It was a time when I struggled and really started to think about planning for the future, especially since studying abroad costs a lot of time and money. We all know that planning ahead for better time management is extremely important, and having a friend-like advisor from Kairos definitely helped me navigate the transition from high school to university study more smoothly.
At that time, I focused mainly on my studies, how quickly I could adapt to a different culture, and how to improve my language proficiency. I almost missed the chance to align my focus with my long-term goals. Because I put so much effort into academics, my friend (a consultant at Kairos) recommended that I discuss with my school course advisor the possibility of taking summer courses as a plan to skip a year ahead and prepare for university. Through back-and-forth discussions since grade 10 with my school course advisor and my Kairos advisor, I understood that graduation requirements include fulfilling all credits from electives, major courses, and volunteer hours. I used my time effectively, including summer breaks, which allowed me to finish high school in three years instead of four (in Vancouver, high school includes grades 9–12).
After I successfully entered UBC, the knowledge and guidance I received from my Kairos advisor continued to help me. I stayed actively aware of the requirements for my academic program and avoided wasting time on selecting ineligible courses for my major.
When I first started this planning process with my friend, she had not yet become a consultant at Kairos, but I really appreciated her hard work and ideas in helping me with the resources she had at the time. As a seven-year international student in Canada, I believe Kairos is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to set their goals and develop strong plans for future transitions. They have the passion and heart to help people in need.
Finally, my only suggestion for anyone applying to UBC is: do not hold yourself back from applying, no matter what others think of your abilities or how you define your own potential. Everyone, including you, has unique value and potential that deserves a chance.