International Student Si Micari-Lawless Reflects on Community and Growth at UVic
How this grad found community at UVic as an international student

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Si Micari-Lawless, an international student from Chicago, shares their enriching experience at the University of Victoria (UVic), highlighting community connections, impactful coursework, and future aspirations after graduation.
- 01Micari-Lawless worked as a research assistant for the SSHRC-funded Linked Early Modern Drama Online project.
- 02They had transformative experiences in UVic's Special Collections, interacting with historical manuscripts and contemporary artworks.
- 03Lisa Surridge, a faculty member, significantly influenced Micari-Lawless's academic journey through guidance on research projects.
- 04A memorable assignment involved cooking gumbo for friends, fostering a sense of community during their first year.
- 05Micari-Lawless plans to explore various career paths, including art education and library sciences, after graduation.
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Si Micari-Lawless (they/them), an international student from Chicago, reflects on their transformative four years at the University of Victoria (UVic) in British Columbia, Canada. Living on campus, they found a strong sense of community and engaged deeply with their studies, working as a research assistant on the SSHRC-funded Linked Early Modern Drama Online project. Micari-Lawless particularly cherished their experiences in the university's Special Collections, where they interacted with historical manuscripts and contemporary art. They credit Lisa Surridge, a professor in children's literature, for guiding them through significant research opportunities that shaped their academic growth. Outside of academics, a standout memory includes cooking gumbo for friends as part of a food and religion class, which helped foster community ties. Looking ahead, they are considering various career paths, including art education and library sciences, while encouraging new international students to connect with others and explore Victoria.
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Micari-Lawless's experiences at UVic highlight the supportive community for international students, enhancing their academic and social integration.
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