The Best of Both Worlds: Ivy Liao On Balancing Her Academic and Athletic Identities

This is Ivy Liao. As a Beedie Luminary from the 2019 Cohort and one of the inaugural recipients of the new Graduate Studies Award, she recently completed her undergraduate degree at the UBC Sauder School of Business, with specializations in Accounting and Business Law and plans on commencing her studies in the Juris Doctor Program at the UBC Allard School of Law in September 2024.

Though being a student has always been a large part of Ivy’s identity, there’s another side to her that she doesn’t as often speak about: Ivy is a Canadian National Women’s Table Tennis Team member, has won 12 age-group National Championship Titles, and has represented Canada in over 20 countries. As if that isn’t already impressive enough, she will be a member of Team Canada this Fall at her second Pan American Games, taking place in Santiago, Chile. Above all, Ivy connects her success in athletics and academics through her passionate for learning, sharing her love of sports, and empowering others in her community. 

In this article, Ivy walks us through her journey in table tennis and how it connects with her interests in business and law. By chatting about her short-term plans for the upcoming year and sharing some advice she would give to other post-secondary students who are balancing academics with life, Ivy is the well-rounded student we all look up to. Scroll down to read more! 

IVY LIAO — Hi everyone! I’m Ivy, a proud and grateful Beedie Luminary and recent UBC graduate. Some fun facts about me are that I grew up in East Vancouver, had an extra baby tooth, and have a mild hazelnut allergy but still love Nutella. During the school year, you’ll usually find me studying, playing table tennis, or working on various tasks for extracurricular responsibilities. But whenever I can, I also really enjoy reading, playing the piano, binge-watching K-dramas, hanging out with my family and friends, and giving back to my community!

Sports like table tennis have evidently been a huge part of your life. How did your journey with table tennis start?

You’re absolutely right; sports have had a profound impact on my life, and I am incredibly grateful for all of the experiences and lessons I’ve gained through these opportunities. 

When I was younger, I frequently got sick, prompting my parents to enroll my brother and me in various sports at our local community centers, as suggested by our family doctor. This included swimming, skating, basketball, volleyball, and more – I loved every moment, and my health improved significantly. However, a community centre strike when I was seven years old forced my parents to find other after-school activities for me and my brother. A family friend recommended trying out table tennis at a facility just a few blocks away from where we lived, and so we did. Fifteen years later, I’m still playing the sport and love it more than ever. 

How has balancing table tennis with school and life been, and how has this helped shape the person you are today?

Balancing table tennis with school and life has been a remarkable journey, one that has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.

Thanks to the invaluable support of my family and community, I was able to dedicate countless hours to table tennis training and competitions alongside my studies and other extracurriculars throughout the past few years. Balancing that throughout high school and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was tough; staying competitive and motivated to train while completing my undergraduate degree and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic was even tougher.

During some of the hardest times (such as when I lost crucial matches when my teammates were counting on me, almost failed midterm exams after missing weeks of classes to attend tournaments, faced injuries, watched friends leave the sport or partake in social gatherings that I could not attend, and missed out on qualifying for tournaments or podium placements that had been my goal for years), I would wonder why I was still so invested in this sport. At times, I was fully ready to quit.

Pushing Onward & Upward

However, reflecting during times like these would also remind me how great of a blessing sports and table tennis have been in my life. Not only has my health improved and I’ve been able to practice and develop transferable skills including time management, adaptability, and tenacity, but I have also been able to travel internationally, form friendships with amazing individuals from around the world, and gain deeper insights into the intricacies of our global community.

Additionally, these challenges taught me a lot about the value of community and supporting each other; sports changed my life, but my experiences wouldn’t have been possible without the energy, time, and financial support I’ve received from the incredible people in my support network (including my family, coaches, professors, mentors, friends, and more), which has inspired me to give back. Some of the ways I’ve been able to do this include coaching other athletes, being the Club Lead for the UBC Thunderbirds Table Tennis Sports Club, being the Secretary of Table Tennis Canada’s Athletes’ Commission, and volunteering with clubs and non-profit organizations such as Girls Who LEAP, Face of Today Foundation, and CUS Sustainability to empower and educate youth. 

My positive and negative experiences with various individuals and organizations within the table tennis community played a large role in my decisions to study business, and later on law, at UBC. My family and I had never expected that table tennis would be so influential in my life. One thing has led to another in an amazing (and sometimes incredibly challenging) ripple effect, and I’m so grateful for every part of it.

For example, elements of my Future Focus video and two of the essays I wrote in my initial application for the Beedie Luminaries Scholarship were about my experiences with table tennis. Since becoming a recipient of this scholarship four years ago, the holistic support from the program, my mentor Graeme, and the other Luminaries I’ve met have opened so many doors for me that I could have never imagined. It blows my mind when I hear similar stories from other Luminaries as well!

Where are you excited to go from here? Where do you hope to be soon?

Although I still don’t fully know what I want to “be when I grow up”, I’m excited to simply continue moving forward down the path ahead. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been presented with, and I want to continue learning, being involved with sports, and empowering others wherever I go. 

Initially, I was planning on beginning law school at UBC this September. Law had always been a field that had captivated my interest and provided a means for me to learn more about how to support and advocate for vulnerable groups close to my heart, such as youths, individuals with lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and immigrant families. I had already been accepted into the program, secured a housing offer, and become a recipient of the Beedie Luminaries Graduate Studies Award, which all felt so surreal. However, life had a plot twist in store for me, prompting me to reevaluate my plans. After a lot of thought and chats with my family, coaches, and mentors, I made the decision to defer my studies for a year.

What does this upcoming year look like for you?

To be very honest, I’m still figuring things out (as always haha), but I’m excited! It’s looking like this year will be composed of a lot of table tennis, working part-time, and prioritizing my well-being. 

Table Tennis:

After competing in a National selection tournament in Ontario this past June, I qualified to represent Canada at a few upcoming international competitions in the fall, including the 2023 Pan American Championships in Cuba (September) and the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile (November). These competitions also serve as the first round of qualifications for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, so I’ll be training hard to prepare for those events and am excited to compete alongside my teammates!

Work:

I’m excited to continue supporting others through my involvement with the non-profit organization, ShEvalesco (shee-val-es-co). This inspiring organization focuses on empowering female-identified and gender-diverse youth with knowledge, strategies, and tools to confidently navigate life. Since mid-2020, my contribution to the HerStory project, which has now become a podcast, has been deeply rewarding! In the upcoming year, I am thrilled to be part of the team working towards the launch of their social enterprise. Not only will this be a wonderful opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my BCom degree, but I’m excited to learn from the other amazing members of the team and further empower youth in our community! 

Well-Being:

One of my top priorities this year is nurturing my well-being and cultivating positive habits for my future. During my undergraduate years, there were certain aspects of personal growth that I longed to pursue but struggled to find the time. This year offers a unique opportunity to delve into these areas and build a strong foundation for well-being. From dedicating time to reading for enjoyment, learning to cook a greater variety of nutritious meals, exploring my faith, prioritizing rest, to exploring the realm of managing personal finances, I’m grateful to have this year as an opportunity to build these habits before starting law school.

Any advice for students who are considering sacrificing one of their passions to excel in another? Is it possible to do both?

Yes, I absolutely think that it’s possible to pursue your passions in another field while excelling academically. Although it will be challenging at times, the rewards and personal growth that come with it are immeasurable. Some advice I would give to achieve the “best of both worlds” include:

1. Stay organized and maintain balance with an effective scheduling and task-tracking system.

Create a well-structured scheduling system that allows you to allocate time for classes, studying, passions, personal life, and moments of relaxation and fun. Additionally, keep a running list of all of your upcoming deadlines and responsibilities. Personally, I use a mixture of Google Calendar and Notion for this! Having a visual layout of your time and being able to plan ahead will help you maintain balance, manage your responsibilities effectively, and prioritize what’s most important to you.

2. Try your best, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. 

Striving for excellence is commendable, but it’s crucial to avoid overwhelming yourself with unrealistic expectations or a rigid, linear path. Remember that you are human, and that it’s completely okay (and expected!) to experience setbacks along the way. Enjoy the process, approach those challenges and unexpected events with a growth mindset, and celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small!

3. Embrace your support network.

Surround yourself with a strong support network of family, friends, coaches, and mentors who believe in you and encourage you to pursue your various passions. The emotional support, guidance, and motivation they will provide during both the highs and lows of your journey will be invaluable for your growth. Don’t know where to start? Try reaching out to your peers in the Beedie Luminaries community, connecting with your Student Success Coach, and signing up for the exceptional mentorship program! 

4. Find ways to give back.

As you grow and excel in your passions and academic pursuits, seek opportunities to give back to the communities that have shaped you. Whether it’s through mentoring others, volunteering, or promoting values such as inclusivity and holistic well-being, giving back can add a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your journey while providing additional learning opportunities as well.

5. Don’t be afraid to be unique. 

Each person’s journey is different, and that’s what makes it special. Embrace the unique combination of your passions and talents, and don’t feel obligated to follow a certain path or engage in extracurricular activities that don’t genuinely interest you “just because everyone else is”. Having diverse passions sets you apart while also opening doors for opportunities for personal and professional growth that align with your authentic self.

Thanks for sharing your advice, Ivy. Any last words?

Nope, that’s all from me! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and advice – I hope that you feel more inspired and empowered to maintain balance while pursuing your passions, no matter what they may be. For any of you who have additional questions about pursuing your passions, finding balance, or studying business or law at UBC, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Mobilize or via Instagram @ivyyliao_. I’d be more than happy to help. 🙂

Take care and all the best with your future endeavours!

With love,

Ivy Liao

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Thanks Ivy! It was so great to chat with you. Read more about Luminaries like Ivy here!

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