Liaoyan Gan
Liaoyan (Gary) Gan, from China, is one of the Faculty of Graduate Research and Studies, Teaching Assistant Award recipients for 2020. He is in the pursuit of his MSc in KSR Physical Activity and Physical Literacy.
Why did you choose this area of study?
I love sports. Since I was a kid, I played all kinds of sports and loved every minute of it. I used to be a track and field athlete. I become very curious about how the body moves and acutely aware of the importance of physical activity to health. By combining what I love and what I find fascinating I ended up in sports science.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Today, I work on physical activity and physical literacy research in children. In the future, I hope to be a leader in promoting physical activity and sports experiences. I want to work with children in North American and China to realize the importance of sport and physical activity in their lives.
Who are three of your heroes (living or historical) and why?
It is hard to name all my heroes. But my parents for sure are always first, they have been my heroes my entire life. Their unconditional support and love have given me the freedom to do the things that I want and become the person that I want to be.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Why did you choose this area of study?
I love sports. Since I was a kid, I played all kinds of sports and loved every minute of it. I used to be a track and field athlete. I become very curious about how the body moves and acutely aware of the importance of physical activity to health. By combining what I love and what I find fascinating I ended up in sports science.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Today, I work on physical activity and physical literacy research in children. In the future, I hope to be a leader in promoting physical activity and sports experiences. I want to work with children in North American and China to realize the importance of sport and physical activity in their lives.
Who are three of your heroes (living or historical) and why?
It is hard to name all my heroes. But my parents for sure are always first, they have been my heroes my entire life. Their unconditional support and love have given me the freedom to do the things that I want and become the person that I want to be.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Intelligence. It is a hard question, but all virtue comes for a reason.
Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?
The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks. It is a great book that tells us that everything we imagine is achievable. If we keep dreaming and focus on positive things then eventually we will reach our dreams.
What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?
Empathy. The ability to see and feel things from other's perspectives. We must understand others to make the world a better place.
Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?
My supervisor, Dr. Kerry Mummery, and my lovely students.
Dr. Mummery always encouraged me to teach. He shared his teaching stories with me and told me teaching is a great way to keep learning and growing. My students definitely have had a huge impact on my teaching journey as well. Their smiling faces give me the motivation to try my best to provide high-quality classes. Also, they give me encouragement and respect even though I have an accent. I want to say thanks to all my lovely students.
Name a book that you would assign as recommended reading to students?
The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks. It is a great book that tells us that everything we imagine is achievable. If we keep dreaming and focus on positive things then eventually we will reach our dreams.
What skill would you consider to be most essential for humanity?
Empathy. The ability to see and feel things from other's perspectives. We must understand others to make the world a better place.
Who or what on campus has made an impact on your UAlberta success?
My supervisor, Dr. Kerry Mummery, and my lovely students.
Dr. Mummery always encouraged me to teach. He shared his teaching stories with me and told me teaching is a great way to keep learning and growing. My students definitely have had a huge impact on my teaching journey as well. Their smiling faces give me the motivation to try my best to provide high-quality classes. Also, they give me encouragement and respect even though I have an accent. I want to say thanks to all my lovely students.