Incoming graduate student Flora Chen shares why she went from a BA to an MA student in French Studies at UBC.
Why did you pursue an MA in French Studies after completing your BA?
I initially entered UBC as a Psychology Major, but I’ve always had a strong interest in French literature, so I took several French courses as electives. After engaging with the material, I realized that French Studies resonated with me far more than psychology, which ultimately led me to switch to a Major in French Language, Literatures and Cultures. My undergraduate studies equipped me with essential skills—such as academic writing, presentations, and critical analysis—that will be invaluable in the MA program.
I began considering graduate studies in my final undergraduate year. At the time, I was uncertain about my future path, but after attending a presentation by the department on graduate opportunities, I started seriously contemplating it. The decision solidified after taking a linguistics course with Dr. Marie-Eve Bouchard. Her class sparked my passion for linguistics, and I knew I wanted to pursue further research in this field.
What are you hoping to gain from grad school?
Academically, I’m eager to delve deeper into linguistics and engage in meaningful discussions with peers and professors. Personally, I hope to connect with like-minded researchers and expand my academic network.
Ideally, I’d like to continue in academia, potentially pursuing a PhD. Research is my primary passion, and I’d love to contribute to the field through further study and scholarly work.
