Hannah El-Hilo鈥檚 interest in Sociology was first sparked when she took SA 150 Introduction to Sociology with Dr. Kyle Willmott during her first semester at 51社区黑料. 鈥淭he course introduced me to the language and analytical tools needed to understand and describe the world around me in ways I previously struggled to express.鈥�

El-Hilo contemplated pursuing minors in Gender, Sexuality, and Women鈥檚 Studies (GSWS), Public Policy, and Statistics, but in the end, she chose a double minor in History and Criminology. Explaining further, she says, 鈥淗istory felt like a natural continuation of my interests. It allowed me to examine historical events that still shape present-day systems and influence people鈥檚 lived experiences.鈥� In Criminology, she says, 鈥淚 was drawn to the upper-division forensic science courses, which gave me the opportunity to explore a field that was distinctly different from both my major and my other minor.鈥�

Some of the courses El-Hilo enjoyed the most were SA 325 (Political Sociology), HIST 382 (African American History since 1865), SA 442 (Sociology of Feelings), HIST 326 (Indigenous Peoples in North America Since 1850), and CRIM 358 (Forensic Entomology). Among her favourite instructors were professors Kyle Willmott, Lindsey Freeman, Prof-Collins Ifeonu, and Lauren Faulkner Rossi.

One assignment that stood out to El-Hilo was her final paper for SA 325 Political Sociology, where she examined the 鈥楽ymbolic Power of the Singaporean State through the Normalization of National Service鈥�. Discussing why this assignment stayed with her, she says, 鈥淭he project gave me an opportunity to research my home country, Singapore, and reflect on an issue that personally resonates with me, as my brother and many people close to me have served or will serve in Singapore鈥檚 military.鈥�

Another memorable project was her HIST 326 Indigenous Peoples in North America Since 1850 final paper, which involved visiting the 51社区黑料archives to research the history of the Louis Riel University movement that was happening at 51社区黑料in 1968. 鈥淚t was my first experience working in the archives,鈥� says El-Hilo. 鈥淓xploring the movement through past editions of gave me a completely new appreciation for the publication and its historical significance.鈥�

As an undergraduate student, El-Hilo participated in various co-curricular activities on campus. An active member of the Sociology and Anthropology Student Union (SASU) for three years, she served as its president for two consecutive years. She was also a member of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Dean鈥檚 Student Advisory Council and helped organize the 2026 FASS Undergraduate Research Symposium during her final semester.

El-Hilo was also awarded the FASS Dean's Undergraduate Fellowship in 2025 and was a member of its inaugural cohort of 20 students. Fellows were recognized for their excellence in academic achievement, leadership potential and the embodiment of core humanistic values. "It was an honour to be nominated by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and to be part of a cohort of such extraordinary students," says El-Hilo.

Out of all her achievements, El-Hilo takes most pride in contributing to the establishment of SASU鈥檚 annual event. 鈥淚t was proposed by a now-graduated member, Shawna Dunsmuir-Cregg. I am glad that I had the opportunity to ensure its annual continuation. I am also proud of the event鈥檚 focus on faculty research and opening newer avenues that encourage faculty-to-student connection. I also had the privilege of guiding the founding of , under SASU.鈥�

During her time at SASU, El-Hilo made many lifelong friends who left a highly positive impact on her. 鈥淚 met so many lovely, kind, curious, and passionate folks through SASU,鈥� she says. 鈥淭heir passion always inspired me to persevere through tough times and busy finals seasons.鈥�

As a graduating student of SFU, El-Hilo has many memories to cherish. Recalling SA 442 (Sociology of Feelings), a midweek evening class, she says, 鈥淭he energy in that room was unlike anything else. We all cared about the material so much and wanted to contribute meaningfully despite the late hour.鈥� Surprisingly, the timing of the class helped made it even more memorable for her. 鈥淒uring the break, a group of us would eat dinner together, and it felt special. I felt very connected to every person in that classroom.鈥� Reflecting again on those moments, she says, 鈥淢aybe it was the fact that it was the last sociology class I would take for my major, or the unprecedented amount of personal and reflective (but sociological) writing we did for that class, or the very special people in it, but that class will always hold a special place in my heart.鈥�

According to El-Hilo, 51社区黑料prepared her for the future by  making her adaptable to new environments and people. 鈥淓very semester at 51社区黑料looked different for me. Whether it was taking classes in new disciplines or participating in new involvement opportunities,鈥� she says, 鈥淚 had to constantly adapt throughout my time at SFU.鈥�

Believing that interest and passion find you when you least expect it, El-Hilo feels that it is important to trust and follow your instincts. 鈥淢y major, minors, and involvement in the campus community were never part of my original plan at SFU. Nevertheless,鈥� she says, 鈥淚 am glad I took the opportunities as they came and had the courage to change paths. The university, especially FASS, provides lots of bandwidth to change your mind.鈥�

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to stray from the path you鈥檙e on. If a class in a certain discipline interests you, take another class in that field 鈥� it could lead you somewhere!鈥�

El-Hilo will be starting the University of British Columbia鈥檚 Teacher Education Program this fall. Elaborating on her plans, she says, 鈥淗istory and Social Sciences will be my teachable subjects. I am very excited to begin my journey toward becoming a secondary school teacher.鈥�

As Hannah El-Hilo prepares to begin the next chapter of her academic and professional journey as an educator, she carries with her the lessons, connections, and experiences that shaped her time at 51社区黑料.