor in the future not only being influenced by my family, but the TV series brought me a strong belief as well.

Interests/hobbies: I play the piano since I was 5 years old. I also love volunteering at the farm and hospitals to make contributions to the community.

Preferred name: Oscar

Pronouns: He/Him

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Physics

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Mexico

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? Facing failure is part of any journey, and it should not discourage you. We all need to fall so that we learn how to pick ourselves up. Remember, success often comes after overcoming multiple challenges, so don't let failure be the reason to abandon your aspirations.

What are you looking forward to this year (2023-24)? To learn as much as possible and complete all my courses successfully.

Fun fact: I love Taylor Swift.

Interests/Hobbies: I play the piano and the guitar. I love watching movies and TV shows.

Preferred name: Rachma

Pronouns: She/Her

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Not declared.

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Indonesia

What are you looking forward to this year (2023-24)? Meeting new people, getting new experiences, and giving positive impact to people.

What is a piece of advice you would like to give to new Vantage students? Do not afraid to ask. Don't afraid to try new things. Life is just too short to be afraid to try things. Make the most of what you had now.

Fun fact: I am desperately a coffee addict, and I can't live without music.

Interests/Hobbies: There are a lot. I love to cook. I enjoy cycling and play badminton. In my free time, I like to pour my thoughts into words through writing.

Preferred name: Verness

Pronouns: He/Him

Faculty: Science

Specialization/Major: Cognitive Systems, Cognition and Brain

Year Level: Year 4

Where do you call home? Taiwan

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? Solving out CS assignment all night with my group mate.

Most important piece of advice you have received from someone: Do not plagiarize, if you have problem please reach out to TA or professors.

Fun fact: I am a passive person to strangers, once we get together, I talk a lot.

Interests/Hobbies: I like to play sports. I play badminton, soccer, and baseball. I like to snowboard as well. During weekends, I like to try out new restaurants.

Preferred name: Charisma

Pronouns: He/Him

Faculty: Applied Science

Specialization/Major: Computer Engineering

Year Level: Year 2

Where do you call home? Indonesia

What is your best memory from your time in the Vantage One program? I meet friends across the world.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students? Don't be shy to express your english, just do it.

Fun fact: I am perfectionist. 

Interests/Hobbies: Math, games, watch tv series.