Chris Chu
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Geography majoring in Environment and Sustainability
Year: 4th
UBC is a leader in sustainability with over 40 related academic programs from engineering to geography to business. We had the opportunity to sit down with 4th year student, Chris to hear about his experience and pathways in the Faculty of Arts' Environment and Sustainability program in the Geography department.
I like to learn, travel and experience new things. My last big adventure was going up the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.
What images come to mind when you think about sustainability?
I think of a thriving community where everything and everyone is healthy and happy. I think of a place where human society and the environment are together in harmony.
What do you study?
So my program is basically a combination of human and physical geography. There are both arts focused and science focused courses in my degree. This gives be breadth and depth. It connects human society with the environment.
Why did you choose your program of study?
The program fit who I am as a person. It combined what I learned in the classroom with some of the extracurricular activities I was involved in. It drew on a combination of arts and science. I like the mix of abstract and logical, concrete thinking—I’m kinda in the middle basically.
If you could do one thing with what you have learned, what would it be?
I would like to work in resource management policy, though I’m not too sure where I would start yet.
Who is the most inspirational person in your life?
My dad because he is always supportive of whatever I’m doing.
How do you inspire others?
I don’t know if I really inspire people, but I share my experiences through conversations. I am not actively trying to inspire people, but if they are that’s great.
What advice would you give a student looking to study sustainability?
I would say, “find out what you are passionate about.” I learned sustainability is more than just the environment; it’s about different aspects of life. The most important thing for them is to find out what they are interested in and then look at how sustainability fits into their interests.