Humans of St. Mike’s: Karen Maktabi

Humans of St. Mike’s: Karen Maktabi

Photo Credit: Karen Maktabi, Associate Lifestyle Editor

An Interview with a St.Mike’s Student

Karen Maktabi, Associate Lifestyle Editor

What’s your name, what program and year are you currently in at UofT? 

My name is Karen, I’m now in my third year, majoring in Diaspora and Transnational Studies.

What’s your favorite aspect of the program you’re in, what made you choose it?   

I took a course in DTS during the summer completely on a whim, and I ended up loving it. I study topics such as the home, diaspora, transnationality, citizenship, and multiculturalism, which I personally relate to.  

Looking back, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Looking back, I think I’ve always wanted to be an artist of some kind. Singing or dancing professionally perhaps? Ironically, I still do all these things today, my career path looks slightly different though!  

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to go? 

If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, I think I’d want to visit the island of Skópelos, in Greece. It is apparently where most of the outdoor scenes of the film “Mamma Mia” were filmed!

What’s your favorite quote/your life motto? 

I think this is a mentality that I’d considered my mantra for a while now, so I only recently associated this quote to it, as I found it quite fitting. I believe it was actor Henry Cavill who said it: “Loosen up, relax, except for life and death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.” 

What would you say is your go-to spot in the GTA? (you can specify restaurant, cafe, bar etc.)/ What’s your favorite season in Toronto? 

I would say my go-to recommendation spot for great freshly made food would be the Saint Lawrence Market on Front Street. The market sells daily produce and is an amazing niche find for seafood, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts!