Graduates contribute to community
As anyone who is concerned with protecting the environment should, Kim Hendess thinks globally and acts locally.
A Political Science graduate who is interested in international environmental policy, she has studied in Germany and founded a club with an international outlook.
As part of UBC's student exchange program, Hendess spent a term at the University of Augsburg, Germany.
Growing up in a German-speaking family, she had the basics of the language. But by studying in Germany, she not only greatly improved her language skills, she gained insight from studies comparing Canadian and German federal systems of government.
"As a Canadian, it was fascinating to study Canada from outside the country."
While at Augsburg, she competed in the national university trampoline championships, and placed fourth even though she had retired from competition in the sport for several years.
More importantly, Hendess was exposed to a European student association, a group which brought students together to raise awareness of global issues.
"That was probably the most memorable experience I had. I met people who were interested in communicating ideas and learned a lot. I loved that club. I wanted to start the same thing here."
And she did.
Arriving back at UBC, she became president and founder of Global Voices. This student club brings together students from diverse backgrounds who share a common interest in promoting communication and mutual understanding among people around the world.
Here on campus, events called International Nights have been a success, focusing on issues like history, politics, human rights and the environment in Guatemala and Africa.
And yes, they have fun, too. Music, dancing, and lots of delicious home cooking from around the world figure prominently in International Nights.
Hendess' interest in international relations focuses on environmental policy, but she's also interested in more direct ways of protecting the environment. She helped create a "Go Green" transportation management program for B.C.'s Children's and Women's Health Centre.
Graduating with an honours degree in Political Science, Hendess received a C.K. Choi Scholarship and was designated a Wesbrook Scholar.
She was also a Safer Campus peer educator at the Women Students' Office and played mid-field on the national champion UBC women's soccer team.