Fay Alikhani
As a Romance Studies major, Fay Alikhani participated in an ISL placement in Mexico focusing on sustainable agriculture.
What was the highlight of your experience?
I have so many good memories of this experience. For me, the highlight of every day was working in the field with the staff at Tsomanotik. These are some of the most amazing people I have ever met – incredibly friendly, smart, passionate and patient. I was always excited to get up in the morning and start work with them and afterwards hang out, relax and get to know them personally.
Why did you choose this particular program/learning theme?
I really wanted to use the opportunity of having two weeks off for Reading Break to do a service-learning trip. I always feel like if I have the time and the resources, I want to make use of them to travel to places I’ve never been. In the world today, sustainability is a huge topic and I was really interested in learning about the different ways that communities deal with the issue.
How has this opportunity impacted your studies at UBC?
It has really motivated me to put more effort into my Spanish classes! Next time I go back to Mexico, I’d like to communicate my ideas more fluently and be able to understand others better.
How has this opportunity impacted you
This opportunity has impacted me in a huge way. Talking to the people of Tsomanotik, it is impossible not to be inspired by them and their visions. Not only has it made me believe that I can change, but that others can change as well. I think the experience helped renew my faith in people as well as take a look at my own life and see the small changes I can make to live in a more sustainable way.
What would you say to other students thinking about going global before they graduate?
Do it! There is no substitution for an experience. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain. Can’t say it any better than that.
