Just four years ago, Nimmy Sebastian and Naailah Shah were high school seniors who received some life-changing news: they were accepted into the 2020 Cohort of the Beedie Luminaries Program. Fast forward to September, and they were starting their first year at The University of British Columbia.
Amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, Nimmy and Naailah were driven by the shared goal to find community and purpose. Joining a university club became their way of making that happen, and it turned out to be a game-changer. Not only did this decision fuel their personal growth and leadership skills but it allowed them to leave a meaningful mark on their campus.
In this article, Luminaries Nimmy and Naailah explain how the simple decision to join Friends of MSF UBC (FoMSF) was one of the best choices they made.
The Beginning: Taking the First Step
Nimmy’s university journey began with a simple click during COVID-19 when in-person club days were cancelled. The first Zoom link she chose led her to the Friends of Doctors Without Borders Club (FoMSF), an organization supporting Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Nimmy was immediately drawn to the club’s mission of providing medical care where it’s needed most, and the welcoming atmosphere made her feel at home. As for Beedie Luminary Naailah, in her first year, she virtually attended over 15 club booths. She ultimately decided to join FoMSF UBC because she had never seen a humanitarian organization as transparent as MSF that treated their clients as humans, down to how they are photographed.
MSF’s core principles are impartiality, neutrality, and independence. It is through these principles that they provide medical care to everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinion, all while remaining neutral in political conflicts. MSF can provide care with such a quick turnaround and based on needs alone because they receive their funding from private donors, allowing them to be financially independent. While volunteering at an MSF donor event, Naailah recalls a story told by the former MSF Canada Director:
“While on an assignment in a conflict zone, he saw soldiers outside of the treatment tent stripping off their uniforms and surrendering their weapons. They were ensuring that once the soldiers entered the tent, no one would be able to tell which side of the conflict they belonged to. This allows MSF to provide medical care to everyone, regardless of their political stance. It was a beautiful image.”
Growth and Challenges: Becoming Co-Presidents
As semesters passed, Nimmy and Naailah took on increasingly significant roles within the club, stepping outside their comfort zones. “I wasn’t really that social before,” Naailah admits, “but the club forced me to bond with people from different faculties and walks of life.” By their third year, both had become central to the club’s operations, so when the opportunity to become co-presidents arose, it felt like a natural progression.
Throughout their tenure as co-presidents, the club has raised over $2,500 for MSF and held numerous successful events. They purchased a number of MSF’s safe water supply kits from the funds raised from their Water Walk, an event that aims to raise awareness for safe water, sanitation, and hygiene efforts in regions that would otherwise not have access to clean water. For their annual panel event, UBC professors and MSF expats came together to discuss ethics and culture in humanitarian aid, sparking a lively discussion between the panellists and UBC students in the audience.
While Nimmy and Naailah honoured the club’s annual events, they also encouraged fresh new ideas. FoMSF held a trivia night at a local restaurant where attendees enjoyed food and drinks while answering humanitarian and MSF-based questions. For Valentine’s Day, the club sold flowers, provided by a local sponsor. The team also bonded while baking goods they later sold, raising over $200 alone. Nimmy and Naailah could not have executed such successful events without their incredible team.
Advice For The Future
Their advice to new students is simple: get involved. “Don’t hesitate to join a club or try something new,” Nimmy encourages. Their story is a reminder that every student has the potential to discover their passion and make a difference. It all begins with one small decision—whether it’s joining a club, attending an event, or trying something outside of your comfort zone.
To help you get started, here are some essential tips:
Start with your interests: Reflect on what you’re passionate about or curious to explore. Whether it’s volunteering, sports, arts, or academics, look for clubs or groups that align with your interests and values.
Be open to new experiences: Embrace the chance to step out of your comfort zone. Trying something new can lead to unexpected opportunities, new friendships, and personal growth that you might not have anticipated.
Commit and stay consistent: Invest your time and energy into the activities you join. Attend meetings regularly, actively participate in events, and contribute to the group’s goals. The more effort you put in, the more rewarding your experience will be.
Build connections: Take the time to get to know fellow members and leaders. Networking within your club can lead to valuable relationships, mentorship opportunities, and a deeper sense of community.
Seek leadership opportunities: As you become more involved, look for ways to take on leadership roles. Whether it’s organizing events or leading a project, these experiences can help you develop skills and confidence that will benefit you in all areas of life.
Authors’ Note: If you’re a Luminary or current UBC student interested in getting involved on campus, feel free to email Nimmy at nimmyvinod02@gmail.com or Naailah at naailah.s@outlook.com. For any club related inquiries please email fomsfubc@gmail.com.
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