Prince George, B.C. – The journey into post-secondary learning is an exciting leap. For Bachelor of Science student Eric Zhao, it has been a year of embracing challenges, expanding his worldview and hitting his stride at the University of Northern British Columbia.

A 2024-25 UNBC Scholars Award recipient, Zhao graduated from College Heights Secondary School in Prince George and chose to attend UNBC on the scholarship program that recognizes outstanding academic achievement with a full tuition waiver for a bachelor’s degree.

“University is much faster-paced than high school, and the responsibilities of time management and accountability require a high level of independence,” says the 18-year-old. “But after the first couple of months, I was able to adapt and now I’m much more accustomed and comfortable with the tempo of my classes and coursework.”

As he settles into life on campus, Zhao has come to appreciate the supportive environment at UNBC.

“The professors are knowledgeable, approachable and it feels like the learning opportunities are really tailored to meet the students’ needs,” he says. “I feel like the University, as a whole, puts great emphasis and investment into student success.”

The undergraduate is majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with an eye towards attending medical school in the future. Growing up in Prince George, he has learned the crucial role healthcare professionals play in smaller communities.

“I have always wanted to pursue medicine, even from a young age,” says Zhao, a second-generation Chinese-Canadian. “People in Prince George don’t always have access to specialists and it makes me appreciate even more the doctors who choose to work here – they must be resourceful, adaptable and sometimes take on a broader scope of practice.”

Although he hasn’t yet delved into research, Zhao is eager to explore the hands-on learning opportunities at UNBC. “I know how valuable that experience is,” he says. “And I would love to get involved in something related to my major or a future field of interest.” 

As Zhao looks ahead, he remains committed to not only academic excellence, but the personal growth that comes with a well-rounded post-secondary journey. 

“I’ve come to the realization that it’s important for me to not only work to achieve my goals, but to also relish the experience,” says the UNBC Scholar. “I’m so lucky to be able to have this opportunity and not have to worry about the financial implications on top of the workload.”