Have You Met…Shenin?

By Francine

Welcome YouAlberta’s “Have You Met” series in collaboration with @ualbertastudents! Every other week we’ll get to know a student from the University of Alberta.

Have you met Shenin, fourth year Nutrition & Food Studies student and Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for The Gateway? Spend the next few minutes getting to know her a bit better!

What three words best describe your U of A experience?

• Food
• Opportunities
• Diversity

Why did you decide to study your major?

From an early age, I understood the important role food and nutrition plays in our lives, especially when my maternal grandfather passed away due to kidney related complications, where eating habits were partly responsible. In my first year, I explored many science courses, but eventually found my niche in the food and nutrition major. I love how interdisciplinary this major is, and how it has immediate practical implications for improving both my own and others’ lives.

What advice would you give to your first year self?

The advice I would give to my first year self is not to be afraid to reach out and ask for help when needed. We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by support resources both on and off campus. Also, I would advise not to stress about grades. University is more about staying focused, managing time and not giving into procrastination.

You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?

I would invite my future self, perhaps Shenin from 2040!

What is your favourite way to unwind after a long day?

My favourite way to unwind is to have a long hot shower. Being in warm water, which is pleasant and soothing, allows me to sleep better.

What do you miss most about campus/in-person classes?

I miss meeting my friends in person, hanging out and eating with them at the food court in SUB. I also miss all of us stressing about exams and assignments deadlines and pulling all-nighters in Cameron.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my ability to withstand challenges and persevere through difficult times. I’m already proud that I’ve made it this far in life!

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My stuffed animals! My Pikachu, panda, penguin…..I am still a child at heart. But on a serious note, my moral values and principles are something that I always carry with me through my actions.

What is your go-to study snack?

Bubble tea (not really a snack, but oh well). It is a lot of sugar and calories…but it is what it is.

Who inspires you?

My mom, who I look up to as a model. She taught me the meaning of hard work, patience and resilience. Being a single mom in Bangladesh wasn’t easy, yet she pursued her education and career, all the while taking care of her children and giving us the best education she could. She taught me about the importance of education and how it empowers someone to be self-resilient.

Shenin, an international student from Bangladesh, is in her fourth year of a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science with a minor with Food Policy, pursuing Certificates in Global Citizenship, International Learning and Sustainability. She’s the current Marketing & Outreach Coordinator with The Gateway and a volunteer with the Campus Food Bank and the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI). During her free time, Shenin loves going for walks down the River Valley, watching Netflix, dancing and making videos.