Personal Information:
Name: Shawnee Monchalin
Degree & Year: BA '15, JD '20
Thunderbird Sport: Rugby 2011-15
Current Profession/Employer: Articled Student at Miller Thomson LLP
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smonchalin/
Instagram: smonchalin

Why did you choose to study/play at UBC?
When I was in Grade 10 I saw an aerial view of the UBC Campus on my guidance counselor's wall. I told her I wanted to apply there because of the ocean and I never looked back! 

Favourite T-Bird memory: 
Skit night in first year.

Favourite place on campus: 
My favourite place on campus used to be the upstairs of the old aquatic center- a hidden gem for the best naps in between class and training.

What was your first job after graduation? 
After I graduated, I took a year off to travel. When I returned I jumped right back into education and went to Allard Hall UBC Law School. In between I worked at The Pit when it was notoriously grimy. 

What advice do you have for current student-athletes? 
Seek out mentors and people who support you. There will be many people who will try to tell you or make you feel like you're not good enough, but surrounding yourself with incredible individuals that lift you up drowns out the negative and was my key to pushing myself to be better. 

What are your books/movie suggestions? 
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer; Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi; Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow

What are your go-to songs and podcasts?
The Daily; Armchair Expert; Lovett or Leave it; The Big Picture 

Can you share any new quarantine hobbies/goals? 
Woodworking! I started a passion project and built some patio furniture. 

How can other alumni/student-athletes connect with you?
Yes, of course! I am always available to student-athletes; find me on LinkedIn.