Learning is not confined to a specific period of life. For Tianyu Li, learning is a perpetual journey that extends beyond the classroom. From his time at BCIS, where his curiosity was first sparked in the humanities and Theory of Knowledge classes, to his university years at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Tianyu has always embraced opportunities to explore new ideas and perspectives. However, his learning is not just confined to academia. Whether it’s his ongoing academic interest in East Asian Studies, his work as the Program Coordinator at the University of Chicago Center in Beijing, or immersing himself in hobbies like competitive Pokémon trading card games and podcasting, Tianyu’s spirit of persistent learning permeates every aspect of his life. 

Transferring from a local Beijing school in Grade 10, Tianyu’s transition to BCIS was not without challenges. He faced the hurdle of adjusting to the IB curriculum whilst also grappling with a language barrier, but he wasn’t discouraged. Conversely, he was drawn to the rigorous environment and felt motivated by the challenge. In no time, the BCIS community began to feel like family, and he thrived academically. In particular, Tianyu was engrossed by the DP History course and the Theory of Knowledge class which laid the groundwork for his later academic pursuits at UBC, where he majored in History, minored in Philosophy and acquired a Master of Arts degree in East Asian Studies. His natural spirit of curiosity and embracing challenge as an opportunity for growth set the foundation for his life-long journey of learning and exploration. Indeed, Tianyu believes that education is not limited to studying and research, or even his work at the University of Chicago Center in Beijing, where he coordinates student programs and academic events.

To him, true learning reaches every aspect of life, encompassing far more than just academia and career. From co-hosting a podcast with long time friend and fellow BCIS alumnus Jack to participating in competitive Pokemon, Tianyu’s hobbies and interests are also an opportunity for personal growth and expanding his understanding of the world. Through their podcast TIANYU2FM, the two friends explore different worldviews, discussing diverse topics from AI, neuroscience, and space exploration to coffee and theme parks. Interviewing experts from various fields and sharing ideas with eachother and their audience in every episode, the TIANYU2FM podcast is a way for Tianyu to continuously challenge his thinking, engage with new ideas, and deepen his understanding of complex subjects outside of the academic sphere.

Similarly, Tianyu’s newest hobby, competitive Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), is another valuable source of personal discovery and growth. He enjoys the sense of challenge and competition, even traveling to other cities to compete in Pokemon TCG tournaments. More importantly, this hobby has contributed to his mindset of resilience and self-reflection. He realised that in competitions, as well as in other areas of life, failure is inevitable companion, but the attitude towards failure is what’s crucial to improvement and success. “One thing I learned from it is that you need to learn how to lose gracefully”, he said. His mentality of accepting failure with humility and persistence is another important aspect of his continual journey in learning.

Looking ahead in his life, this journey is far from over. What sets Tianyu apart is that he isn’t limited to chasing a finite goal. Although he aims to continue cultivating himself as a scholar, with hopes of completing a PhD program focusing on contemporary media and technology, his ultimate aim is not just obtaining a degree or profession, but to continue pursuing the knowledge and skills that will help him grow as a person and navigate life’s challenges. Tianyu’s story is one of deep commitment to the continual adventure that is lifelong curiosity and discovery.

English Article credit to Elina (BCIS G10)