Turns Out, Showing Up Is Pretty Powerful

Twenty years after UBC became one of the first places in Canada to make me feel at home, I got a pretty special welcome into the flock.

When I moved to Canada in 2006, I didn’t know many people. UBC was one of the first places that made me feel at home.

Twenty years later, I was surprised with a Big Block sweater from UBC Athletics, making me an Honorary Big Blocker.

For almost a century, these sweaters have been awarded to standout UBC athletes, coaches and builders. To be welcomed into that group feels incredibly special. (Yes, there were happy tears.)

Through Julie, and eventually through SHE’S GOT NEXT, I found myself in the stands a lot, cheering for the women representing the university. It felt like a small way to return the kind of welcome that had meant so much to me.

Turns out, showing up is pretty powerful.

It builds connection, confidence and community — for the athletes on the field and for those of us lucky enough to be around them.

And now I get to wear a Big Block sweater alongside Julie, her dad Bert, who earned his on the soccer pitch in the late ’60s, and so many incredibly accomplished UBC women I’ve had the chance to meet on the sidelines and through SHE’S GOT NEXT.

Thank you to UBC Athletics for the warm welcome — and for continuing to invest in women’s sport and the community around it.

I’ll be here smiling. Honoured to be part of the flock.