For Sandamali Jayakody, pursuing graduate studies was always about more than earning a degree—it was about finding a place where her global perspective could connect meaningfully with real-world challenges. When she discovered the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Global Studies) program at UBC Okanagan, it offered exactly what she had been searching for: a fully funded scholarship at one of Canada’s top universities, a world-ranked university and a chance to grow within a supportive, research-driven community.
Arriving from Sri Lanka with a background in International Relations, Jayakody was drawn to the program’s interdisciplinary nature. She was particularly interested in how it bridges global theory with local realities—an approach that would come to shape both her academic work and her sense of purpose.
“The program encourages deep critical thinking and pushes you to look at complex issues from multiple perspectives,” she explains. “It gave me the tools to connect what I had learned globally with what I was seeing locally.”
That connection became central to her research journey. Building on her prior volunteer and fieldwork experiences in South Asia, Jayakody began to see how her interests in global issues could be applied closer to home. This realization led her to focus on food insecurity among low-income families in Kelowna—research that allowed her to contribute directly to the community she now calls home.
“I felt proud to be able to conduct a study that gives back to the local community,” she says. “It made my academic work feel meaningful in a very tangible way.”
Her commitment to making research accessible was further reflected in her participation in the university’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) final competition. With a long-standing passion for debate and public speaking, Jayakody saw the competition as an opportunity to showcase her strengths while challenging herself to communicate her work in a new way.
“I’ve always enjoyed presentations and public speaking,” she says. “3MT felt like a natural way to step onto the stage and share my research.”
Distilling complex research into just three minutes proved to be one of the most demanding aspects of the experience.
“Summarizing all the key findings within such a short time was challenging,” she explains. “You have to be very intentional about what you include and how you frame it.”
To connect with a broad audience, she focused on clarity and engagement, carefully shaping her message using accessible, non-technical language. The experience not only strengthened her communication skills but also shifted how she thinks about the role of research.
“Seeing the range of impactful research being done across Canada made me reflect on how much we can contribute to our communities,” she says. “It reinforced my interest in work that has a real, local impact.”
One of the most memorable moments came during the final competition, when she was surrounded by support.
“Having my mentors, friends, and family cheering me on meant so much,” she recalls. “It really showed me the strength of the UBCO community.”
The connections she made through 3MT extended beyond the stage. Following the competition, Jayakody had an opportunity to connect with the Central Okanagan Food Systems Collaborative, sharing her thesis and contributing to ongoing conversations around improving food security in the region—an experience that directly aligned with her goal of bridging research and practice.
Throughout her time at UBCO, mentorship played a key role in shaping her experience. She credits Dr. David Geary for his thoughtful guidance, mentorship, and deep understanding of international students’ perspectives.
“He is a great listener, and his kindness and immense support made a significant difference in my journey,” she says. “He truly makes you feel seen and supported.”
Beyond the classroom, Jayakody’s time at UBCO was also a period of personal growth. Navigating a new country and academic environment strengthened her resilience and confidence, while the university’s strong sense of community helped her feel grounded.
“I’ve learned the importance of networking, self-discipline, and giving back,” she reflects. “UBCO is filled with people who genuinely want to support you, and that makes all the difference.”
Looking ahead, Jayakody hopes to continue bridging the gap between research and practice. She is eager to work in university or community settings where she can translate academic insights into meaningful local action. In time, she plans to pursue a PhD—grounded not only in theory, but in lived, on-the-ground experience.
For prospective students, especially those coming from abroad, her advice is simple: lean into the experience.
“Moving to a new country can be challenging, but the support system at UBCO helps you feel at home,” she says. “Take advantage of the resources and the people around you—they are there to help you succeed.”