Convocation Profile: A chat with Owen Yu

What brought you to the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) at the University of Alberta?

My desire of studying sport brought me to the University of Alberta, but more specifically the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. It was an opportunity for me to overcome a language barrier while earning my Bachelor of Kinesiology degree.

What was your favourite class and why?

My favourite class was KIN 346 where we were required to coach for a complete season, in a program approved by a Mentor Coach. The class introduced us to the demands of coaching high-performance oriented program. I was able to learn more critically around the sport coaching concept.

What was key to your academic success?

Loving what I was learning, which was the interest in sports.

What were some of the greatest challenges you faced as a student, how did you overcome these challenges and how have those challenges shaped the person you are today?

The learning process makes me explore the knowledge and my personality. The new environment with a new language is a challenge, and willing to learn and communicate increases my individuality.

If you completed a practicum, where did you do your practicum and what did your role entail?

I completed three sections of a practicum. I used to be a coach in the academy and high school and was able to use that past experience to work as an assistant coach with Bears and Pandas.

You and your graduating classmates are experiencing Convocation like no other students have before you. What are some thoughts and/or feelings you have about convocating during a pandemic?

I wish I would have had the opportunity to participate in the traditional convocation ceremonies and walk across the stage, but either way this has all been a new exciting experience for me.

What are you most proud of in your journey as a U of A/KSR student?

The journey I took both mentally and physically to complete my degree as a student at the University of Alberta.

As you get ready to convocate, what career plans do you have for the future?

I'm off to the University of Brighton to take a Master Degree.