Learning Never Stops

I immigrated from Iran at sixteen, driven by the hope of building a better future. When I first stepped onto UBC’s campus, I felt an immediate sense of belonging, the beauty of the university and the energy of its community drew me in from the start. I completed my first bachelor’s in integrated sciences, but it took a few years of working and reflecting to recognize where my true passion lay. 

Growing up, my experiences gave me a deep sense of responsibility to help others, and I’ve always been fascinated by the miracles of the human body. Nursing became the perfect intersection of both. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I spent seven years working as a registered nurse in medical, surgical, and critical care units. Those years were transformative because I occupied a place of profound privilege in the face of people’s greatest vulnerabilities, and the relationships I formed with my patients continue to be the most meaningful part of my career. These experiences deepened my commitment to patient care and inspired me to pursue my Master of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner (MN-NP) degree, so I could broaden my impact. Today, I’m grateful to serve my community as an NP in Internal Medicine at Lions Gate Hospital.

UBC has been a cornerstone of my journey from my early days as an undergraduate to my growth as a healthcare professional. 

I value knowledge, lifelong learning, and the profound privilege of caring for others. At the heart of my work is the belief that healthcare is a human right, and that every person deserves equitable, compassionate, and proactive care. I’m excited to continue growing in this path and to advocate for a system where everyone can access the support they need to thrive. 

What skill have you learned at UBC that is most valuable?

Across both my undergraduate and graduate studies in nursing, the most valuable skill UBC taught me is how to think critically. I learned that when you build a strong foundation in critical thinking, every other skill becomes easier. UBC also taught me to stay open, to recognize that there are many ways to approach a problem, to value diverse perspectives, and to make space for different opinions, experiences, and forms of evidence. These lessons shape my practice every day, helping me care for patients with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to see beyond a single viewpoint.

What advice would you give a student entering the Nurse Practitioner program? 

It’s easy to get swept up in deadlines and long to-do lists but try to slow down and enjoy the experience of being in school. Make the effort to build friendships, these are the people who will one day be your colleagues, the clinicians you’ll turn to for support, collaboration, and guidance in practice. And remember, it’s completely normal to feel the challenge of shifting from an experienced registered nurse to a novice nurse practitioner. Every transition comes with discomfort, but it also brings growth. Trust the process, lean on your peers, and know that you’ll emerge stronger and more capable than you imagined.

What is next for you?

I am currently practicing in Internal Medicine at Lions Gate Hospital, where I’m surrounded by incredible physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals who challenge and inspire me every day. There is so much learning in this role, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow as a new NP. As I continue to build confidence and deepen my practice, I hope to begin taking NP students and, eventually, move into teaching.

Mentorship and education feel like a natural extension of my journey, and I’m excited about the possibility of supporting the next generation of Nurse Practitioners.