UBC Okanagan alumni pursue many different paths, but their experiences on campus often share a common thread: curiosity, community, and a commitment to making a difference. For Kaia Nitchie, a Bachelor of Arts graduate in Sociology (Class of 2023), studying close to home in the Okanagan opened the door to meaningful mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the social issues shaping our communities. Those experiences not only shaped her undergraduate journey but also set her on a path toward graduate studies in public administration and a career focused on Indigenous relations and reconciliatory work.
Why did you choose to study at UBC Okanagan, and how did that decision shape your path?
Having grown up in the Okanagan, I valued the opportunity to pursue a high‑quality education so close to home. UBC Okanagan also offered scholarship opportunities that made post-secondary education a financially attainable option for me. Being able to stay close to home during my undergraduate degree provided me with both financial security and the opportunity to have continued support from my network of family and friends.
What program did you graduate from, and what initially drew you to it?
In 2023 I graduated from UBCO with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology. I had taken a variety of social science courses in my first two years of undergraduate degree, but the sociology courses always drew me in. I enjoyed the diversity of topics sociology courses offered, and the way my professors would connect and ground theoretical concepts with real-world issues.
What opportunities did the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences provide that helped shape your career or personal growth?
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences created an environment where all types of education were valued, whether that was a lecture from a professor, a presentation by a guest speaker, peer-led discussions, or site visits for experiential learning outside the classroom. The flexibility within the Faculty allowed me to take courses across disciplines, and the small class sizes created space for discussion and encouraged learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of my peers. Additionally, the opportunity to work as a research assistant allowed me to develop practical skills that I was able to carry forward into my graduate studies and professional career. Together, these experiences not only prepared me academically but also instilled the critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills I continue to apply in my work today.
Were there any faculty members, mentors, or courses that had a lasting impact on your journey?
The lasting impact of my professor and mentor, Dr. Ondine Park, is something I truly cannot overstate. As a professor, Dr. Park wasn’t afraid to choose topics that challenged her students. She made complex topics approachable and offered students multiple ways to demonstrate their understanding. I admired her in the classroom, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to work with her as a research assistant. As someone who wasn’t sure if research was the right fit for me, Dr. Park made the experience something I will never forget. She valued my perspective, asked for my insight, and helped build a confidence in my abilities that has been invaluable throughout my academic and professional journey. Her support has extended beyond my time at UBCO, through writing reference letters, sharing her own academic and professional experiences, and keeping me updated on the research I contributed to. I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Park for the mentorship, encouragement, friendship, and generosity she continues to share with me.
Looking back, what was the most surprising or memorable aspect of your UBCO experience?
One of the most surprising parts of my UBCO experience was discovering how much I enjoyed working as a research assistant. Before Dr. Park reached out, it wasn’t a role I had ever considered, and I wasn’t sure it was something I would enjoy. But after meeting with Dr. Park and learning about the projects she was working on, most of which were completely new topics I had no previous experience with, I decided to give the position a try. It turned out to be an incredible opportunity that made me realize how much I enjoy research work.
What advice would you give current or future students based on your university experience?
I think that going into your undergraduate degree as an Arts student, you should give yourself the option to explore. Especially in your first two years, take a wide variety of courses including ones you know nothing about. Those experiences can open doors to career paths you didn’t even know existed. An Arts degree builds critical thinking and encourages you to look at issues from multiple perspectives. By taking courses outside your comfort zone, you open yourself up to new ideas and areas of interest that could lead you to your future career.
What career path did you pursue after graduation, and how did UBCO prepare you for it?
After graduation, I knew I wanted to pursue further schooling. Although law school was my initial interest, my passion has always been centered around Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation. I knew local government was an area where I could explore this interest in a hands-on capacity, and that is what led me to turn my focus towards a career in Indigenous Relations. The courses I took at UBCO helped guide me to this career by highlighting social challenges that call for collaborative problem-solving and meaningful reconciliatory work within Canadian institutions. I completed a Master of Public Administration degree at Queen’s University, where I applied the knowledge and skills I gained at UBCO to a program focused on public policy. After working through a summer co-op position, I landed in my current role as First Nations Liaison, where I get to apply what I learned during my academic journey every day.
What are some of your current or long-term goals, professionally or personally?
As I have recently transitioned into my position, I look forward to the amount of experiential learning that has already been offered by my coworkers and the Indigenous Nations I have the privilege of working with. Reconciliatory work is continually evolving and involves lifelong learning, reflection, and adaptability. Personally and professionally, a commitment to listening with intention, showing up with honesty, and working through tough conversations that support meaningful relationship-building are important goals I continue to work towards.
Can you share a meaningful lesson you’ve learned from someone who’s guided or inspired you since leaving UBCO?
During my graduate studies, my professors often stressed that policy work can create distance between you and the people most impacted by your work. Working within the bureaucracy of government can unintentionally widen that gap. As Public Administration students, we were often reminded of the phrase “humility over hubris.” Approach your work with humility, be honest about what you don’t know, and stay open to learning from others. Regardless of how long you’ve been in a role, with an organization, or working with a community, there is always more to learn.
Follow Kaia on LinkedIn.