CAREER AWARENESS WITH YING “ALI” CHOU ’10

On December 14, the Grade 8 Career Awareness class enjoyed a presentation from scientist, Ali Chou, a BH alumna who graduated in 2010 and who now lives and works in Boston, MA.

 

She kicked off the afternoon by asking us to draw how we see ourselves in ten years and many of us drew colleges or universities, and some drew families or life-long dreams. The purpose of this activity was to brainstorm what we want to be in a fun and creative way. We then talked about the straight path of a “traditional” career journey and compared it to the twisty road of her path, which showed us that your education and career path doesn’t need to be “perfect.”

 

Chou told us she was on the varsity basketball and junior varsity volleyball teams during her time at BH, but after she graduated, she decided to focus on science. After graduation, she first did a bachelor’s degree at McGill, majoring in chemistry and minoring in biology. Then, she pursued her master's in chemistry at the University of Alberta, which she finished while working a part-time job.

 

Once she finished at the University of Alberta, Chou took on a full-time job at a laboratory as a research assistant while attending school at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), focusing on project management and visual design.

 

At first, she was interested in conducting research in the laboratories, then changed to corporate communications and marketing, and now she works in biotechnology. To this day she feels that her “passion comes from all the experience (she’s) had.” As of right now, Chou is working full-time as a research scientist in a biotechnology company. As a side job, she designs logos for small businesses. In her biography she said she is “combining her experience to create something with lasting positive impact to society.”

 

Chou's message really resonated with me. She reminded us that we don't have to limit ourselves to just one hobby or interest. She taught us that trying new things and taking leaps can lead to amazing opportunities and recommended volunteering as a great way to explore different paths. As Chou said, "You are what you live through and learn in your life." So, in the end, it's all about finding what truly makes us happy, regardless of society's idea of a "perfect" career path.