July 10, 2023
Capstone Conference
The Vantage Capstone Conference is a fabulous, interdisciplinary, and academic-intensive opportunity for students to share scientific and engineering projects they have completed as well as the English proficiency they have developed throughout the entire academic year. Academic knowledge in different fields of science will be showcased and students will demonstrate the confidence they have built in public speaking. This annual academic event motivates both Science students and Applied Science students to gain more amazing ideas and suggestions for further research investigation and enhances the determination to pursue science studies in the future. Students will expeditiously grow from this meaningful academic event after completing the 1st year of academic studies in the Vantage One Program. Come and join us to witness their wonderful achievements at Vantage!
Vantage One Program
The Vantage One program is a comprehensive academic initiative for students worldwide, offering a bridge between high school and university. With diverse faculty streams, the Vantage program focuses on constructing an experiential learning environment and a supportive community for students immersed in the first-year academic experience. The program enhances students’ skills, language proficiency, and cross-cultural understanding. Through a mix of academic and elective courses, students gain a strong foundation while applying their knowledge to real-world situations. With inclusive student services and a multicultural environment, the program prepares students for success in their future academic and professional pursuits, as well as a seamless transition into the second year at UBC.
Conference Highlights
Conference Theme
The theme for this year’s Capstone Conference is “Navigating the Seas of Knowledge: Setting Sail for New Horizons”, a transformative journey that empowers our students to fearlessly explore uncharted waters, expand their intellectual horizons, and embark on a trajectory of boundless possibilities.
“Navigating the Seas of Knowledge” represents their unwavering determination to chart their course, embrace intellectual exploration, and unlock the doors to endless possibilities. Like intrepid sailors, our students fearlessly venture into uncharted waters, exploring diverse fields. In this dynamic learning environment, they encounter cultural diversity, academic and societal challenges. Navigating through these intellectual waters, they expanded their understanding and gained valuable insights and perspectives that shape their personal and academic development.
“Setting Sail for New Horizons” represents the limitless possibilities awaiting our students as they step into the next phase of their academic lives. They have developed critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, and especially English speaking and writing skills, enabling them well prepared for the next year of university. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and their willingness to challenge propel them to move forward, breaking new ground, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Equipped with the useful skills, valuable insights, and interdisciplinary perspectives gained from their experiences at Vantage College, they embark on their future academic journeys, ready to make a significant impact!
Student Speakers
Hannah (Chuhan) Zhang
Hannah Zhang is a science student hailing from Shenyang China. At Vantage College, Hannah has immersed herself in science while honing her English skills, and next year, she hopes to pursue her passion in physics. Outside of academia, Hannah finds joy in the adrenaline-fueled worlds of Thai Boxing, Kickboxing, and shooting sports, where she thrives on the challenge and excitement they bring. Throughout her journey, Hannah has forged numerous friendships both within and outside of Vantage, enriching her experience and fostering meaningful connections along the way. Equipped with upgraded language skills and with the help of her mighty crew of friends, she is ready to sail to new horizons.
Reind Masri
Reind Masri is an Engineering student with a deep interest in the fascinating world of innovation. Throughout her year, she has had the opportunity to explore various facets of engineering, including problem-solving, designing, and the optimization of technology. Beside her academical pursuits, badminton, swimming and especially piano hold significant roles in her daily life. At Vantage College, Reind has had the chance to grow her personal experience while creating numerous friendships. Combining her intellectual knowledge, her hobbies and the connections she created, Reind is ready to delve deeper into the field of engineering by working on shaping a better future.
Social Activities
Karaoke
Get ready to unleash your inner superstar at the Vantage Capstone Conference’s epic event: Karaoke Time! Sing your way to glory while earning tickets for our thrilling lucky draw, where fabulous prizes await. Whether you’re a solo sensation or part of a harmonizing group, this is your chance to shine and grab the spotlight while vying for incredible rewards. Don’t miss the chance to make unforgettable memories and walk away with more than just applause at Karaoke Time!
Photo Booth
Capture your last moment in Vantage College with friends and instructors at the amazing photo booth! The photo booth can be found in the 2nd floor in front of the Vantage Lounge. Can’t wait to see your best pose!
Celebrating Students’ Apprentice Research
Dear Vantage 2023 Summer Cohort,
Now that we’re approaching the end of the summer semester, I’d like to share a few words with you. I have enjoyed getting to know you during this summer. Over the course of these 8 weeks, I have had the privilege of working with you and witnessing your steady and solid growth, and your unwavering dedication. These 8 weeks were not easy; remember the countless hours you spent on writing course assignments, designing and making research projects, and engaging in class discussions. Every obstacle you overcome brings you one step closer to realizing your full potential. Keep in mind that you are already talented and smart, and with each successful conquest, you emerge as a more independent and capable learner and budding engineer. Keep pushing the boundaries of what you believe is possible. Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished so far, and may the Capstone Conference a great success for you to showcase the incredible potential that lies within each of you!
– Jing Li, Lecturer, School of Engineering
It was a pleasure to work with the Vantage students in the winter term. When I first started working with this group of students, I noticed that many of them were quite shy about speaking up in class, but I was very happy to see how they became more confident and supported each other throughout the term. When they worked together and asked for support, they developed their communication and academic abilities in a way that allowed them to take on new challenges and achieve things that they might not have thought possible at the start of term. We will see their hard work and collaborations pay off in their Capstone Conference projects, and I look forward to seeing how the students progress as they continue in their degrees and careers – this is just the start, but I believe they are off to a great start.
– Caitlin Donnelly, Lecturer, SCIE 113
Congratulations on completing your first year at UBC! This is a huge accomplishment and you should be very proud of yourselves. As international students, you have faced unique challenges in adapting to a new culture and educational system. However, you have persevered and shown that you have what it takes to thrive in this new academic environment. Your hard work and dedication have paid off and you are now ready to set sail to new horizons and continue navigating the seas of knowledge. I hope you have a wonderful Capstone Conference and that you continue to take advantage of all the opportunities that university has to offer. Congratulations on your achievements and best of luck in your future studies!
– Luiza Andrade – Coordinator, Student Academic & Development Services
Congratulations on completing your year in the Vantage One Program! You’ve been working hard since September and I hope that you take some time to reflect on how much you’ve learned and grown this year. It’s been a pleasure getting to know some of you in class this summer; the energy and engagement of your cohort is inspiring. I look forward to hearing about your successes as you continue at UBC.
– Meghan Allen, Associate Professor of Teaching, Computer Science
Dear 2023 Vantage College Cohort,
It is an honour and a real joy to have been part of your first steps at UBC. I would like to send my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you on all your achievements! It is truly wonderful to see you reach this far in your first year at UBC that must have brought you many different forms of challenges which you have willingly and open-mindedly coped with. You should all be proud of your own courageous journey over the past year at UBC!
The Capstone Conference is where you let your stronger brave voice as junior scientists be heard and shine! I am truly grateful and thrilled for all your beautiful scholarly voices that will fill the day of the Capstone! Enjoy the conference and, again, congratulations to all!
– Won Kim, Lecturer, Academic English Program
To my students – It has truly been a privilege and an honor to have taught you and to have seen your remarkable growth towards academic excellence. Enjoy this Capstone Conference as a celebration of your learning, and how far you have come to achieve your goals. All your hard work and perseverance have led you to this proud moment in your lives. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your journey. I am really proud of you all. Now go out there, “take the lead”, and make your mark on the world : )
– Fatimah Mahmood, Lecturer, Academic English program.
This year’s cohort of Vantage students have been a pleasure to work with. I’ve found them to be thoroughly engaged in learning and highly motivated. They’ve shown great skills in collaborative work, team-building skills, and supporting each other through the stresses of a very busy academic year. I’m sure these traits will ensure their success in UBC and beyond.
– John Pringle, Lecturer, Academic English Program