Continuing our series of blogs spotlighting some of our inaugural Beedie Luminaries, it’s time to meet Sally Jiao. Sally is starting her first year at UBC, working towards his Bachelor of Commerce. Read more about her story in the Q&A story below.
What is your name?
Sally Jiao
What post-secondary school will you be attending?
University of British Columbia
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program at the UBC Sauder School of Business because I am interested in studying financial markets, investment banking, and corporate law. I love finance and economics for their spontaneity and their unpredictability; I would love to come up with innovative solutions for unprecedented problems. In the future, I hope to become a CFA and contribute to the effective management of companies with a focus on sustainability.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I was born in China and I immigrated to Canada when I was 11. I lived in Vancouver for a year before settling down in Surrey. Through attending library programs and reading books extensively, I was able to overcome my language barriers and discover my passion for community involvement. In high school, I joined multiple clubs and started one of my own with funding from the Vancouver Foundation. I found that surrounding myself with people who continuously inspired and motivated me with their leadership and enthusiasm fueled my desire to also engage in different activities. I started several entrepreneurship ventures in my senior year through the SFU bright ideas program and the JABC program, where I discovered my passion for commerce and economics! In my spare time, I enjoy acrylic painting, calligraphy, and constructing mini architectural models.
Who inspires you, and why?
The names of many notable political and historical figures flash across my mind upon reading this question, but I think I actually draw most of my inspiration from those around me. I believe that it is important to surround myself with people who constantly challenge me with new ideas and perspectives. Therefore, I consider my immediate community to be my main and foremost source of inspiration.
What motivates you, and why?
I am motivated by a strong curiosity to explore and discover new things! I am constantly striving for improvement in every aspect of my life, whether it be academically, socially, or physically. Whenever I find a topic that excites or intrigues me, I become very invested in researching it further. This habit of pursuing different subjects has led me to some of my most rewarding and fulfilling experiences, and it is one that I hope to keep.
What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
I hope that I will be able to practice effective time management and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I consider my mental and emotional health to be my number one priority as I have struggled with depressive and anxious episodes in the past. While I do wish to perform well academically, I also want to keep my stress levels in check. Due to my fierce curiosity and passion, I have a tendency to stretch myself beyond my limits. Starting now, I’m trying to take better care of myself by understanding what I am capable of and keeping my tasks commitments within that bubble.
What is one thing you learned in high school that you will take with you to post-secondary?
The biggest lesson I learned in high school was regarding reputation and image. I’ve learned to believe in myself and not worry about other people’s perceptions or views. I spent a large amount of time in my junior years trying to befriend everyone before I realized it was an impossible task. Everyone has different interests, and it’s okay if yours doesn’t align with others’. This is something I hope to carry with me for this next chapter because I see university as a perfect place for finding and realizing one’s personal identity.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to future Luminaries?
Don’t be scared — You never know what you are capable of achieving unless you try.
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