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Perhaps the biggest challenge for Chen has been maintaining his academic performance off the field. Hard work and dedication have helped him maintain balance, as has participation in the . This donor-supported mandatory initiative provides ���ϳԹ���student-athletes like Chen with access to educational resources so that they can achieve their academic goals.

Balancing academics and athletics

Transitioning from high school to university was a daunting task for Chen, especially being a long way from his home in Vancouver, British Columbia. However, he quickly realized the importance of setting up quality study habits.

“The high demands of academics and athletics meant that I had to schedule my time carefully,” he says. “Understanding that academics can be approached in the same way as athletics is what made the transition easier.”

This is where the Black & Gold Academic Support Program proved invaluable. Chen’s experience as a first-year student in the program’s study halls further emphasized the power of time management and focus. By attending these sessions, he was able to connect with fellow student-athletes who shared similar schedules and demands.

But the study halls provided more than a quiet space to work and connections. They also offered Chen access to sponsored tutors. The skills he learned from them, and through these sessions, were vital to his success as a student.

“I am grateful for the support of the Black & Gold program and the support it provides to student-athletes like myself,” says Chen.

“It is also fulfilling being able to use my experience to help other student-athletes.”

Maximizing time

During the soccer season, Chen’s schedule is even more demanding, with up to five practices a week and one to two games. Finding time to complete assignments and study for exams is challenging, but Chen developed strategies to maximize his productivity and ensure he takes time to recharge.

“There were days when I had more free time than others,” he says. “On those days I packed a lunch so I could stay at the library and commit myself to my academic responsibilities. However, I was also aware of potential burnout and gave myself necessary breaks, especially on less academically rigorous weeks. That is what helped me succeed academically.”

Now in his third year at Dalhousie, Chen, a biochemistry student, has transitioned into the role of a tutor in the Black & Gold Academic Support Program. Because he understands the unique challenges that student-athletes face, he is able to help them both improve their performance in science and math courses and look at how to better manage their time and priorities.

“Being a third-year student-athlete myself, I can relate to the struggles of other varsity athletes,” says Chen. “For example, I emphasize the importance of setting up studying priorities especially during away game stretches. Often, I help athletes with a study plan for exams, prioritizing the big picture topics and focusing on doing practice problems.”

The pursuit of excellence

Chen’s journey as a Tiger is just one of many similar stories from Tigers student-athletes. Looking forward, he hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Through the supports of programs like the Black & Gold Academic Support Fund, Tigers have excelled not only in the sports they love, but also in the classroom.

During the 2023-24 season, Chen and over 150 of his fellow Tigers achieved Academic All-Canadian status: maintaining a minimum of an 80 per cent average while also competing for ���ϳԹ���in a U SPORTS competition. This is the fourth year in a row that over 50 per cent of our student-athletes have achieved this standard, thanks in large part to the Black & Gold Academic Support Fund.