“Our student staff are an important part of our operations. We could not run our Recreation facilities without the hard work and dedication our students bring on a daily basis. Our diverse group of UBC Students bring a unique perspective to our daily operations that help us grow as a department. Those who chose to work with us throughout their 4-5 years here at UBC really feel like family so when they graduate it is very bittersweet. We are so proud of all they have accomplished but sad to see them leave.” Operations Manager, UBC Aquatic Centre, Christine Saunders
At the core of UBC Recreation is our vibrant student community – Student staff, volunteers. athletes, instructors and leaders. Each year, we bid farewell to a group of remarkable individuals from our UBC Recreation family as they graduate and embark on new journeys. This year, we’re highlighting graduates from the UBC Aquatic Centre, celebrating their achievements and sharing their reflections and advice to incoming students.
Alice Astrakianakis
Favourite place on campus? The UBC Aquatic Centre! But also Wreck Beach and Pacific Spirit Park.
Favourite class? So hard to choose but either BIO 121 in my first year, because I had a super awesome prof! or one of my medieval French courses.
Favourite event or activity? Day of the LongBoat.
How has UBC Recreation made an impact on your university experience? I’ve made so many lifelong friendships and memories through working for UBC Recreation, without UBC recreation I don’t think that I would feel as strongly connected to the UBC community.
What will you miss most about UBC? Spending time on such a beautiful campus and always running into people I know in the weirdest spots.
What do you look forward to most after graduation? More time to relax! Before moving on to becoming a high school teacher.
What is one thing every student should add to their UBC bucket list? The UBC polar bear dip on the last day of 1st semester classes.
Dina Adefris
Lifeguard/Instructor, UBC Aquatic Centre – 3 years
Athlete, TSC Artistic Swimming Team – 1 year
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science and Minor in Law & Society
One piece of advice for incoming first years?
Try to get involved outside of academics as much as possible, even if you’re nervous or scared! Whether that means joining a club that sounds kind of interesting, applying for a job that you don’t think you’ll get, or going to an event on campus alone, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. There are so many ways to get involved at UBC, and you’ll meet some of your closest friends while making some of your fondest memories when you step outside of your comfort zone!
How has UBC Recreation made an impact on your university experience? My time working at the UBC Aquatic Centre allowed me to meet so many amazing and supportive peers that have helped me navigate being a student at UBC. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many like-minded individuals; some of whom provided me with lots of valuable academic guidance, others who taught me important life skills, and many of whom became close friends.
Favourite place on campus? Loafe Café (specifically the location in the Alumni Centre). It’s a great spot to get some work done or to just grab a coffee/something to eat!
Favourite class? POLI 320A (Government and Politics of the USA) with Dr. Gyung-Ho Jeong, LASO 204 (Introduction to Law and Society) with Dr. Mark Harris, and AMNE 341 (Sex, Lies, and Violence in the Hebrew Bible) were amongst some of my favourite classes.
Favourite event or activity? Imagine Day and The Calendar’s Garden Party were my two favourite events to kick off the school year!
What will you miss most about UBC? The sense of community on campus and being so close to all my friends and peers.
What do you look forward to most after graduation? Hopefully continuing my academic journey and attending law school!
What is one thing every student should add to their UBC bucket list? Spend a sunny Friday afternoon grabbing lunch with friends on the patio at the Gal (Gallery Patio & Lounge in the Nest).
Nicola Duyker
Shift Supervisor, Lifeguard/Instructor, UBC Aquatic Centre – 3 years
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation, Global Perspectives
One piece of advice for incoming first-years?
Change is good! Each semester is a new page to be written. Also Porch has good soup for under $5.
How has UBC Recreation made an impact on your university experience? By working with people from all areas of university life, I feel a part of a true community. I can’t go anywhere on campus without recognizing someone from the pool!
Favourite place on campus? Forest Sciences Centre on a rainy day
Favourite class? HIST 106 – Global Environmental History and CONS 451 – Ecuador Field School
Favourite event or activity? UBC Olympic Cardio: FSC to Buchanan in under ten minutes.
What will you miss most about UBC? Campus in spring and autumn.
What do you look forward to most after graduation? Working abroad!
What is one thing every student should add to their UBC bucket list? Exploring Pacific Spirit Park– especially Camosun Bog.