Last night, I had the pleasure of dining out with fellow UBC alumni, and it was an experience filled with laughter, nostalgia, and good food. We gathered at a cozy local restaurant, the perfect spot to relax and catch up after years of not seeing each other in person. For some, it was a reunion of sorts, as they had been living outside of Canada for the last couple of years.
There was something magical about reconnecting with people who shared similar experiences—whether it was those late-night study sessions in the library or the spontaneous trips to nearby beaches. It felt as if no time had passed at all, and we seamlessly slipped back into our old rhythms, reminiscing about our time at the University of British Columbia.
The dinner was delightful, featuring a menu of Middle Eastern dishes that celebrated local ingredients, offering a refreshing taste of Vancouver's diverse culinary scene. But it wasn’t just about the food; it was about the stories we shared. Each dish sparked a conversation, whether about our post-graduation careers, travels, or the ups and downs of adult life. We talked about how our time at UBC shaped us, how it set the foundation for our professional paths, and how we’ve all grown since leaving campus. It was incredible to see how far everyone had come and how the values and experiences we shared back in school continue to influence us today.
What made the evening even more special was the sense of community that UBC alumni share, even years after graduation. There’s an unspoken bond that ties us together, a mutual understanding that extends beyond any individual’s achievements. As we reminisced and laughed, I felt incredibly grateful for the friendships that had formed during my time at UBC. It wasn’t just the education that had left a lasting impression on me, but the relationships and connections I had made along the way.
The night was a beautiful reminder of how important it is to nurture those connections, even after we’ve all moved on to different paths.
Submitted by Shariful Alam Arnob, BASc '19
