Meet Chenming, a fourth-year B.Sc. Natural Resources Conservation Program student here at UBC Forestry! As a 2+2/3+2 Transfer Program student, we are so inspired by Chenming’s ambition and drive to build a greener future and tackle our most pressing climate issues. Read our interview with him below to learn more about what drew him to UBC Forestry, and his time so far.
Q: Introduce yourself!
“Hello everyone! My name is Chenming! I am a 2+3 transfer program student from Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University. Now I am a 4th-year student majoring in Natural Resources Conservation in the Faculty of Forestry.”
Q: What drew you to UBC Forestry and the Natural Resources Conservation program?
“Before coming to UBC Forestry, I studied ecology. I was attracted by UBC Forestry’s reputation for excellence in applied research. Natural Resources Conservation is an excellent program that allows you to take a wide array of courses, such as economy, international policy, energy, agricultural and Indigenous perspectives. These all help to build your understanding of the global perspectives in this field, and give you an international and colourful lens when examining and navigating the world. “
Q: What inspires you to do work related to natural resource conservation?
“At the beginning, I was just interested in the environment and nature and I felt like if I could study in the Natural Resources Conservation program I would have the foundation needed to dive deeper into topics related to forestry. Over these several years, I gradually learned that conservation is a really important part of the ecosystem. Animals need to be protected. Plants need to be protected. Water needs to be protected too. Everything in nature has different kinds of threats, including the impact of people as well. When these endangered species get to a dangerous level, someone needs to stand up and try their best to think about the ideas to solve the problem. That’s what I want to do in the future.”
Q: Can you share with us your experience in the 2+2/3+2 transfer program? What has been your favourite part of the program so far?
“The transfer program is an excellent program. We can experience university life in China, and also we can experience what going to university is like in Canada. Although this might give you a strong culture shock, this invaluable experience will produce many ideas and encourage you to reflect on issues deeply. When studying in China, except for studying the basic academic courses, we also needed to prepare for English tests, which was a big challenge for me at first. Forestry provides a useful orientation when we first got to UBC, which is really useful for our recognition of the differences between China and Canada. I really like that I can experience the two different education systems and enjoy learning about the cultural differences.”
Q: What are your unforgettable experiences so far on your UBC Forestry journey?
“My first Forestry Co-op experience at Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) this past summer is my unforgettable experience so far. Theoretically, LEPS is my first job in my life. Also, working in LEPS is one of the best choices I’ve made in my life. It taught me a basic understanding of the environmental field and motivated me to imagine what I can change for the world’s climate in the future. Solving climate problems is a complex and long process. Through the public awareness campaigns I worked on this summer, such as door-to-door engagements and public announcements, it was just the beginning to make people aware of the seriousness of the climate crisis and a key way to collect survey data. The leaders who may be in government, companies, and beyond need to publish a series of measures and policies to encourage the public to work together to make progress. It was an unforgettable, unbelievable, and meaningful summer term for me. I am so proud of what I did this summer.”
Q: What course are you looking forward to most this upcoming school year?
“In this upcoming school year, I am looking forward to my course on the economics of the environment. I am so interested in the economy. In this course, I can explore the relationship between economics and environment.”
Q: Do you have any advice for incoming Forestry students?
“Study hard.
Try to experience different things: what you want to do and what you like to do.
Read and exercise.
Find your vision and enthusiasm.”
