The line for coffee stretches out the door as students wait for their morning caffeine fix. Somewhere between small talk and introductions, a conversation begins between a student and a professor.

“Only at UBC Okanagan do you end up striking a conversation with a professor in the middle of a line for coffee, and that conversation ends up becoming the topic of your honours thesis—and that professor ends up becoming your main supervisor for the thesis,” says Abdullah Naseer Ud Din.

As Abdullah prepares to graduate, that chance encounter stands out as one of many moments that shaped his experience at UBC Okanagan. Looking back on five years in Kelowna, he sees a university defined by connection, opportunity and the people who helped him feel at home.

Originally drawn to UBC because of its diverse student body, Abdullah enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), hoping to learn how different perspectives can come together to solve complex public challenges.

“I wanted to be in a place with diverse academic opinions, and where different beliefs and views come to a front and can both clash against each other and work with each other,” he says.

Moving from Pakistan to Kelowna was not without challenges. Like many international students, Abdullah experienced periods of loneliness as he adjusted to life far from home.

“The culture shock got to me at times, and I felt quite lonely not having a sense of community to fall back on immediately,” he says. “Playing soccer with my friends and joining the intramural programs was kind of what saved me during that time.”

Through UBC Okanagan Athletics and Recreation, Abdullah gradually found the connections he had been missing. What began as playing soccer and participating in intramural sports evolved into leadership opportunities, first as a referee and eventually as UBC Okanagan’s first Intramural Coordinator.

Looking back, those experiences helped transform Kelowna from an unfamiliar place into a community he was proud to call home. Thanks to a partnership between UBCO Students’ Union, UBC and the City of Kelowna, and the generosity of donors, the campus is advancing plans for a new three-court recreation facility, which will allow up to 500 more students per year to participate in recreation programming and intramural sports. Abdullah is excited about what this means for future students.

“I know firsthand how important these spaces can be,” he says. “The new UBCO Recreation Centre will help even more students find the same sense of community that meant so much to me.”

Experiences like Abdullah’s highlight the important role recreation programs play in student wellness. Beyond supporting physical health, intramurals create opportunities for students from different backgrounds to connect, build friendships and develop the sense of community that helps them thrive during their university years.

Through donor support, Abdullah received the Alex Recsky Award, recognition that reflected not only his academic achievements but also his commitment to building community.

“To receive an award that recognizes community building is an affirmation of how far I’ve come—not only as an individual, but as a community builder,” he says. “An award like this, feels like a hug!”

After graduation, Abdullah plans to pursue a career as a public project consultant, helping deliver infrastructure and community projects across British Columbia.

“One of the main reasons I’m pursuing this role is to give back to the amazing community that has nurtured me for these past five years,” he says. “And to be part of the positive change that drives the Okanagan forward.”

And, to the donors who supported him along the way and who are helping to shape recreation and community for future students through the new recreation centre, he adds, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this possible.”