Darra Hofman
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I left the practice of law when my eldest child was diagnosed with autism. I originally did my masters in Library Science with the intention of working in patient literacy. However, over the course of my studies I became fascinated by the rights issues inherent, first in health records, and then in records more broadly. I undertook the Ph.D. in order to study the role of records in human rights.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC is a world leader in my area of specialization, with unparalleled resources, support, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
UBC is a world leader in my area of specialization, with unparalleled resources, support, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Although the knowledge and skills from my law degree are obviously useful, the best preparation has been parenting my kids, especially my two special needs sons. They've taught me to have the kind of patience, toughness, and endurance that will hopefully sustain me through my dissertation.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Hang out with my three kids and write fiction (my current manuscript is postapocalyptic fantasy).
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Be flexible! It's okay to "fall down the rabbit hole" sometimes. We all come to graduate school because of a particular passion, but it's okay for that passion to evolve as well.