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Taylor Arnt
Faculty
Home Town
Winnipeg
Country
Canada
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Having access to quality education is a great privilege, one that has provided me with invaluable opportunities to affect change. I chose to pursue a graduate degree to bridge together my scholarly and activist passions, and learn among likeminded people.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC is a well renowned university with world-class facilities and a gorgeous campus. When I toured, I fell in love with its green spaces and innovative architecture. I also respected the school as a climate leader among universities across the country.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
I wanted a program that would allow me to embrace all the facets of who I am- as a queer, Indigenous, woman. With Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice, I didn't have to compromise in my studies.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Vancouver's beach culture is definitely something special about the city that I've yet to experience anywhere else. Wreck Beach, just off of UBC's campus, has a particular magic to it that evades words.
UBC is a well renowned university with world-class facilities and a gorgeous campus. When I toured, I fell in love with its green spaces and innovative architecture. I also respected the school as a climate leader among universities across the country.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
My cohort eats together, studies together, and has each others' birthdays memorised. They've quickly become like family to me.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
I think the biggest challenge, not only in my career but collectively, will be addressing climate change in a way that is equitable for those most deeply impacted. I don't think we can do any of our other social justice efforts without a safe and healthy planet to live on.
My program gave me a lot of flexibility to write a thesis related to climate change, despite it not being a specialisation of my program. They saw my vision for intertwining social justice and the environment, and nurtured it.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
My program asks us to show up not only academically but emotionally, something I've never shied away from. I come from a spoken word background, and have shared my work alongside great authors like Chanel Miller and Eternity Martis. Having those experiences allowed me to share my perspectives with precision and empathy.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I like to challenge myself with physical activity- boxing, snowboarding, hiking, and anything else I can get my hands on. I also write poetry and personal essays in my spare time.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Create deep, meaningful relationships with your supervisors. I think a major key to success is feeling comfortable going to them with questions.