Sarah Kim Youngblutt
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I had previously completed a double major in Anthropological Archaeology and Asian Area Studies here at UBC and wanted to learn more about how policies of heritage are written and applied within Southeast Asia.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
UBC is an excellent school in which I have been continually supported and encouraged to embrace new horizons. I am honoured to be both living and studying at UBC. Enrolling in the MAAPS program was the best decision of my academic career.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
Following the first day of the program, I realized that I was entering a place where I could finally begin to improve our world through understanding how to improve contemporary policy writing in the streams of social and economic change, global governance, human security and human rights.
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
I am interested in writing policies for cultural sites of heritage, specifically UNESCO within Southeast Asia. I am excited to pursue a PhD here at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on how policies and associated discourse affect archaeological sites of heritage in Southeast Asia. When I have completed my PhD Studies here at UBC, I would like to be a professor of Southeast Asian Archaeology. I would also like to work with UNESCO concurrent with my position as a professor. I think that my three young children Miles, Rhodes and Windy will be quite happy to have an adventurous mom.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
I think that it is important to view your graduate studies as an opportunity to better yourself and your career. It is also important to take care of your mind and your body while you are in school in order to engage in the experience to the very best of your ability.
