Privia Randhawa
Age: 17
Hometown: Surrey, B.C.
Academic Awards: TD Leadership Scholarship, UBC Major Entrance Scholarship, UBC Presidents Entrance Scholarship, Dalhousie University Entrance Scholarship, Coast Capital Community Scholarship, Surrey Firefighters Basketball Scholarship, Fleetwood Park Athletic Scholarship, Outstanding Athlete of the Year, Hoops4Hope Service Award.
Area of Study: First-year sciences at Queens University, pre-med.
Volunteer Work: Adopt-A-Street program, Nature Matters, Hoops4Hope Basketball Charity in South Africa, establishing a homework club for ESL students.
Advice for students: Even though guidance counsellors are a valuable source for information, do not rely on them because they have several hundred students to advise. You should be clear about your goals by the time you start Grade 11, know what scholarships are available by doing your own research, and apply for every scholarship, whether you meet the criteria or not.
Your favourite confidence-building tips: It is important to be well rounded in the areas of academics, athletics and community work. Travelling with my basketball team constantly tested my comfort zone as I was having to meet new people in different surroundings on a regular basis. The challenges I have faced have made me realize that with confidence and persistence one’s goals are within reach. Typically in the South Asian community, families solely put emphasis on attaining academic success, as opposed to equally focusing on athletics as a means of building confidence and fostering intellectual development.
How do you de-stress when school gets intense? For the last five years, basketball has been my outlet for escaping the stresses of endless mid-terms, finals and provincial exams. Having an outlet where one can escape the anxiety of maintaining academic excellence allows students to re-energize themselves and approach their studies with renewed focus and determination. Without a means of relaxation, the pressures of high school can cause one to mentally implode..
What role did your family play in your academic career?
Essentially, the time my parents have invested in involving themselves in my academic pursuits has had a direct correlation with my scholastic success. The constant support of my parents at every juncture in my high school career has given me a revitalized sense of self-confidence that I can achieve my goals even when facing insurmountable odds.
A quote that inspires you:
“One who has no hope has no means of inspiring others."
