Qiuning Wang, Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator, UNA
The first thing you’ll notice when you meet Qiuning Wang is that she’s a woman who wears many hats. Not only is she a University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) staff member, she’s also a UNA resident, UBC alumna, mom, and somewhat recent immigrant to Canada.
Wang, who originally hails from a town in the northwest part of China, moved to Vancouver from Beijing in 2008. After trying out different temp jobs, she made the decision to go back to school, and graduated from the School of Community and Regional Planning at UBC in 2012. She eventually found a job at the UNA as a Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator.
“At the beginning, my main focus was to really streamline the procedure of volunteer coordination and management,” she said.
“Don’t give up on your dreams.”
“Creating opportunities that support residents’ learning and social integration is an important aspect of a community’s collective wellbeing,” Wang added.
The UNA has created such opportunities in the form of programs, which are led by volunteers, and which strive to engage residents, new and old. Some of the more popular programs include, but are certainly not limited to, Community Connection Night, English Conversation Clubs, Seniors and Friends, and Women’s Social Club.
While most of the community is actively engaged in the various programs offered by the UNA, Wang noticed that male residents are the least engaged.
“Men in general are not prone to social activities, but immigrant men are facing a bigger challenge in participating in the community in a meaningful way,” said Wang.
“Because of the language and cultural barriers, they encounter problems like decreased mental health and social isolation.”
In response to this, Wang is currently planning Guys Night, specifically for male residents.
Wang credits her experience at UBC and her job at the UNA for her ability to take care of her wellbeing. Her advice to new immigrants with families is simple: “Don’t give up on your dreams.”
“I don’t like people just saying, ‘Oh, my main job is to look after my kids.’ Your kids are in school during the day, and they will navigate their future eventually, so you have plenty of time to do something for yourself. Feeling fulfilled is important for one’s personal health. ”
Wang advises new immigrants to start working right away, or take the necessary steps, whether that be going back to school, volunteering, or networking. Wang also encourages newcomers to check out the newcomer programs at the UNA.
“Currently, we’re facilitating connections with community members, providing volunteer opportunities, and other opportunities for them to go further.”
For more information on UNA programs and services, go to myuna.ca.
Post by: Kaavya Lakshmanan, Communications Assistant