Monir Shahzeidi
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree to learn, critically think, share knowledge beyond academic circles and establish my voice as a racialized woman immigrant. Having access to high-quality education in the most renowned university is a great privilege. Being a public scholar offers an opportunity to build a network and advance a feminist perspective in leisure, and to bridge my scholarly knowledge and activist passion. From the NSERC category, I received CGS-D (SSHRC) Other awards received: Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal for 2021, Faculty of Education (FOE) Graduate Award, Faculty of Education (FOE) PhD Award
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC is a well-known university with higher education options and world-class facilities. UBC provides educators with resources and undoubtedly with the most experienced mentors in each field. These opportunities help students expand their knowledge and collaborate with other researchers.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The school of Kinesiology promotes a diverse, holistic, and active lifestyle in support of developing healthy individuals, groups, and societies. This program addresses human movement from diverse perspectives across disciplines such as sociology and humanities. I wanted a program that allow me to investigate differences, constraints and issues such as race, gender, class, nationality, religion and so on and transform ideas into action.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The scenic views, beautiful beaches, natural beauties and more.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
As a woman with an Iranian background and a first-generation immigrant, my unique life experiences have equipped me with valuable perspectives that have prepared me well for my current role as a Ph.D. student at UBC. Navigating the challenge of being an immigrant has required resilience and determination; the ability to overcome obstacles and engage with diverse perspectives effectively in multicultural settings allowed me to bring my viewpoint to my research and motivated me to contribute to social changes.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I like adventurous activities and challenges. I love hiking and rock-climbing for fun and yoga for relaxation.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I want to tell them to be focused on their dream and never give up. Being persistent, positive, and resilient is crucial to success. I also advise them to find a balance between work and life and enjoy their student life.
Learn more about Monir's research
My research calls attention to leisure as a gendered activity. My research proposes to employ a postcolonial feminist lens with the over-arching objective of exploring the leisure experiences of racialized women refugees, particularly emphasizing how these experiences exist at the crossroads of multiple identity categories (e.g., race, gender, class, and so on). The outcomes of this research contribute to Canadian society through building a community in which human rights are respected, and equity, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of life, including leisure practices.
