Star Alipour-Kashi is an international fine arts student from Iran. While her studies focused on screenwriting, her many extracurriculars enhanced her experience at UVic. She completed two co-op work terms with the BC government, worked for UVic’s Malahat Review literary magazine, the Centre for Youth & Society, served as a teaching and research assistant in Media Studies and volunteered across campus. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Writing.
What moment stands out most from your time here?
The two traditional Persian celebrations I helped organize with the Iranian Student Association and the UVic Global Community. It was the first time I wasn’t able to spend Nowruz, the Persian new year, with my family. The celebration gave many Iranian students the opportunity to welcome spring together.
Where did you love to study, hang out or unwind on campus?
I never had a single study space. I’d change my spot like a nomad. Some favourites were the law library, the couches and bean bags in the Mearns-McPherson Library or empty rooms in Clearihue or ECS. I also loved hanging out at Felicita’s with my friends and taking walks around campus.
Was there a course or instructor who had an impact on you?
Writing professors Lee Henderson and Kathryn Mockler have been great mentors. They are down-to-earth, very approachable and always willing to help. Mark Leiren-Young’s classes are fun and memorable; they’re a blast even if you’re not a writing student!
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
I enjoyed working at UVic, especially as a media studies TA (with Pierre-Luc Landry) and as a Malahat Review fiction editor. They both gave me excellent opportunities to confirm my future path while working with wonderful people. My eight-month co-op with BC’s Ministry of Health let me expand my skills and broaden my professional horizons. I met many of my friends by volunteering for different clubs, including the Global Community.
What are your plans after graduation? Is this path what you envisioned for yourself growing up?
Even though I’ve always dreamed of being a writer, I didn’t think I’d be pursuing it in an academic setting—I didn’t even know such an option existed! After working in different departments and faculties, I hope to join UVic as a staff member and work my way up to becoming a faculty member.
How did your time in the Writing department help shape the person you are now?
Being with so many other writers humbles you: they give genuine feedback and can see things you can’t. And I’ve become a fast typer in English—having English as a second language brings its own obstacles, no matter how good you think your English is!
How would you describe your time at UVic in one word?
Momentous.
