{"id":665,"date":"2018-06-05T07:51:09","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T14:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ufv.ca\/health\/?p=665"},"modified":"2018-06-26T10:35:03","modified_gmt":"2018-06-26T17:35:03","slug":"meet-mia-faculty-of-health-sciences-deans-medalist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ufv.ca\/health\/meet-mia-faculty-of-health-sciences-deans-medalist\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Mia: Faculty of Health Sciences Dean’s Medalist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mia Harries is the 2018 recipient of the Faculty of Health Sciences Dean’s Medal. Harries will accept her award at the Faculty of Health Sciences convocation ceremony today at 9:30 am in Abbotsford.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Meet Mia:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Where are you from?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was born in Ottawa, Ontario and have lived in Chilliwack for the last 13 years.<\/p>\n

What program are you graduating from?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bachelor of Kinesiology, exercise science stream.<\/p>\n

Why did you choose UFV?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like many students, I chose to attend UFV for the convenience of living at home, and the small campus and class sizes. Initially, I was drawn to these features as I felt they would equip me to succeed academically. However, I quickly realized that the real highlight of attending UFV was that I could expand my bandwidth of involvement beyond the four walls of the classroom.<\/p>\n

What are your career aspirations after graduation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I will be attending UBC Medical School this fall. I am interested in preventative medicine and the integration of social determinants of health into primary care.<\/p>\n

How has the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFV helped you reach your goals?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Harries presents her research at annual UFV Student Micro Lectures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The range of courses offered in the kinesiology program cover concepts from sociology and psychology to pathology and motor control. As a result of the variety of courses offered, the kinesiology program has shaped my understanding of the holistic approach to health and the various factors that influence an individual\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n

I built great connections with my professors which opened doors to many exciting experiential learning opportunities. I am grateful to the professors in my program who continually seek to provide students with experiential learning opportunities to get involved in the field of health sciences. The experiential learning opportunities I have participated in through the Faculty of Health Sciences have enabled me to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. It has also bolstered my passion for population health and has supported my goal to pursue medicine.\u00a0I feel fortunate to have been part of such an engaging faculty.<\/p>\n

Through connections established in a practicum placement and with faculty in Health Sciences, I created a volunteer program at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital called the Resource Navigation Program<\/a>, that allows UFV students to connect patients with the social determinants of health. UFV supported me in initiating this program, which demonstrated the dedication of this institution to student-focused education and experiential learning.<\/p>\n

Outside of academics, what activities have you been involved in at UFV?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Early on in my degree, I became involved in many non-academic activities in order to uncover interests and skills I would have otherwise never thought I\u2019d have.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mia leads a class as part of UFV yoga club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These activities include:<\/p>\n