Ian Alexander
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I worked as a teacher for twelve years in China and Korea and decided that studying a Master's degree would be a good way to live home in Canada again. This degree started my interest in academic research and new research questions unfolded. I was warmly welcomed by many people at conferences and was attracted to the collegiality of educational researchers.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose UBC because of three main reasons. The first is the Social Studies Education Centre in the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy. My supervisor Dr. Penney Clark and other faculty have a world-class research program which provides me with ample GRA work and collegial connections with other graduate students and faculty in Social Studies and History education across Canada and internationally. This has helped my funding greatly. Another reason is that my past professional experience and the focus of my research is on British Columbia and the curriculum for this province. So studying at the main research university in BC is most appropriate.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
Most of this was stated above is overlaps with choosing UBC. I know that there have been decades of research in Social Studies and History education in EDCP and Dr. Penney Clark has been through much of it. With the current SSHRC project Thinking Historically for Canada's Future, I have very good positions in two clusters and able to gain income and contribute academically to the project.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I am always amazed by the size of UBC and how it is like a little city beside Vancouver. I knew it would be big but when all the students returned in my second year (Fall 2021) it was quite an experience.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
I enjoy the courses and conferences. I like meeting my friends and different grad students to see what they are studying and doing as projects.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
The biggest challenge is probably the years in between PhD and hopefully getting a job as an assistant professor somewhere. But I chose this pathway knowing of the precarity and am used to such a life as an international teacher.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
My program has prepared me very well. The tacit and involved connections with scholars and grad students across Canada has been helpful. The large community of UBC provides infinite social connections that can help.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
As a school teacher, I am comfortable teaching as a TA so that has been a smooth transition. I lived in China and Korea for 12 years so am comfortable in multicultural environments.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I like meeting my friends in the park or some pub or cafe. I go biking, running, and swimming.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I took extra courses beyond the minimum requirement. This is helped me learn about new scholars and methods that I would not have discovered on my own. I took courses in four departments in the Faculty of Education and I made friends in each of these departments. Supporting other grad students through the years is crucial because some grad students seem lonely. I always reach out and see who wants to talk.