Maryam Wattoo is a fifth year Public Health Student that now has a strong understanding of who she is after her time at ULethbridge. She has met many wonderful people and had eye opening experiences that have shaped her into who she is today. She hopes to go on to help vulnerable populations achieve the best possible health outcomes, using her knowledge gained through her program.
Meet Maryam | Energetic. Disciplined. Hilarious.
Program: Bachelor of Health Science in Public Health
Why did you choose ULethbridge?
I chose ULethbridge because I am from Lethbridge and it was the closest university to home.
Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?
I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or who I was before I studied at ULethbridge. I changed my major multiple times and went down a lot of different paths before I finally picked the one that was right for me. Now I have a strong understanding of who I am and what I want to do. Its funny to think of how different of a person I was before studying at ULethbridge.
How have your professors impacted your education?
My Public Health professors have been so understanding of student life and how difficult it can be. I have had so many wonderful professors in this department who have supported me and were so kind to me. The kindness of some of my professors have really gotten me through a lot. Shout out to Keltie and Julia! Professors knowing my name and remembering me means so much to me. Having a close connection with professors is so valuable and many other universities where student bodies are so massive do not have this privilege.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
Probably when I started working at Food For Thought here on campus. It is a food insecurity initiative that's main goal is to provide nutritious food to students. I have met so many wonderful people here and the work we do is very impactful. I also started working with LPIRG Fresh Food Programs here at the university which is also where I met some amazing people and we all get together every month and feed as many students as possible. Working at these places opened up my eyes to complicated issues in our world that need more attention.
In your free time, what do you like to do?
I love to travel to big and beautiful places and go on adventures. I love baking, cooking, and making art. I love going to new places to eat and to sightsee. I also love late night drives. I love to learn about and experience other cultures.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
I want to explore as much of the world as possible. I want to be able to use my degree to create initiatives within vulnerable populations to help them to achieve the best possible health outcomes. I want to create projects that assist and protect vulnerable people.
What advice would you like to give those about beginning their journey at ULethbridge?
Do not stress or freak out if you have no idea what you are doing. University is not meant to be a smooth and mistake free road. Take your time and explore as many options for yourself as possible before picking anything. Do not forget that it is never too late to change your mind.