About Giulia Kobylnik

Food science wasn’t initially the plan for Giulia Kobylnik, now a third year student at the University of Guelph. However, after touring the Guelph campus and learning about the food science program, her plans immediately changed. Outside of the classroom, Guilia enjoys hanging out with friends, cooking, and meditating.

Program: Bachelor of Science - Food Science [1]
Hometown/City: Barrie, Ontario
Year of Study: 3rd Year

Why did you decide to study at the University of Guelph?

There were a few reasons why I decided to study at the University:

• The food is the best. Guelph prioritizes the quality and variety of their food over any other university. There is always somewhere to get food and anything you get will be a balanced meal.
• It is a “medium sized” school. Not too big but not too small. As you go through the years your class sizes become smaller, and the campus built so you can walk anywhere within 10 – 12 minutes (unless you must go to War Memorial)
• The city itself is very beautiful and home-like. I have had many warm and fulfilling conversations with random people while on a walk or just on campus. The people seem friendlier.
• My course was one of a kind (at least when I was applying) and Guelph has been known for its agricultural and food sciences. 

What do you like best about your program?

The part I like best about my program is that it is small enough that in the upper years it becomes a little food science community. I know everyone in my program at least by their face, and a good chunk of them all by name.

In what ways were/are you involved on campus? 

I volunteer for Let’s Talk Science [2]. It is a well-known organization based in many cities/schools. Essentially, the program involves elementary and high school teachers looking for university students to come into the school (now online due to covid) and teach a few science concepts to their class through running experiments. It is a great way to get involved, looks awesome on a resume, and allows you to pass on STEM knowledge to future students.

I also am a part of the co-op program which has had many benefits in opening job opportunities and allowing me to understand what options I have for my future career. I also chose to do a minor in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences. It is not necessary for you to do a minor, but it definitely is a way for you to branch into another aspect that interests you while completing your major. 

Do you have a favourite class or professor? 

I have many favorite professors and classes. My favourite in the Ontario Agricultural College is professor Keith Warriner, who teaches many food science courses like Food Microbiology (FOOD*3230), Industrial Microbiology (FOOD*3260) and Food Safety Management Systems (FOOD*4310). He is a very understanding, easy going and approachable guy. He can hold many conversations about food safety and pathogen growth especially related to food processing environment. Most of his assessments are made and marked fairly.

What residence did you live in during first year? 

I lived in South – Mountain residence in a single room. Residence selection is tricky because it is a lottery system, so you are not guaranteed to get your first pick. It ended up being the best. South is the closest residence to other places on campus – it only took roughly 10 minutes to get anywhere on campus. The bus system is right outside, so it is super easy to catch a bus which is a bonus. I think that any residence experience is what you make it. I didn’t want South originally, but I went into it with an open mind and made my room my sanctuary. The other important thing to remember is you don’t spend every minute of the day in your room. Getting out and working on campus takes up most of your week, so making your room as homey as possible is the best you could do to set yourself up for a great residence experience. 

Where is your favourite spot to hang out on campus?

Since I am in third year, I have spent a lot of time in the library, a great place to be to get motivated to do work done, and in the Food Science Building, as most of my classes and labs are held there. I think no matter what your program is, every year you find a favourite hangout spot based on where you spend most of your time as well as where most of your peers are located. 

What is an unforgettable university experience you’ve had?

In my first year, I was having some difficulty with a physics course, and I was being hard on myself. My friends convinced me to take the night off and go out on a Wednesday night to Aggie (agriculture) pub. So naturally we all ended up going, dancing to some good country music, and staying out until about 1am. I got up the next morning bright and early and went to write my last attempt at my physic quiz and passed it with flying colours. I learned that sometimes you just need to relax, and it will all work out.

Do you have favourite spots in Guelph?

My favourite spots on Guelph campus change every year! This year, The Arboretum, which is located just off East Residence, is one of my favourites. It has numerous trails, great for a study break or to walk with a friend for a coffee date. It is so pretty in the fall or winter and it constantly under renovations to make more accessible trails for everyone. My second favourite is the University Centre (UC), which might be a a “weird” favourite to have. Over the years I have realized how much of hidden gem the UC is. There are many different levels to study on, the food is also amazing, they always have vendors to shop around and there are many student services to take advantage of like the Chiropractor Care Centre and the pharmacy.

What is a hobby that makes you happy, or relieves stress?

I enjoy meditation before going to bed, it allows my brain to switch to “sleep mode”. I also enjoy going on walks. I can walk for hours either by myself or with friends – it is a good reliever and allows you to get to know the streets of Guelph. In addition, I like just hanging out with friends. Usually, your friends share the same school related stresses so sometimes it is nice to try and tackle them together or do something to get your mind from them. Finally, I enjoy cooking, without any extra screens or distractions, is quite relaxing and you get great nutrients from doing it as well.

What are your plans or goals after graduation?

Part of me has some ideas circulating like, perusing a master’s degree, becoming a professor, or working in food research/microbiology. The other part of me still has no clue. Most people don’t find out their options until later in their university career. I know I am still learning of all of my options.

Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you give to your high school self?

Grades do not matter as significantly as you think they do. Of course, some grades matter if you need to keep a specific program average, however, getting a poor mark on one assignment or one midterm will not define your whole university career. Some students tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves to get a “better grade.” Start practicing accepting and being proud of yourself for the grades you get. Anything above a 75 is a good mark. 

What methods have you found to adjust to remote learning during the period of online class delivery? 

“You time is not selfish time” I think the biggest challenge with online learning is that everything is available to you all the time, so you feel the constant need to be working. I found that I felt guilty for taking a break even though I had just finished 2 hours of homework. This feeling is sort of unavoidable, but I think not giving into the guilt, and training yourself to take breaks can be beneficial for online learning. There is a lot of time in the day to complete tasks. Just because you don’t reach your goal of work completion for the day, doesn’t mean you won’t ever get it done.

I have found making a “day list” to be very helpful, so I know what I need to complete for one day. As well, I write a weekly layout, so I know what I want to get done for the week. Seeing it written out releases your brain from juggling all the items you must work on.

Taking time for yourself can be watching television, hanging with friends, cooking meals (this is important), going on a walk, going to the gym, writing, meditation.

What's one fun fact about yourself?

In Grade 12, I was diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder. Without constant mindful practice and the help of a therapist I don’t think I would have succeeded as far as I have in my university degree thus far. Take care of yourself. See a therapist. Talk to people. Meditate. Eat. Breathe. It’ll always get better!