Preferred name: Alqallaf

Pronouns: he/his/him

Faculty: Science

Specialization: Dentistry, 2nd year

Home: Kuwait

Interests/hobbies: Hiking, fishing, and practicing martial arts

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

It is okay to fall if you would stand up again.

Preferred name: Cassie

Pronouns: She/ Her/ Hers

Faculty: Arts

Specialization: Major Psychology & a Minor in statistics, 4th year

Home: China

Interests/hobbies: Video games, e-sports and Music.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Don’t be afraid to say hello to new person. Friends is crucial especially in a new place.

Preferred name: Jafar

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Faculty: Science

Specialization: Not declared, 2nd year

Home: Kuwait

Interests/hobbies: I like to play football/soccer and I enjoy swimming

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Take the first step in meeting new people, because most students are new to this environment and they all as nervous as you are. 

Preferred name: Elaine

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Faculty: Arts

Specialization: Psychology, 4th year

Home: China

Interests/hobbies: Hiking, travelling, playing with animals.

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Do not hesitate to explore and making friends. You may encounter many difficulties and uncertainty in first year and get more social interactions will be helpful.

Preferred name: Maria

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Faculty: Science

Specialization: Not declared, 2nd year

Home: Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil

Interests/hobbies:  Playing the piano, swimming and playing volleyball

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Join a club! It's the best thing I did during my first year at UBC, I promise you won't regret it.

Preferred name: Mioko

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Faculty: Arts

Specialization: Not declared, 2nd year

Home:  Japan

Interests/hobbies: Skiing, golfing, midnight cafe runs

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage Students?

Don’t rush or feel you are behind, everyone’s got the same worries :) 

Preferred name: Tara

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Faculty: Science

Specialization: Statistics, 2nd year

Home: Belgrade, Serbia

Interests/hobbies: Reading (Pride and Prejudice is my favorite in this lifetime), playing and listening to music, and watching comfort TV shows (Gilmore Girls always). 

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Give your best, and take care of yourself! Study when you feel productive, visit different parts of Vancouver, meet friends from everywhere and make sure you stay open-minded to new things!

Preferred name: K

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Faculty: Applied Science

Specialization: Mechanical, 2nd year

Home: Thailand

Interests/hobbies: Eating, snowboarding and kendo

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

“If you win, you live, if you lose, you die. If you don’t fight, you can’t win.”

Preferred name: Tiffany 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Faculty: Arts

Specialization: Major in Sociology, Minor in Commerce, 4th year

Home: Hong Kong

Interests/hobbies: Travelling, exploring new restaurants

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to try new things! (e.g. join a club!)

Preferred name: Yiming

Pronouns: he/him/his

Faculty: Science

Specialization: Combined Major in Statistics and Economics, 4th year

Home: Beijing, China

Interests/hobbies: Photography, coffee, badminton

What is a piece of advice you would give to new Vantage students?

Please feel free to come to me if you are confused, I hope they will treat me as a friend. College life is very beautiful, please rest assured and boldly create your future!