Anna Riminchan from Cohort 2019 has always been inspired by the processes of the human brain and behaviour. Starting her first year studies at UBC, Anna hopes to pursue a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Neuroscience. Learn more about this Beedie Luminary below.
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
I’ll be going into sciences for my first year, hoping to major in behavioural neuroscience! I’m very interested in learning about how the brain works and participating in the current research being done to understand this incredible organ that plays such a vital part in our lives.
I’m fascinated by studying how our thoughts and behaviors arise from biological and chemical processes, as the field still holds many discoveries! It’s very exciting to be apart of such a dynamic, limitless field where there’s so much to learn!
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I was born in Bulgaria and immigrated to Canada when I was about four years old. I mostly grew up going to school in Canada, but would spend my summers living with my grandparents in Bulgaria. Having such a unique childhood taught me to really value all the opportunities present in Canada that are attainable through hard work.
In high school I got involved in the school and community as much as I could. I played for my school’s ultimate and volleyball teams, was copy editor of my yearbook, participated in tons of school events and even founded a club! Outside of school I’ve volunteered as a tutor for about three years now and have sat on the executive team for Operation Med School, an annual conference run at UBC aimed to educate students on what it’s like to go into healthcare as a career path. In my spare time I enjoy mountain biking and creating art!
Who inspires you, and why?
My parents are a really big source of inspiration to me. Immigrating with a young child to a completely new country with basic English, and having come so far in their careers whilst raising three great kids hasn’t been as easy task. I’m incredibly grateful to have been given such ample opportunity. It motivates me to work hard to be successful and make my parents proud.
What motivates you, and why?
My goal is to one day become a doctor, hopefully in the field of neurology. I have dreamed of this for a long time. I know the journey will be tough, but I’m ready to work hard to achieve it. My goal acts as fuel and motivates me to work hard and study, even on the days I’d much rather go to bed. I hope to do the thing I value most in life: improve the lives of others through my skills and abilities, all whilst growing and developing a career that I’m genuinely passionate about. That is something worth putting all that work into.
What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
This school year I hope to smoothly transition from high school into university. I hope to create a good balance between my social life and academic life, whilst also continuing my volunteering. My goal is to successfully manage all three components of my life and also make time for my family.
What is one thing you learned in high school that you will take with you to post-secondary?
In high school I learned to manage my time very well. I took lots of challenging classes that required a lot of work to keep good standing in. I’ve learned how to study effectively for each type of exam in each subject and the strategies that best work for me. At UBC I will definitely make use of this strategy and adapt it to suit the new style of learning. I hope that through this I will be able to successfully manage all my classes.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to future Luminaries?
Keep an open mind! Be welcoming to opportunities that come your way and make sure to give everything a go even if you don’t think you’ll succeed on your first try. Everything is a life experience, and you never know which opportunity will open a door to something great.
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