There are many wonderful professors, students and support systems at uLethbridge - try to connect with them as often as possible! Get involved in students' bodies, reach out to other students and share ideas. The uLethbridge community is here for you and wants to see you succeed.
Hi Shahina, congratulations on completing your PhD! Please, tell us what you worked on.
In my PhD project, Suffering and pain: Racialized immigrant women’s use of mental health services in Lethbridge, Alberta, I spoke with 13 racialized immigrant women to learn why they have used mental health services in Lethbridge. The women shared their intimate stories of pain and suffering and their experiences of using mental health services in Lethbridge with me. They described being emotionally damaged by their pain and suffering that they accessed mental health services.
Learning powerful stories of pain and suffering from the women I spoke with in my study was the most empowering part of my research, as it strengthened my commitment to work against the discriminatory structures affecting people.
What was your favourite thing about being a graduate student?
Having the opportunity to learn from cohorts, students, and professors and reflecting on diverse knowledge and perspectives. Also, learning from my outstanding supervisor Dr. Claudia Malacrida was one of the favourite things about being a grad student. Dr. Malacrida taught me so much, and certainly improved my ability to think creatively and critically. Also, the members of the Sociology Department provided an outstanding academic environment that a graduate student could only hope for. It was a great pleasure sharing the department with a group of supportive and extraordinary scholars.
How did studying in Canada impact you?
I am a changed person now, full of courage and confidence. I am blessed that in addition to my studies and teaching assistantship at uLethbridge, I worked on several professors' research projects. This helped me build the comprehensive knowledge and skills that were vital to progress in my degree and will be important to further my goals. As an international student in Canada, my path was not easy. However, based on my subjective experiences, I can say that my dedication, passion, and hard work always helped me to reach my goals.
Now that this chapter is over, what are your plans going forward?
I am currently a postdoc working with Associate Professor Dr. Ariane Hanemaayer in the project "Opioid Crisis: History, Science, Regulation,” Department of Sociology, Brandon University. My goal is to continue to engage in research in the areas of pain, suffering, gender, health, 'race', disability, and migration.
Looking back on your journey here, do you have any advice for newly minted graduate students, or for those considering graduate school?
There are many wonderful professors, students and support systems at uLethbridge - try to connect with them as often as possible! Get involved in students' bodies, reach out to other students and share ideas. The uLethbridge community is here for you and wants to see you succeed.
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