It was towards the end of high school that Rielle P. made a decision to pursue their passion for writing, which was a major departure from the STEM-related courses they’d been immersed in for years. “I realized that it was what I was meant to do,” explains Rielle. Once their decision was made, they focused on developing their writing skills and then applied to the Faculty of Creative and Critical studies at UBC Okanagan.
Winning the Don Wehrung International Student award and joining the UBC Internation Scholars community helped Rielle realize their writing ambitions and discover an exciting creative community at UBC Okanagan. “This award allowed me to realize the potential I have not only in writing but in other fields as well.” Rielle appreciated the flexibility of their degree as she was able to explore campus opportunities outside of creative writing. “I’ve met incredible people and have been lucky enough to have been mentored by experienced professionals,” says Rielle.
What made you decide to enroll in the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies? What was your decision process like?
I had been enrolled in STEM-focused school programs for most of my formative years and was set to study Chemical Engineering as my career path. It wasn’t until my last two years of high school that I decided to take the massive leap and pivot to what I truly wanted to do — pursue a career in writing and literature. I was an on-campus features journalist for almost a decade, and an avid reader growing up. My English teachers and journalism mentors nurtured and encouraged my talent until I became an award-winning journalist and writer in our school district. I realized, before senior high school enrolment day came, that writing what I was meant to do. I switched to Humanities and excelled in my Creative Writing classes, and once it came time to declare my major at UBC Okanagan, I enrolled in FCCS without hesitation.
What has been your experience in the program so far?
It’s been life-changing, to say the least. Before UBC, I had been resigned to the idea that I’d have to put my passion for writing aside to pursue a career in STEM. When I was accepted into the Creative Writing program, I felt at home and comfortable in my classes. I look back on my old writing and can see the growth I’ve had in my writing from 4 years of being in this program. With creative writing being such a versatile field, I’ve been able to pursue on-campus opportunities that aren’t directly related to my degree. I’ve met incredible people and have been lucky enough to have been mentored by experienced professionals.
Do you have any special memories at UBC that stand out? Is there a moment that validated your decision to come to UBC?
Last September, I was honoured to have been chosen to emcee at the 14th annual International Student Awards Reception. As a student who started their UBC experience during the peak of COVID, my cohort was unable to attend a reception ceremony of our own. Being granted the opportunity to not only attend a reception but also to lead it is a very special memory that I will always hold dear to me.
A very small but significant moment for me happened during an office hour session with my previous screenwriting lecturer, and award-winning writer and director Jessica Bradford. I was in 2nd year and had doubts poking around in the back of my head over whether I had chosen the right path. I knew I was good at writing, but I began to question if I was good enough to make a career out of it.
That afternoon, I attended my professor’s office hours for feedback on my draft for our final screenplay project. The concept I had was decent, but I didn’t think the content itself was any good, and I hoped Jessica would give me constructive criticism so I could get my screenplay to a place where I liked it. To my surprise, Jessica loved my screenplay. She had called it “professionally written” and complimented my character work. She might not have realized it, but that one comment not only quelled any doubts I had about my career, it also validated my entire presence at UBC Okanagan.
How has receiving this award opened up opportunities for you?
I have this award to thank for the endless opportunities that I’ve been able to experience at my time at UBC. I was at risk of not attending post-secondary school at all, with my family’s poor financial situation limiting my choices. With this award, I was able to come to Canada and study at a world-class institution, and in a field I’m extremely passionate about, to top it off. I’ve realized the potential I have not only in writing but in other fields as well. I’ve found my community here at UBC Okanagan, both academically and socially, and I’ve been lucky enough to have been selected for so many professional opportunities here on campus.
