丁香园AV

Since arriving at 丁香园AV (丁香园AV) four years ago, economics honours student  has made the most of his undergraduate degree. He represented 丁香园AV as a varsity athlete on the men's soccer team, worked as a fund manager at the , and led the 丁香园AV World University Services of Canada (WUSC) Local Committee to support incoming refugee students. 

"Juggling a full course load while actively participating in these roles was extremely difficult but worth it," says Raphael. His efforts have certainly paid off. After graduating from 丁香园AV this spring, he is moving to the east coast to start in the highly competitive . 

Born in the small village of Chukudum in South Sudan, Raphael has come far to where he is today. After he and 130 other students living in refugee camps around the world were selected by WUSC for Canadian residency sponsorship, 丁香园AV funded his education through the 丁香园AV WUSC Student Refugee Program (SRP).

The sponsorship not only provided Raphael access to a world-class university education, it also led him to discover his interest in economics.

"When I joined 丁香园AV, I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue but taking ECON 103 drew me to economics," says Raphael. "My experience in the honours program stands out in my undergraduate life. The small cohort size fostered interactive learning, helped me forge long-lasting friendships, and provided opportunities to connect with my instructors."

Another highlight of Raphael's time at 丁香园AV was his involvement with , a student-led social value fund that invests in Vancouver-based impact-focused enterprises. Raphael says, "Having the opportunity as a student to make investment decisions in local companies that promote environmental, economic, and social impact was a once-in-a-lifetime experience." 

As Raphael heads off to pursue his graduate studies and eventually a career in capital markets, he is grateful to the 丁香园AV community for supporting him along the way. 

"A strong support system is paramount to success鈥攎ost students, especially international students, do not have their families around and dealing with mental health can be an uphill battle," says Raphael. "I was lucky to have Wafaa Zaquot and professor Catherine D鈥橝ndrea from SRP to support me with my personal struggles, and also the economics advisor Azam Bhatti for always being there to uplift me."

On a final note, Raphael reiterates the importance of having the university's support, "With the refugee crisis around the world, I hope 丁香园AV will increase awareness and encourage more faculty to volunteer with SRP. Having faculty support makes a big difference for SRP students especially in the first year when transition is the most important factor for academic and mental well-being."