When it came to post-secondary program decisions, Jaashing made the choice to not have to choose just one avenue of study. Instead, she opted for UBC’s Science One program: an immersive first-year experience that integrates mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry. In this article, Beedie Luminary Jaashing dives into her excitement for what lies ahead. Read more below.
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
At UBC, I’m currently taking sciences and planning to specialize in a biology-related area in health care. Health care and science interests me because it’s a career where I can work with people and create a direct impact on people’s lives. I can use my scientific knowledge and experience to help people in their critical times. I am in a first-year program called Science One at UBC’s Faculty of Science. This program offers interdisciplinary studies in the three major branches of science plus calculus and provides immense support for students with an incredible ratio of 75 students to 8 professors
The small class size, amazing support from professors, enriched material, and new way of thinking that Science One teaches drew me to the program.. It also creates a intimate community for all Science One students, along with a network of Science One alumni who supports the current students in the program and passes on advice.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I was born in Canada but spent half my childhood in China, moving to Vancouver when I was 9. It was quite a change moving to Vancouver, and I struggled a bit adjusting to the new lifestyle, but with the support of my family, I was able to navigate and adapt to life here. For my extra curricular activities, I’ve always loved sports and started participating in elementary school, joining different school teams and clubs outside of school, and eventually sticking with basketball in high school. I was lucky to play on the school team with my best friends through all 5 years of high school, as well as multiple year of club teams.
I spent countless hours practicing and getting ready for games, which created some of my most lasting memories in high school. Moreover, I also join clubs at school and eventually became executives, and there I found a second family of other likeminded individuals. Additionally, I pursued dance throughout the 5 years of high school, which relieved my stress and made me happy I formed amazing friendships from dance class and learned many valuable life lessons.
Who inspires you, and why?
My family and my mentors inspire me with all their perseverance and wisdom, as well as their generosity. My parents are early immigrants from China, where they individually worked endlessly to learn English to study abroad, finding a footing on their own, and facing trials after trials yet never giving up. They aren’t afraid of working hard and making sacrifices to achieve their goals, and the extent of the sacrifices they made to provide a good life for me and my brother is truly admirable.
My mentors from the Big Sisters program and at church also inspire me with all their wise advice and incredible life experiences, as well as their selflessness, taking the time to support me in all situations and caring for me throughout my different stages of life. The amount of love they give is unbelievable, and act as an example for me to work towards.
What motivates you, and why?
Working to become a better version of myself is one of my main motivations, where gaining character, knowledge, skills, and experiences is one of the most valuable things to me, so many my of endeavours of motivated by my effort to better myself. The generosity of everyone who has helped me on my journey motivates me, and I aim to repay them one day and make everyone who believed in me proud
What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
This year, some of my goals are to develop my organization skills and to learn computer skills that would be useful for future careers. I hope to do well academically, find a club that I am passionate about, meet new people and find a group of friends where we can support each other. I want to learn to take care of myself better, focusing on my physical and mental health while I’m living away from my family on campus, becoming more independent in the process. Furthermore, I also want to narrow down my career options and find a direction that I am passionate about and also have a talent for.
What is one thing you will take with you from high school to post-secondary?
In high school, I learned that although many opportunities are readily available, we must chase after them because they won’t be handed to us. In order to make the most of my experience at university, I’ll take ownership of my education and seek after opportunities that would help me gain new skills and grow as an individual. I’ll make sure to challenge myself in academics, but also to maintain a balance by join clubs and keeping up with extracurricular activities, as well as time for rest.
What is one piece of advice you would give to future Luminaries?
Take advantage of opportunities you are given and actively seek out new experiences! Don’t hold back out of fear or doubt. Try new things that might scare you, because those things could be the most rewarding experiences of your life. Get involved at school, in the community, and make the time to pursue the hobbies that you’re passionate about. Refine the skills and talents that you have and see where they can take you, for those will bring you the most unique opportunities and make for some incredible life experiences
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