The Village That Saved Me: How Hobbies and Community Carried Emily Meier Through Burnout
For 18-year old Emily Meier, the path to the future began with dreams of becoming a physiotherapist and a firm goodbye to all things math-related. But, as she turns 24, she now finds herself teaching undergraduate statistics and pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene at the University of British Columbia.
Raised in Abbotsford, B.C., and later competing as a varsity rugby athlete throughout her undergraduate journey at UBC, Emily has learned that resilience doesn’t come from holding on to a single identity. Instead, it’s built over time—shaped by the accumulation of diverse experiences, challenges, and personal growth. Emily attributes her ability to navigate difficult moments to staying curious, embracing change, and finding purpose in unexpected places.