About the prize
The UBC Undergraduate Prize in Library Research is a way to showcase students’ effective and innovative use of library services, information experts and resources provided by the UBC Library. Applications for these prizes also provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their information-seeking experience, showcase their research beyond the classroom, and promote scholarship excellence at the undergraduate level at the University of British Columbia.
The Prize was established by UBC Library to encourage more and deeper use of its resources and collections, to advance information literacy at UBC, and to promote academic excellence at UBC.
Q: Could you tell us a little bit about your project?
In my ARTH 101: Art and Visual Cultures of the World class, I was really fascinated by these beautiful ‘paradise’ gardens designed and funded by violent, fierce warriors. It seemed like such a paradox. And yet, after a tough battle what could be more calming and restorative than being immersed in nature and beauty.
My original idea for this project hinged on the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’ (traditionally known as one for the wonders of the ancient world) but to my dismay, it appears that these fabulous hanging gardens in Babylon might have only been a fable. As I pressed on with my research, it became clear that walled gardens were important symbols of power and prestige. They were also multi-use spaces designed not just for pleasure, but used for political and spiritual occasions. While it was disappointing to learn that something I had believed to be true, in fact, was not, it did help me to uncover some new ideas and I was able to develop those concepts into the project: “Ambition + Imagination: Royal Gardens of Fierce Warriors”.
Q: What does winning this prize mean to you?
“This prize has reaffirmed the value of seeking guidance and direction whenever and wherever it is offered.”
This prize feels like a nice “collective” accomplishment. By that I mean, doing well in school is never a solitary act. I’ve had some amazing professors, including Dr. Nathalie Hager, who have mentored me with high expectations that fuel me to push harder. This prize has reaffirmed the value of seeking guidance and direction whenever and wherever it is offered.
I used to write professionally in a corporate setting, so I thought I knew how to write. But academic writing is very different. One significant difference is the sense of luxury that comes with having the time to conduct extensive research before beginning to write. In my corporate job, I often had hours, not weeks, to turn in an assignment. But in return for having the ‘luxury’ of time, there’s an expectation that your work should be highly analytical, thought-provoking, and researched from multiple perspectives.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
At the moment, you could say I’m taking an interdisciplinary approach to learning and we will see what the future holds. Although I grew up in Vancouver, my husband and I just relocated back to Canada after living in Shanghai for several years. Being back in school feels like starting over, being a beginner again. It’s a nice feeling. Humbling, but nice.
This year I took a really interesting mix of classes including art history, philosophy, Indigenous studies and Canadian literature. I am torn between a few different options so let’s say my plans for the future will be interdisciplinary.