Natalie Lim, LFS Undergraduate Advising Officer

Natalie Lim, LFS Undergraduate Advising Officer

Jul 22, 2015

LFS Work Learn student Jennifer Wu sat down with LFS Undergraduate Advising Officer Natalie Lim to learn more about her background in home economics and education, and why she loves working with LFS students.

I understand that you graduated with a BA in Family Studies and BEd in Home Economics, and then became a teacher with VSB. Have these experiences influenced your decision to become an Undergraduate Academic Advisor in any way?

Yes, they have! I have always enjoyed working with students and working with them in the secondary school level has provided me with insight on how I can best help them in their next stage in post-secondary studies. My background in the social sciences and education has given me greater clarity on the academic and non-academic complexities our students face today.

What is your favourite part about being an Undergraduate Academic Advisor?

Being able to see a student’s growth and development from 1st year to 4th year. I have seen some of our students from the beginning to the end and it is an honour to be a part of that journey with them and see how much they have grown since their first year at UBC.

What does a regular workday look like for you?

Hmm, there isn’t a typical work day in the LFS Student Services Office! I think that’s one of the great things about being an Academic Advisor in LFS – your work varies. I don’t think there is a day where I haven’t answered an email or a phone call or had a face to face meeting with a student but sometimes there will be meetings or designated time set aside to work on projects, events, initiatives, etc.

Seeing as one of your specializations was Home Economics, could you share a favourite recipe of yours with us?

I have a go-to recipe for chocolate chip banana bread – I usually reduce the amount of chocolate chips in the recipe and instead, sprinkle it on top of the banana bread batter before putting it in the oven so there’s a nice layer of chocolate on top.

I’m always willing to try different things and to be honest, you cannot go wrong with Canadian Living recipes.

Is there a restaurant in Vancouver you would recommend/is your favourite?

I’m a fan of the ahi tuna tacos at Joey’s; a friend introduced me to Kishimoto on Commercial Drive for sushi that is well worth the wait; if I feel like splurging a little, I love the lamb popsicles at Vij’s but also enjoy the Indian buffet at Saffron on Kingsway; I will never tire of the deep fried brie at Guu in Gastown; and I will never say no to Phnom Penh in Chinatown!

Are there any special events or festivals in Vancouver that you love to attend?

I went to the Gluten Free Expo a couple of years ago and was impressed with the tasty gluten-free alternatives available out there! It was a great way to try new things and am now a consistent consumer of some of those products I was introduced to at the Expo.

I love checking out farmer’s markets and I am lucky that I live one block away from one on weekends. I also try to see something at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the Vancouver Jazz Festival, if I can. And of course, I cannot get through one summer without going to the Night Markets in Richmond (my source for cheap socks!). I’m excited to try some of the new night markets this year (Plaza of Nations, North Van Shipyards, Surrey).