Umaira Tahiri is a criminology student at SFU focused on law and international studies, driven to make a positive impact in her community. Inspired by her parents’ words, “this, too, shall pass,” she embraces challenges as vital for growth. She believes success lies in doing the right thing, not everything right, and values the meaningful relationships she builds through stepping outside her comfort zone. Read more about Umaira below.
What is your field of study and why does it interest you?
My field of study is criminology with an emphasis on law and international studies. This field intrigues me since it is always evolving, therefore I want to be able to leave a mark in our community by positively impacting the lives of those around me.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My parents, who were inspired by the many Persian poets I adored as a child, would always promise us that “this, too, shall pass” in the face of any adversity we faced. I was told to embrace that feeling of being out of place, as it is vital for growth. It will allow us to reflect on those days and be proud of our resilience.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
Perfectly imperfect.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
Forget safety. Live where you fear to live.
What was the last experience that made you a better person?
Putting myself outside of my comfort zone and talking with people from other layers of society has been a daunting yet rewarding experience for me. It has taught me that success is not a simple approach to follow, and that we all require assistance sometimes in order to attain our full potential. The ability to put oneself out there in order to form meaningful relationships with others is crucial to our long path of learning throughout our lives, especially given the diversity in our community.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Success is about doing the right thing, not about doing everything right.
What’s the most important trend you see today?
To me, I believe that the way in which information regarding global concerns that affect our planet is communicated through the media is really essential. The technical advancements we have now allow us to communicate information about individuals in need and to bring real change.
Who inspires you and why?
I am privileged to be able to say that my mother is the biggest inspiration in my life due to many reasons. She has made many sacrifices for us in a country so foreign to her, making her the most resilient person that I know.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I absolutely love playing video games! When I’m not studying, you’ll find me hunched over my pc, immersed in the video game world.
What is your favourite thing about being a part of Beedie Luminaries?
My favourite part of being a part of Beedie Luminaries is the community connections I’ve developed. The sense of familiarity I’m experiencing is exactly what I’ve been looking for, as the community has created a space for us Luminaries to express our joy, vulnerability, and accomplishments!
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