By Shannon O’Rourke
Yasin Kiraga is a Political Science major with a minor in International Relations whose diverse background has motivated him to view his lived experiences in a global context and create change for those who need it most. As a student sponsored by the World University Services of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee program, he describes his time at UBC as both a challenge and an opportunity. He has made the most of his UBC experience by becoming involved, seeking guidance where it was needed, and creating his own circle of communities at UBC.
“Try and fail, but don’t fail to try.”
Yasin is originally from Burundi, and prior to attending UBC he spent two years studying at Kigali Independent University in Rwanda. Due to a change in government policy, Yasin was forced to leave Rwanda during his second year of studies. He first attempted to settle in a refugee camp in Tanzania, but arrived just as the camp was closing, so he continued on to Malawi and settled in a refugee camp near the southern border of Tanzania, where he worked as a full-time teacher in the subjects of English, Social Studies, and Science. It was a student in his class who told him about the WUSC Student Refugee Program and encouraged him to apply. Yasin learned the program was highly competitive, but drew upon his motto of “Try and fail, but don’t fail to try” to give him the motivation to apply.
The application process proved to be very difficult; out of the 400 students who applied for the program, fewer than 10 students made it to the final round and received sponsorship to study in Canada. Yasin says that he cannot describe the feeling of that moment when he was informed that he would be one of the sponsored students.
Adaptation is key to success
Upon his arrival in Vancouver, Yasin found that the best way to kick off his new life in Canada and career as a UBC student was through involvement. He participated in the Jumpstart orientation program and became involved in clubs that met his interests of international affairs/politics, and African community and culture, including STAND UBC, UBC Africa Awareness Initiative, and UBC Young Liberals of Canada. Yasin also joined the campus radio station CiTR during his first year and became a radio presenter. He says that his experiences with clubs at UBC inspired him to start his own club called Partnership for Oversea Africans Youth and Global Alliance, which focuses on transforming the lives of African youth through education and open dialogue.
Apart from his involvement within the UBC community, Yasin has also become involved in organizations around Vancouver, such as the Canadian Red Cross Society in Richmond, where he has shared his experiences as a refugee to create awareness and inspire others to give support and create change in communities that need it most.
Yasin’s choice of major directly reflects his experiences of having been a refugee and living in many different countries, and says he felt motivated to take a program at UBC that would relate to these lived experiences. He explains, “Sometimes, we do things according to the talent and passion that we have, so I thought that Political Science would be the right passion for me.”
Although Yasin had the goal of studying Political Science prior to attending UBC, he says that many courses and experiences at UBC have helped to strengthen his passion.
Some of his most memorable courses include POLI 240: Currents of Political Thought with Christopher Erickson, POLI 260: Introduction to Global Politics with Allen Sens, and POLI 369D: Issues in International Security with Robert Farkasch. He also accredits ASTU 150: Arts Studies in Writing, as being extremely valuable in his transition to academic life at UBC and felt that it equipped him with a set of writing and research skills.
Yasin states, “These courses have made me appreciate being at UBC and allowed me to understand that there is a huge difference between this university and other universities. Professors here challenge you to justify a certain statement and they want to know your perspective.“
When asked what advice he would give to other international students coming to UBC, Yasin says that adjusting to new circumstances is key for success. “ You must find your own strategies as to how you will adapt to the new environment. Lack of adaptation will challenge you and stop you from doing the things you want to do.” He recommends that student utilize the numerous resources that are available for student support, such as International House, UBC Counseling Services, UBC Writing Centre, and Arts Advising. He also emphasizes the importance of getting involved in campus life to create smaller communities that can help you feel more engaged and welcome.
Post-Graduation Goals
Yasin is currently working at the Developmental Disability Association in Richmond as he finishes up his final credits at UBC, and has a few ideas of what he would like to pursue after graduation this May.
He has always dreamed of practicing law and would love to become an international lawyer, so his first option is preparing for and taking the LSATs, then applying to Law School.
His second choice is pursuing a Masters degree in International Affairs, with a specific focus on peace and conflict studies, possibly at the University of Victoria. He feels that this field of study would help him to engage in the global community and discuss issues pertinent to the African continent.
Reflecting on his experiences, Yasin says, “Getting a degree at UBC, it was not a simple task. It was both a challenge and an opportunity. I’m now prepared to go and serve the international community, which was my objective.”
