BEEDIE LUMINARIES — Sara Kourkmas from Cohort 2021 of our SHINE program is no stranger to change. When Sara first began her post-secondary journey, she was driven by an interest in computer science and found herself enrolled in mostly STEM courses. Now in her fourth year at UBC, she’s diving deep into the world of Political Science, with a special focus on Canadian politics and Public Policy. Besides studying hard and late nights on campus—she’s all about balance. She enjoys afternoon strolls, quality time with friends and family, and giving back to her community.
This summer, Sara took on her first Co-op gig as a Volunteer Coordinator with the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association. In this role, she established connections with local businesses and coordinated a team of dedicated volunteers. As one opportunity leads to another, Sara will be starting her second Co-op position as an Administrative Assistant for Transport Canada this fall.
During the past academic year, Sara served as the Social Events Director for the Political Science Students Association and is excited to have recently been promoted to AVP External for the upcoming term. She is also looking forward to continuing her role as a Community Outreach Coordinator for UBC Rise.
As Sara’s journey at UBC draws to a close, she takes a moment to reflect on the early days of her university experience and the path that led her to where she is now. In this article, Sara shares her insights on the tough decisions, pivotal opportunities, and bold risks that shape the journey to finding your true place. Read on to discover her story.
Hi Sara! It’s great to hear from you.
It’s clear that you’re a dedicated student. Could you share how your student identity has evolved since high school, or even from your first year at university to now?
SARA KOURKMAS — Upon reflection, I realize just how different of a person I am now compared to my high school self. Throughout high school, I found myself constantly enrolling in STEM courses with a determined focus on pursuing a degree in computer science. However, in my senior year, I began branching out and taking business courses as electives that opened me up to a new perspective. I enjoyed those courses and began questioning if science was truly the path I wanted to take. I remember feeling conflicted about what I wanted to apply for as applications for university drew near. Was it going to be computer science like I originally planned? Business? Business and computer science combined?
When it came time to apply for post-secondary, I found myself applying for both the Faculty of Business and Arts, which was something I never planned to do and ultimately viewed as a risk. I was hopeful to make it into the business program which was my first option, but when I eventually heard back, I remember feeling like I made the wrong decision when I ended up receiving my rejection from the Faculty of Business at UBC. Little did I know this was one of the best things that could have happened to me. Later on, I was accepted into the Faculty of Arts at UBC, where I was given the flexibility of taking a wide range of courses to discover what direction to take with my studies.
When entering my first year, I enrolled in science, business, and arts courses to gauge what interested me the most. After numerous accounts of trial and error, I began to find my passion for writing. From then on, I decided to deviate from my original plan of business and computer science and pursue a degree in Political Science. Although this was a massive leap of faith, I remember entering my very first political science course feeling like I found a place of belonging. I was given the opportunity to freely write about topics that interested me, and join the Political Science Students Association, where I could embrace the program on a deeper level. By doing this, I was able to obtain my first Co-op position at the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association, where I could demonstrate everything I have learned from my degree in a real-world setting.
Overall, my identity as a student has shifted significantly from high school. To this day, I’m still amazed that I went from feeling so conflicted on my career path, to now going into my fourth and final year of political science and working for the Federal Government. This journey has allowed me to find a path that truly resonates with my interests and goals, leading me to feel not only optimistic, but prepared for my future ahead.
You changed majors—what was your “uh-oh” moment when you realized that a change was necessary for your success?
It wasn’t until my first year of university that I discovered my original plan of pursuing a career in the sciences was not what I was meant to do. I’ll never forget sitting in my very first computer science class, feeling optimistic about my future ahead, only to feel lost and behind halfway through the term. I found myself coming home feeling drained, unmotivated and anxious over schoolwork. This soon led to me constantly taking off work at my part-time job and distancing myself from my friends and family to spare more time for studying.
Near the end of my first year, I took a moment to reflect on what I truly wanted moving forward. My uh oh moment was realizing that if this field were something I was meant to do, I wouldn’t be dreading walking into those lecture halls. Instead, I wanted to feel motivated and excited about what I was studying. This is when I knew I needed a change in order to succeed.
I’ll never forget sitting in my very first computer science class, feeling optimistic about my future ahead, only to feel lost and behind halfway through the term
– Sara on the “uh oh” moment.
What was making the transition like?
At the beginning of my second year, I decided to book an appointment with an Arts advisor to seek assistance on what I should do in my situation and what career path I should consider. She asked me various questions regarding what type of work environment I would prefer to work in, what courses I am currently doing well in, and what my skills and interests were. Upon answering her questions, the advisor asked, “Have you considered Political Science?”
As someone who was always set on pursuing a degree in STEM, this never crossed my mind. The advisor explained to me that based on everything I told her and how I had been doing, she believed that Political Science was a good fit for me and asked me to take two courses to try it out. Although I was apprehensive at first, those two classes became the ones I looked forward to attending the most. I felt like I had finally found a sense of joy in my learning that I hadn’t experienced since high school. All of a sudden, excelling in my studies was no longer a dread, but a source of fulfilment.
You’ve carved out your path in political science and are now stepping into your first Co-op position.
Before making a switch to political science, participating in the Co-op program has always been a goal of mine. My eagerness to gain hands-on experience in my area of study to inform my post-grad career greatly motivated my decision to pursue Co-op. Throughout high school, I’ve worked a number of different part-time positions, each offering their own unique lessons and challenges. For instance, I have been a Brand Representative at Hollister Co. since the 10th grade. This position taught me the basics of providing customer service, managing store operations, and supporting sales goals. Additionally, I learned valuable lessons in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork through interacting with customers to understand their needs, resolve issues, and ensure a positive shopping experience. It was through these diverse experiences that I realized the true value of immersive, practical experience in shaping my future career.
Why did you choose Co-op over an internship or part-time work?
The Co-op program stands out to me because it offers a structured, yet dynamic opportunity to integrate academic learning with real-world application. Aside from part-time jobs, a Co-op position provides an in-depth experience that aligns directly with my academic and professional aspirations. For instance, my current role as a Volunteer Coordinator has allowed me to manage a team of volunteers, establish connections with local businesses in New Westminster, and support digital marketing efforts by creating engaging social media content, which are all skills I hope to bring to my next Co-op position and future career.
The Co-op program represents a commitment to embracing change and risk, with the understanding that such risks often lead to substantial rewards. By engaging in a Co-op position, I am not only seeking to apply theoretical knowledge, but also to actively participate in the professional environment of political science. This will allow me to build my network, gain a clearer understanding of potential career paths, and refine my skills in a new way. Ultimately, I hope that by continuing in the Co-op program, I will gain invaluable insights, affirm my career choices, and position myself for future success in political science.
What advice would you give to your Grade 12 self, knowing what you know now?
Stop stressing yourself out and take a break for once
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, especially with the pressure of exams, college/university applications, and pressing deadlines. However, it’s important to remember that overstressing won’t serve you well in the long run. Instead, when you feel yourself starting to stress out, take a step back and prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s going for a walk, working out, or spending time with loved ones, taking breaks and giving yourself permission to recharge is essential for maintaining your well-being.
Reach out
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It’s important to remember that seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a strength. Whether you’re struggling with a difficult subject and need clarification from a teacher, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and could use a listening ear from a friend or family member, reaching out is essential. Building a network of support can make challenges more manageable and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey. Embrace the help and guidance available to you, as it can make a significant difference in navigating your academic and personal challenges.
Don’t be afraid of uncertainty; there are multiple paths to success
It’s okay to take a non-traditional route, sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the best places. When you make mistakes, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, see them as chances to learn and grow. You’ll know you’re on the right track when it feels right, even if it doesn’t look like what you expected. Embrace the ups and downs of your journey because they might just take you somewhere amazing.
Enjoy the Journey
Above all, remind yourself to enjoy the journey and cherish the experiences along the way. There is more to education than studying. Remember to hold onto the experiences and moments that shape your growth, and that high school is just the beginning of your adventure. As you continue to grow, there will be so much excitement and opportunity awaiting you.
Would you encourage someone else to go through the struggles or challenges you faced? How did those challenges ultimately turn into something positive?
Yes! Although deciding your career path can be overwhelming, it is important not to settle for a path that does not suit your passion. Instead, take the time to explore your options and find what you enjoy most. Even if it means not graduating in the timeframe you anticipated.
For instance, my struggle taught me that finding the right path is often about exploration and self-discovery. The challenge of realizing I was on the wrong path pushed me towards something more fulfilling. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s the struggles that lead us to the most rewarding outcomes. Ultimately, experiencing this challenge shaped up to be a positive experience for me, and I believe it can be a valuable part of someone else’s journey as well.
Thank you for sharing, Sara! Read more about Luminaries like Sara here.
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