I am a professor based in English as well as in Critical Indigenous Studies. I moved here with my family in early 2022 having taught in a few places: New Zealand (my home country), Australia, Hawaii and elsewhere in Canada. My research is connected to Indigenous literatures, especially from around the Pacific, and I often describe myself as a scholar, poet and irredentist. Arriving at university for the first time is always a combination of excitement and nerves. Everyone brings their own questions, fears, hopes, skills and ideas. My job with Jump Start is to help you figure out what you bring and to address some questions, tips and ideas to get you ready for your first week, term and year of your student experience at UBC.