Meet Afifa | Friendly. Reliable. Hardworking.
Program: Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health)
Why did you choose your program of study?
I chose the ULethbridge After-Degree Public Health program offered at the Calgary campus because I initially decided to leverage this two-year bachelor's to make myself competitive for nursing programs in Alberta. After receiving my first bachelor's, nursing was the only field I could imagine myself working in, and I even worked as a virtual medical scribe for 1.5 years after completing my first degree to gain some knowledge and experience in healthcare. I also considered this program as a way to hit two birds with one stone, not only making myself competitive for nursing but also gaining essential public health knowledge that would be beneficial for working as a registered nurse.
Lo and behold! I never would have imagined myself liking public health enough to see myself enjoying this field!
I love how public health looks at health through social, political, anthropological, psychological and biological lenses and extends beyond individual health. After completing my first year of the program, I decided to no longer pursue nursing and, instead, work towards becoming eligible and competitive for graduate studies in public health to further my knowledge and build competency. It is through this program that I found my passion lies in women’s health.
How have your professors or mentors influenced your learning and personal growth?
They have been the backbone throughout my academic journey at ULethbridge. One of those instructors is Dr. Silvia Koso. I remember a couple of days before my first day of the program, Silvia hosted an online orientation for new Public Health students. Only one other student participated in that orientation, and I was a nervous wreck because Silvia would be my medical microbiology professor that term. However, she was supportive of everyone’s learning journey and was straightforward and crystal clear with her expectations, which I respect. She greatly supported me this school year by helping with my graduate studies applications and even going out of her way to connect me with potentially interested graduate supervisors. Silvia helped me gain confidence in myself and inspired me with her abundant knowledge and passion for public health, her forthrightness and her big heart.
Two other instructors who are essential to my learning are Benny Rana and Professor Adriana Lima. I previously took three of Benny’s courses and am currently enrolled in one this term, so I believe she knows me the most. She never fails to make me feel supported and would offer guidance when needed. Benny is incredibly supportive of the ideas I have for assignments, pointing me towards concepts and frameworks I can use to support them. She has been especially responsive to any questions or concerns I have and will not hesitate to share her thoughts, knowledge and experience when asked, whether they are related to coursework or personal inquiries. Adriana was my first-term Introduction to Academic Writing professor, and she played a large role in building my writing confidence. Academic writing is something I continue to struggle with, as I overthink even the smallest words or concepts. She helped me understand my unique writing style and how to adapt it to different writing pieces, which continues to guide me when drafting, proofreading and editing works.
What has been your most memorable or meaningful experience at ULethbridge so far?
My most meaningful experience at ULethbridge, no doubt, has been getting involved with the community by promoting student wellness as one of Calgary campus's first Wellness Ambassadors in the Student Wellness Ambassador Program (SWAP). Although it has only been a month, I am so excited that my partner and I have hosted our first SWAP event in January called Chai and Check-In. Promoting student wellness in small ways, like hosting the Chai and Check-In, allows me to utilize my creativity, such as designing the Chai and Check-In poster, which was posted on the ULethbridge Instagram page and story. It especially allows me to get to know the students on my campus and understand their thoughts around wellness. The SWAP team on the main campus and the Calgary campus wellness coordinator have been incredibly helpful with event ideas and set up for our first event. Can’t wait for the events that are lined up for the rest of the winter semester!
How do you like to spend your time when you're not studying or in class?
There are so many that I can list off! The activity that takes up most of my time when I am not studying is volunteering. I volunteer for a science education outreach program called the Association for the Advancement of Science and Engineering Education (AASEE). My role as outreach coordinator and volunteer allows me to communicate with rural Alberta schools interested in our STEM activities. I also visit those schools, teach rural or marginalized kids different STEM topics, and have them engage in fun activities, like making their own battery to power a lightbulb or building a parcel using only select materials to ship off a single Pringle’s chip without it breaking. I also volunteer for a Sunday children’s art class and lend my time to help make and set up decorations for cultural events in my community.
Last summer, I crafted multiple wedding trays, designed a wedding mirror using glass pieces and clay, and painted “Alponas” (Bengali hand-painted patterns) on my friend’s concrete entryway for her wedding. After that experience, I have spent some of my weekends practicing different designs on paper and plan to create an Instagram page to share my work. I am by no means an expert, but I hope to get the opportunity to paint Alponas this summer and build my skills. Some other ways I like to spend my time outside of studying and class are reading thriller and mystery novels, watching Netflix shows and movies like The Rookie and The Pitt (although I always go back and watch the Harry Potter series and Criminal Minds), enjoying different cafes and brunch places with my friends despite being broke, purchasing cute items (wise decision while broke), and taking my pet out on grocery or food runs (a brother does count as a pet, right?).
Afifa Islam's Alpona Art
What dreams, goals or plans are you most excited to pursue after your time at ULethbridge?
First and foremost…SLEEP! But I don’t think I'll get that anytime soon.
Secondly, I am looking forward to this summer because I will start my Public Health practicum at a women’s health research lab here in Calgary. Even though this is considered a plan during my time at ULethbridge, it is something I am looking forward to. The lab’s focus is on women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is what I am interested in exploring in the realm of women’s health and have first-hand knowledge about! I am very excited to gain essential research experience and skills!
Lastly, after taking Epidemiology last term and enjoying it, I have a better sense of what I want to pursue. My current goal is to get into an MPH or MSc program so that I have the knowledge and competency to work towards my larger goal of becoming an epidemiologist. I hope this goal of mine becomes a reality.
What advice would you share with new students just beginning their ULethbridge journey?
I can’t think of just one piece of advice I would like to share with new students. But I can narrow them down to the following three:
1. Always be a helping hand! Everyone is going through this post-secondary journey together, and so it should be instinctive to help others when you can. I would have classmates asking me for clarification on an assignment or when something is due, or I would overhear a concern they have that I can address. I do the best I can within my capabilities to help, and I do so with a smile. It doesn’t take much time, requires little effort, but makes a big impact for you and others.
2. Take advantage of ALL the resources ULethbridge has to offer! I can’t stress this enough! These resources are here to make life easier, because being a student isn't easy. Every student juggles school with one or more other commitments. I have tremendous respect for my Public Health peers who have to balance academics with work, family, and/or personal commitments. Use the Writing Centre for help on assignments before submission, the Counselling Services to check in on your mental wellbeing, and speak with Career Advisors for job search assistance. Use them and leverage these resources!
3. Enjoy the journey! Goals, aspirations, majors, dreams and paths can all change. See numerous faces in your classes, some you will like and some you won’t get along with. Learn from different instructors with different expectations. Have your highs and your lows, whether that’s grades or mental health or just life in general. Nothing is static; you never know what tomorrow brings, and life doesn’t end if something doesn’t go your way. There is always a way around. But you won’t get the time back missed on enjoying the little moments and memories made along the way. So, enjoy the peace and the chaos in your academic journey, and embrace them wholeheartedly.
Who has inspired you and how?
Saying my mom inspired me is cliché … but it’s the truth.
My mom is incredibly hardworking, steadfast and bold, yet the most sincerely kindhearted person I have ever met. Seriously, I do not know how she works two jobs as an LPN, some days working a straight 18-hour shift, then coming home and taking care of us buffoons! But she has not only inspired me with her resilience and character, but also by the way she embraces struggles. My mom knew she wanted to pursue nursing at Bow Valley College several years ago. However, life happened, and my brother and I needed her the most during those times. She continued working as a medical office assistant until I moved out to start at ULethbridge.
I remember completing my first year and coming home for the summer when my mom started her first semester of the LPN program at Bow Valley. She never once worried about returning to studies at her age, even though so many others pointed it out. Graduating from the LPN program and becoming licensed just a couple of months before the COVID pandemic was declared was the hardest moment for her. She worked six jobs during the height of the pandemic while taking care of the household. In the end, she always reminds me how that period of intense struggle was well worth the life we are living now.
From her, I learned that it’s all right to change course and pursue my goals, regardless of age, outside noise or my own fears trying to stop me.
I have to learn to embrace the struggles and consequences that come with my pursuit to enjoy the fruits of my labour. My mom is the biggest supporter in my academic journey, and I hope I am making her proud.