Filza Raza is a 2019 recipient of the Outstanding Leader in the UBC Community award.
Hometown: Surrey, BC
Program of study: Political Science
UBC affiliations: UBC Alma Mater Society, ESSAC Committee (Enrolment Services Student Advisory Committee), UBCAccess and Diversity, Arts Undergraduate Society. AMS Clubs: Thaqalayn Muslim Association, Pre-Law Society, Pakistan Student Association
UBC awards: Bhagwan Kaur wife of Gokal Singh of Halwara Award in Arts (2018), AMS Just Desserts Award (2017), AUS Best Committee Member Award (2017)
How can we connect with you? On Facebook or Linkedin
Why did you choose your academic program of study?
For the first two years of university, I was stuck in a program that I absolutely hated. During that time, I took a political science course as an elective and I fell in love with everything about it. I also joined a few political campaigns and got involved with elections. That is when I finally decided to transfer to UBC to study Political Science, and I am proud to say that it was the best decision of my life. I hope to use the knowledge and skills I have obtained through my degree to serve Canadians in public office one day.
What are some of the meaningful experiences you’ve had at UBC?
Being a part of the Arts Undergraduate Society has significantly altered my undergraduate experience. Because I am a commuter student— travelling all the way from Surrey— it was difficult to feel like a part of the UBC community at first. After joining the AUS as the Elections Coordinator, I finally started feeling like I was a part of the Arts community. I made so many friends who are just like family, and who continue to support me throughout my university experience.
My role at in the AUS made way for opportunities to serve campus-wide communities as the AMS Elections Administrator. This was the most challenging and meaningful position I’ve ever had. It allowed me to make an impact on countless students and work with various stakeholders and organizations to improve campus life.
Filza attending the TedxUBC Talks on Campus.
What’s an important life lesson that your involvement activities have taught you?
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and be confident in your abilities! At UBC, especially in the Arts faculty, we are constantly surrounded by so many different opportunities, so embrace each and every opportunity you can— even if you don’t know much about it. Often we convince ourselves that we are not capable enough or don’t have enough experience to take on or get hired into a new position. Let me tell you something, I did not have the requirements needed for most of the roles I applied for, but I took a risk and eight times out of ten I was successful. Taking risks and having faith in your capabilities is the key to making the most out of your university experience.
Filza and Dean of Arts Gage Averill at the 2019 Dean’s Reception for Graduating Student Leaders.
You recently received a 2019 Outstanding Leader Award. What does it mean to be a great Arts student leader?
For me, being a great student leader requires dedication, hard work, and the genuine drive to improve the community around you. I also believe that strong leaders are those that constantly empower and uplift the people around them. It is so important to understand that our individual successes are tied to the successes of our community. Leadership is all about teamwork, resilience, and putting your 110% in everything you do, regardless of the outcome, and that has been my mantra for the past four years.
Filza interning as a Special Events Planner for Inaugural Vancouver Mural Festival.
What are the top three things that every Arts student should try before they graduate?
- Join an AMS Club, a University Committee, or Undergraduate Society
- Apply for the Arts Internship and/or Arts Co-op Program
- Exercise your democratic right and vote in the AMS Elections and AUS Elections!
If you had the chance to re-start your UBC experience, what would you do differently?
- I remember how lonely and depressed I felt in my first year before I got involved in any extracurricular activities, so that is something I would change. I would have joined a club, committee, or the AUS in my first year so I didn’t feel excluded from campus life.
- I would have participated in the Arts Co-op Program, many of my peers did so and it was an incredibly rewarding experience for them.
- I would have opted to live closer to campus, commuting four hours a day can get really exhausting (as you can imagine)!
What’s next for you?
Firstly, working hard to get out the vote and increase youth turnout for the upcoming Federal Election! Followed by attending Law School and in a few years running as the Member of Parliament for my riding.
If anyone has any questions about my experiences or just chat about Arts student life please feel free to contact me through Facebook — I am more than happy to help!
