Hometown: Surrey, BC
Program: Medical Laboratory Science
Thenuga Sasitharan
What attracted you to your field?
I was first introduced the medical laboratory science program in my second year when I began researching degree specializations offered at UBC. After exploring the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program’s website, I became increasingly excited about the course work and the opportunities to be gained and experienced by pursuing this degree.
I have always had a keen interest in topics pertaining to human pathology, and the BMLSc program is centered around this subject, offering courses such as immunopathology, hematology, and toxicology, and teaching them in an analytical and problem-solving manner, which helps students develop their critical thinking skills, particularly in a health care setting. This type of learning style, coupled with the small class size, and the chance to gain practical and relevant lab experience was extremely attractive to me, as it offered me the opportunity to build a well-rounded foundation in laboratory medicine. This style of interactive learning is what differentiates the BMLSc program from other specializations; and for me, it was what influenced my decision to pursue this degree.
In 10 years, what UBC moment will you still be talking about?
In 10 years, I’ll still be talking about the Whistler grad trip my BMLSc classmates and I went on after our final exams. It was a really great chance to reflect on the past two years we spent together, and to celebrate reaching a milestone. It helped me realize that not only have I made some really great connections, but I have also gained lifelong friends.
What’s next for you?
Graduate school! I am excited to say I will be attending McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario starting in the fall, enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Co-op Program.
As you look ahead, who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration has been and always will be my dad. He came to Canada from Sri Lanka as an immigrant to attend UBC in order to pursue his Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering. From there, he went on to attain his PhD and now works as a Senior Engineer with BC Hydro. Watching him go through this process has taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. It serves as a constant reminder to me that, with determination and a good work ethic, any level of success can be attained.
In addition to this, despite his workload, his ability to balance both a professional and personal life, is extremely impressive. It definitely inspires me to continue to work on my time-management skills, and continue to look for opportunities to become a more well-rounded individual.
Name one thing on your bucket list.
It has always been a dream of mine to visit New York, and watch a musical on Broadway…I’m hoping that now that I’m moving to Ontario, it will increase the likelihood of this happening!