Interested in seeing what you can do with a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree? Meet Xinya, who is now a first year law student at University of Ottawa:
Name: Xinya Wang
Degree and Grad Year: BMLSc’15
Current City: Ottawa
Current Job Title: Law Student (Common Law, English); University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON
1. Today in healthcare it’s important to…
Be empathetic! It’s so important (in healthcare and law) not to disregard or trivialize our individual experiences. Just because the scope of our understanding is limited, doesn’t preclude us from relating or showing compassion to someone else.
2. What initially made you interested in the BMLSc program?
I love understanding the underlying mechanism(s) of different diseases. Through a microscope, it’s an entirely different landscape; there’s something special about being able to interpret something of value from all that chaos.
3. What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Small beans, but I’m proud of myself for picking up and moving to Ottawa! I miss Vancouver, but I’m happy for this change of pace.
4. Name the last book you couldn’t put down.
“Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” by David Sedaris.
5. Who was your favourite UBC Faculty of Medicine professor?
Dr. Amanda Bradley was one of the most kind, empathetic, and supportive professors that I’ve ever had. I am so grateful to have been one of her students.
6. What advice would you give to current BMLSc students?
I would advise students to take advantage of the exceptional academic and experiential opportunities that this program offers.
7. What is the best professional advice you’ve received?
Not “professional” advice, per se, but I once read a blog that suggested picturing your life as the Grand Canyon, and dropping your worries into it. Whatever it is, will be barely visible. “Suddenly your problem will seem much, much smaller in comparison to the grand course of your huge, rich, long life”
8. What is your favourite UBC memory?
In fourth year, I joined the planning committee of the UBC Student Leadership Conference. The experience was transformative, in many ways, but I’m most thankful for the friendships. It was an amazing experience to work with so many brilliant, accomplished, and diversely talented individuals.
9. Biggest risk you’ve taken to date?
To take the LSAT – sending me down the rabbit hole to wherever I’ll end up, which is still to be determined.
10. What profession might you have pursued, if not for medical laboratory science?
A liberal arts degree; most likely in Classical/Religious studies.
11. Please name a few of your favourite hobbies and activities
Being in Ottawa, I miss going for runs in Minoru Park (Richmond, BC). I also love making handmade gifts for my friends, and writing extensively verbose birthday and/or holiday cards.
12. What are the best aspects of your career?
By being in the capital city, University of Ottawa offers a lot of unique opportunities. Through Public & Constitutional Law class, I was able to attend the town hall for Justice Malcolm Rowe – and the Supreme Court is only a short bus-ride away!
13. What are the most challenging aspects of your career?
So far, it has been challenging to acclimate to a different learning style. I’m not used to doing so many readings!
14. Bucket List Item?
Adopt a dog!
15. What is one question you’re often asked about your career?
I often get asked the following question: “Law school… That’s quite different from Science, isn’t it?”
Subsequently, I often get asked what I want to specialize in, to which I’m still undecided.
While completing the BMLSc program, Xinya held positions in research at the Vancouver Prostate Centre and the UBC Biodiversity Research Centre. She also held several volunteer positions including Vice President, Communications at UBC Women in Science Club, Board Member, Richmond Women’s Resource Centre and volunteered at the UBC Student Leadership Conference in 2015.
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