|
By Emily Agopsowicz
Monica Kwan graduates this month with a BCom and competes in the Canadian National Fencing Championships. Photo: UVic Photo Services “If you’re going to try out for the Olympics, make sure you’ve got a lot of free time,” advises Monica Kwan, Canada’s number-two-ranked women’s foilist fencer and 2008 UVic Bachelor of Commerce grad.
She didn’t make it to the Olympics this year, but she came close. “If I’d have made it, I wouldn’t have finished my degree. So if I’m not in Beijing, I guess I’m supposed to be graduating.”
Kwan was introduced to fencing by her older brother. “His gym class just happened to be having a fencing session, so he asked if I wanted to come.” At 12 years old, Kwan fell in love with the sport and started training. At 15, she competed at the Canada Winter Games. In 2005, at 21 years old, she made Canada’s National team.
Kwan was in her second year studying business at UVic when she made nationals. She quickly learned the value of good time management.
“I was trying to work, train, compete and go to school,” says Kwan. “I learned that you can do all these things, but not well. You have to set limits. You have to know when to stop and you have to know when to ask for help.”
With the help of her professors, Kwan was able to balance school, training and competing. In her last year, she managed to fit six classes into her academic schedule by means of correspondence and directed studies.
Mark Bridge, one of Kwan’s professors, stood out as particularly helpful.
“He understood how to balance life and school. He understood that when I’m away, I’m not studying. That’s not what I’m there to do. He understood what my goals were,” she says.
Another professor, Mark Colgate, set up a directed studies course tailored to Kwan’s needs. “This was a big commitment on his part. It was a huge help for me in finishing my degree.”
Kwan completed two co-op work terms as part of the business program. She found both placements, at BC Ferries and Custom House Currency Exchange, were extremely supportive.
Now she’s working in the office of Canadian Sport Centre Pacific in Victoria, which supports Canadian high performance athletes in BC.
“It gives me the flexibility to travel and compete. I am fortunate to combine my degree and my sport,” says Kwan.
|
