Experience for youth by senior peers
On October 26, 2025, the VLA Growth Forum hosted a special community sharing event. We were fortunate to welcome four guest speakers, each with their own path and perspective, who talked about studying in Canadian high schools, entering university, pursuing graduate studies, and navigating the workplace. Their stories brought clarity and inspiration to everyone in the room.
Senior peers from left to right: Noah, Jacky, Jimmy, Nathan
Senior peers came from different schools, different ages, and different academic interests, yet each of them showed a unique way of thinking and a steady dedication to life, learning, and work.
Noah
The first speaker was Noah, a graduate of the University of Toronto. He completed his undergraduate degree with a major in Economics, a specialist in Finance, and a minor in Statistics, earning a 3.8 GPA and repeatedly making the President’s Honor List. After his bachelor’s, he continued into the Master of Management and Professional Accounting program at the University of Toronto, graduated again with distinction, and now works at MNP, Canada’s largest home-grown accounting firm, focusing on public company auditing.
Noah Chen, Graduated from University of Toronto in 2025
Noah reminded us that the first year of university—though it appears basic—is absolutely crucial. Without strong grades, it becomes difficult to enter your desired program, and in some cases, you risk falling behind. He encouraged students never to give up on mathematics, because it connects to nearly every field and career. He also emphasized that communication skills and problem-solving matter far more than simply memorizing content. What we study in school may not perfectly match our future jobs, but it builds critical thinking, the compass we depend on in a complex world.
Jack
Our second speaker, Jack from the University of Waterloo, laughed as he admitted that “the best decision I made in high school was to relax.” He finished high school with outstanding grades—an average of 94, a 99 in Calculus, and 97 in Advanced Functions—which earned him Waterloo’s President’s Scholarship. After completing internships at Huawei, Constant Contact, and Sandvine, he is now pursuing a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.
Jack Ma, graduate school of Computur Science in University of Waterloo
Jack shared that Canadian high schools offer ample time and space to explore personal interests. He encouraged students to spend more time observing themselves, learning about university programs, and understanding what they genuinely enjoy. In his view, good choices come from deep understanding; actions rooted in interest and curiosity tend to lead somewhere meaningful.
He also recalled that he was interning when ChatGPT reshaped the world almost overnight. Realizing how dramatically AI increases efficiency, he chose to commit himself to the field. When asked about the relationship between humans and AI, he replied: AI and computers are tools—the real question is how humans use creativity to “give the tool a soul.”
Jimmy
The third speaker, Jimmy, is a Grade 12 student at Oakville Trafalgar High School with a strong passion for mathematics. He has achieved impressive results: 9th in Ontario for CSMC (2023), 2nd globally in the Physics Bowl (2024), and top 5% worldwide in the Euclid Contest (2025). He has taken multiple AP courses, including Calculus BC, Physics C, and Statistics.
Jimmy Liu, Grade 12 of Oakville Trafalgar High School
He believes that math competitions train more than skills—they expand how you see problems. Euclid problems, though not beyond the curriculum, cultivate deep thinking and the ability to analyze from different angles. He strongly encouraged students to try competitions or take AP courses when they have the capacity, as they provide early insight into what university-level fields are really about.
To everyone’s surprise, Jimmy also shared his love for philosophy—especially ancient Chinese thought. Through reading and reflecting, he developed a learning philosophy of “exploring knowledge outward, while exploring the self inward.”
Nathan
Our final speaker, Nathan, represented many Canadian-born students. In September 2025, he entered the Life Sciences program at the University of Toronto. In high school, he chose the IB curriculum and excelled in physics, chemistry, biology, and data management, which earned him offers from McMaster, Waterloo, and U of T.
Why did he choose Life Sciences in the end? He recalled his experiences in robotics competitions, the HOSA medical club, and volunteer work at a hospital—hands-on experiences that gradually shifted his interest from physics to biological research, helping him find both direction and passion.
Nathan Jiang, first year in University of Toronto
Nathan believes that in an era of rapid AI development, computer science and literature are equally important—the former teaches logical and technological thinking, while the latter develops critical and reflective abilities. He encouraged non-native English speakers not to fear IB or AP: with steady effort, language will never be a barrier.
Video editor: David Li, Grade 7 in Rotherglen Academy
During the event, parents raised many questions, and the Q&A sparked lively conversation and connection.
Ms. Gao from Hansen School sharing educational ideas.
More than a sharing session, this felt like a conversation about growth and choice.
Noah’s steadiness, Jack’s ease, Jimmy’s focus, and Nathan’s spirit of exploration together sketched multiple possibilities for young people finding their way.
From them, we saw the quiet power of role models.
We also understood the truth: growth is never a straight line. It is a journey of trying, adjusting, questioning, and rediscovering.
Each of us is unique. Each of us will choose a different path.
As long as we carry curiosity, passion, and perseverance, we will, somewhere along the journey of pursuing what we love, grow into a clearer and braver version of ourselves.
Author: Celine LIU
Celine Liu is a grade 10 student in Abbey Park High School. She enjoys singing, reading novels, and playing clarinet. Celine loves to debate and think about the value of one’s life.
