Hannah Podoaba, a Behavioural Neurosciences major at UBC, is fascinated by the biological reasons behind human behavior. Her mantra, “Your voice carries power, no matter how small. Use it!” reflects her belief in the power of advocacy. Passionate about community, she values the support and connections she’s made through Beedie Luminaries.
What is your field of study and why does it interest you?
I am currently majoring in Behavioural Neurosciences in the faculty of sciences at UBC. I really enjoy learning about the biological underpinnings of why we behave and do the things we do, which is what got me interested in pursuing this degree!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
In the end, the only things you will regret are the things you never did.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“Stressed out but serving: a story”.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
Your voice carries power, no matter how small. Use it!
What was the last experience that made you a better person?
The other day I was out looking for a spot to study on campus, and someone stopped me to ask if I could help them put their notebooks in their bag which was clipped shut to their wheelchair. I realized that if they did not ask me, I would not have helped them (even though I did see them struggling previously). I realized after that my hesitancy to help was due to the pandemic, and how we are now so accustomed to keeping to ourselves by maintaining distance from others.
Two years ago, they would not have even needed to ask me for help as I would have been there right away. I think the pandemic has really changed how open I am in interacting with strangers in this way, but hopefully now that things are starting to slowly change again, I can get back to the way I used to be with others.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I found Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, who is an organizing consultant (basically a professional tidier). Organizing is one of my hobbies (that counts as a hobby right?), so let’s just say I will be unavailable for the next week or so.
What’s the most important trend you see today?
Not a specific trend per say, but seeing the recent increase in youth voices on political matters over the past few years through social media is great to see! Expressing and putting yourself out there for the things you believe in, all while exposing your peers to learning more or doing the same is so important.
Who inspires you and why?
My parents! I always think about how they started in this country almost 18 years ago, to where they are now, all while having to start their careers from scratch with little knowledge of the English language and raising me all throughout blows my mind. The resilience and strength they had to keep going astounds me, and I admire them everyday for that and all that they do.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I have the amazing ability to build IKEA furniture really fast. I built two night stands, a drawer, and a bed in 1.5 hours. I’m an assembly wizard.
What is your favourite thing about being a part of Beedie Luminaries?
The community that is always there to have your back no matter what!
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