Class of 2021: 6 questions with Zainab Fatima

This is part of series of articles where we asked the fall cohort of the class of 2021 to reflect on their time at the university and share what they learned and loved about their time here. For more student responses, visit Congratulations, Class of 2021.

Zainab Fatima graduated with a Master of Laws in fall 2021. She took a few minutes to answer our questions about her time at the University of Calgary. 

What advice would you give yourself on your first day of university?  

Take your time to adjust, work at your own pace and don't compare yourself to others! Also, keep applying for scholarships; there are many. 

Is there a project, discovery or moment from your time at the university that you are most proud of?   

My thesis oral-defence viva! I did everything I could to have my viva on time, although I was facing health issues. 

Tell us about one person who supported you through your studies and powered you along the way.  

That one person has to be my sister. She took care of me when I was unwell and encouraged me to hang on and keep working towards my thesis. 

What was the most unexpected or surprising thing you learned in your studies at the University of Calgary?    

It's so hard to even get an unpaid internship in the law field here.   

What is your favourite physical space on campus? When you come back to visit in years to come, where will you make sure to stop by?     

The Good Earth café in the Taylor Family Digital Library, the Starbucks patio below MacEwan Hall and the Women's Resource Centre.  

Now what? What’s your next big move?     

I am writing my National Committee on Accreditation exams to get admission to the bar and practice law.