November 10, 2020
Meet Geneskool Volunteer Sally Ou!
What are you studying at university?
Forest Sciences specialized in Genetics.
When did you first become interested in science?
I was first interested in Science when my grandma first fell really ill and moved into the senior home. I had a lot of questions but there was never an answer to the disease she was suffering from, as her disease had no cure. As I grew older, the world was evolving with more problems such as climate change. When I entered UBC, I realized how many medical problems were connected to other problems such as climate change and that is when I was really interested in forestry. My interest in medicine and forestry began from there, therefore I hope to pursue a career in medicine and integrate forestry in one way or another.
What motivates you to volunteer?
Knowledge. No matter where I volunteer, there is always something to teach others but also to learn from others as well. There are so many things that everyone can teach and inspire one another; and that a textbook cannot. Furthermore, volunteering at Geneskool, it is so rewarding to see children and youth to be inspired, understanding why genomics is important, what STEAM is and enjoy themselves learning about genomics.
What was the most fun/inspiring/exciting moment so far as a Geneskool Volunteer?
One of the most inspiring moment so far as a Geneskool volunteer is being able to travel to the rural part of B.C. to deliver genomics workshops to high school students and help them realized that whatever their passion is today, they can achieve it. STEAM is a whole new world that I did not have when I was their age, this is an opportunity to get curious and creative to solve whatever problems they may be passionate about.
What advice would you give to a young aspiring scientist?
Never stop being curious and never fear to ask your mentors questions. When I was writing my undergraduate thesis, I was very scared of my supervisor but she taught me to grow thick skin and ask her questions. I remembered on the very last day of review, and when she complimented me for the first time, I cried. Your hard work will pay off, and you have to believe it before anyone believes you. Nonetheless, don’t compare your journey to anyone else, everyone is different and that is what make us all unique.
You can learn more about the Geneskool program by clicking here.
