Andy Wang, Volunteer, Youth Leadership Program
Andy Wang is one of many students who live on the Vancouver campus and attend the local high school, University Hill Secondary.
A resident of Hampton Place, Wang volunteers at the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA), as part of the UTown@UBC Youth Leadership Program. A joint initiative with Campus and Community Planning, this program offers teenagers an opportunity to make an impact in the UBC community while gaining volunteer hours.
“Every Friday, from 4 to 7:30, we will meet. We plan events, for example for Lunar New Year or Halloween,” said Wang.
As a 10th grader, Wang has experienced the pressures of being a high school student.
“As you go higher in grade, there’s a bit of stress mentally, because of high workload. That, I think, affects your wellbeing a lot,” said Wang.
Wang also cites the need to sit in a classroom for 8 hours as a source of stress.
Wang defines wellbeing as his current state of mind, and tries to ensure he balances schoolwork with health. “I like playing sports, like tennis and badminton. And I also like computer games.”
“That definitely makes you more happy, to do what you like, and then you can go back to studying. I think that gives you a boost,” Wang added.
Wang describes UBC as a city within a city. While he doesn’t use UBC resources often, he enjoys going to the Rose Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden.
Wang advises high school students to keep things in perspective, in order to take care of their wellbeing.
“Your mark does not dictate your success.”
Post by: Kaavya Lakshmanan, Communications Assistant