How a small community transformed a science student experience
A fourth-year science student, Karis Park, explains how being a member of St John's has enhanced her experience at UM.
Whether it’s during a class, around the science faculty, or in the St John’s College Student Association lounge, you can often find Karis Park studying or socializing with her colleagues in these places.
We sat down with the fourth-year science student, also a 2023 St John’s scholarship recipient, about her experience at St John’s and how her student membership has improved her student experience at UM.
As a busy science student with a packed schedule, Karis Park heard about St John’s a couple of years back through her friend, Euna Park, who is now the Vice-Stick on SJCSA. In meeting Euna, Karis attended her first Jumpstart event, where she met new friends, connected with students from other UM faculties, and found a small community on campus where she could study, hang out with friends, and be productive.
“Being in sciences is great; it’s what I want to do, but I found St John’s to be a small place where I get involved and meet other students more easily. It’s a community-minded place where everyone is friendly, which has made me feel more connected to the university and given me scholarship opportunities to support my studies.”
In joining the SJCSA council as the Chairperson and getting more involved at St John’s over the years, Karis has had a couple of fond memories that have improved the student experience as she looks to pursue her medicine career following her bachelor’s in sciences.
“I’ve had many memorable moments in the College since joining. The first was Jumpstart, an event we host at the start of the school year, where I met many of my friends now and got to know the St John’s community better. I also have loved getting involved with SJCSA and having our weekly meetings. It’s a great time where we discuss, bond, reunite, and plan for the future of SJCSA.”
Karis looks forward to completing her science studies in the coming year, hoping to get into medicine.
Learn more about our student membership and its benefits for University of Manitoba students on our website.