01 Mar “Empower Me” Xspace Student Ambassador Interview – Irene Huang

Happy  March!  We are happy to share an interview we recently had with another Xspace Student Ambassador, Irene Huang, in our Empower Me series.

Hometown: Changhua, Taiwan 

Current Grade: 12 

Years of Studying in Canada: 3 

Awards: Honor Roll and Positive Attitude Award

Hobbies:  taking care of animals, drawing, baking, kayaking 

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE YOUR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN CANADA? 

I did not adapt well to the result-oriented education system in Taiwan and I believe that the Canadian education system can better assist me in finding my passions. 

HOW WAS YOUR 2020?  USE THREE WORDS TO WRAP UP YOUR 2020 

Enlightening, Thankful, Transforming. While the year of 2020 was a wild ride, my 2020 overall was good. I transferred to Xspace Unicademy as a full-time student before the Covid-19 outbreak so I was able to adapt well to remote learning. Additionally, my school also held me accountable and motivated me to stay engaged in a blended learning environment during the pandemic. Moreover, I also had more time to talk to my family on the phone.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY AT XSPACE UNICADEMY? 

I chose to study at Xspace because I think Xspace Unicademy has effective student management and sophisticated program delivery model. The student learning team promote open communication, listen to input from students, and provide useful feedback and support. Not only do I gain the additional benefit of learning to collaborate with others online in technology-mediated settings, I also have opportunities to participate in various offline activities throughout the school year. I also believe the knowledge and skills I acquire through a blended learning approach will be more practical and substantial.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM YOUR XSPACE LEARNING EXPERIENCE? 

One major takeaway is that I have learned how to multitask effectively because there is a lot of homework and tests. Having good time management skills is really important to me. As such, I have learned to establish clear goals and organize my life. I have become more aware of my role, as student, in being responsible for my own learning.

DO YOU THINK ONLINE EDUCATION WILL GRADUALLY BECOME A POPULAR K12 SCHOOL CHOICE AMONG K-12 GIVEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? 

Yes, I think so. The majority of students are getting used to distance learning, and there are many useful digital learning tools too. Online education seems to be the best option to maximize student’s learning at a time like this.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE(S) AT UNIVERSITY? HOW DO YOU FEEL XSPACE’S BLENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCE IS PREPARING YOU FOR THOSE CHALLENGES? 

I think making new friends by face-to-face contact would be the biggest challenge because most universities move classes online now and it is hard to predict when things will return to normal. Studying at Xspace Unicademy has taught me how to work well with others online while maintaining friendships on the internet. This may help me adapt well to my first year of university.

WHAT ASPECTS OF UNIVERSITY LIFE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? 

I am looking forward to making friends with people from different places.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR XSPACE’S PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS? 

Follow your personalized study plan and schedule created by the student learning team! Also, if you have any questions, you should reach out to Study Advisor, Homeroom Teacher or Counsellor. Lastly, it is important to block out the times in your weekly calendar to focus on the tasks that need to be done and free up your time for other priorities.

Edited by: Lucas Zhang