Veronika Larsen
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue graduate school for several reasons, but I can narrow my motivations down to three central reasons: I love learning; I love teaching; and I want to help people through my research. Being able to extend my learning through specified seminars that relate directly to my research interests has been rewarding and valuable. Graduate school also offers the opportunity to grow from my learning and be able to work as a TA, working with students and leading my own tutorial sections. This is something that I truly love doing and hope to pursue beyond graduate school. Lastly, my research topic holds a special place for me, and it is something I sincerely wish to gather information on and be able to give back to the public. I plan to offer knowledge mobilization plans that will provide means for positive change reaching into the future.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I completed my MA at UBC in 2021, and my time on campus has been quite wonderful. I decided to study at UBC largely because of the expert faculty members that I have learned from, and that I believe I can learn much more from. Members in my department continue to offer support from diverse viewpoints and perspectives as I work toward to the research portion of my degree. I continue to be grateful for their kindness, patience, and knowledge that they are willing to share me with me ongoing. Vancouver is also a beautiful place to live, and the services and landscape surrounding West Point Grey (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Musqueam Territory) have been truly a pleasure.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
This program offers a language-focused research through the English department. The English department offers diverse members with expertise in rhetoric of health and medicine, medical humanities, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and cognitive linguistics: all major areas that I was and am interested in.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
I was surprised by the sheer size of the campus -- I had my phone out using Google Maps the first few months I lived here!
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
Although I am just starting out, I am looking forward to putting together the results of my research.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
Because my work is highly interdisciplinary, I think a challenge may be communicating my experience and research in a meaningful way for different disciplines to understand.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
My program offers a research seminar in my first year that was incredibly helpful in acknowledging potential challenges. Faculty and staff are always present and willing to help, too.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
I completed my undergraduate degree in English and (Cognitive) Psychology. I believe the combination of these topics, combined with RA experience is psychology and English literature, gave me space to explore and understand what I wish to pursue in my future.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I go to gym, find dogs to pet, and/or sit down with a good fiction novel.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
Join student groups, get to know your peers and faculty members, and enjoy your time at UBC!
Q54. Outside of your academic work, what are the ways that you engage with your local or global community? Are there projects in particular that you are proud of?
I have worked as a volunteer for a local Eating Disorder support centre since 2022, and this work has, and continues to be, truly meaningful in my life.