On March 4, 2025, the UBC Chinese Language Program (CLP) was proudly invited by University Hill Secondary School (UHill) teacher, Yongzhe Yan, to deliver a vibrant and inspiring workshop for University Hill Secondary students. Yongzhe, a UBC Bachelor of Education graduate now teaching Career Life Education 10 at UHill, is himself a former CLP volunteer. He fondly credited his 80-hour volunteer journey with the CLP where he earned the Time Master Award as a formative experience that strengthened his confidence, deepened his understanding of language learning, and helped shape his teaching career.
The workshop featured two guest speakers, Kevin Peng and Xiaoyi Yang, who have been working as outstanding Teaching Assistants and Work Learns (TAWLs) in the CLP for over two terms. They shared their diverse experiences as UBC students and volunteers, offering attendees a glimpse of the opportunities that await them in university life.
- Kevin Peng – Major in Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science
- Xiaoyi Yang – Major in Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Arts
Xiaoyi delivering his opening remarks about the importance of volunteerism
The session kicked off with a dynamic introduction to the concept of volunteerism, emphasizing the importance of community service, personal growth, and campus engagement. Kevin and Xiaoyi discussed heartfelt stories from their own journeys as volunteers, illustrating how their experiences have helped them develop essential life skills, build lifelong friendships, and open doors to unexpected career opportunities. Their personal reflections resonated deeply with UHill’s students, offering tangible examples on how meaningful involvement outside the classroom can enrich both academic and personal development.
Building on their stories, they introduced a wide array of volunteer opportunities across UBC’s Vancouver campus, from UBC Farm to AMS services, as well as events within the Chinese Language Program such as the annual Lunar New Year Celebration. These experiences provide hands-on learning and benefits ranging from professional development to recognition awards.
Kevin offering his wonderful insights during the presentation
Kevin and Xiaoyi also introduced students to the rich academic landscape of the Chinese Language Program, showcasing its diverse language and literary course offerings that support both linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy. They also highlighted scholarship opportunities offered by the Faculty of Arts that reward academic excellence and community involvement.
Throughout the session, UHill students responded with great enthusiasm. Many engaged actively in discussion and expressed excitement about the possibilities that UBC could offer. The enthusiasm and genuine curiosity in the classroom reflected the success of the workshop in inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, get involved, and embrace all that UBC and the broader community have to offer.
Yongzhe Yan’s role in bringing this initiative to life underscored the enduring impact of the CLP. As a former volunteer turned educator, his journey is a testament to how early engagement with the program continues to shape and empower future leaders well beyond their time at UBC.
Yongzhe Yan – Teacher, UHill Secondary School
Since 2019, the UBC Chinese Language Program has welcomed nearly 4,000 Oral Practice (OP) Volunteers who have played a vital role in supporting students’ Chinese learning and fostering cross-cultural communication. As Language Partners, OP volunteers hold 1-on-1 speaking sessions with students to assist with phonetic identification, reading Chinese characters and texts, engaging in situational dialogues, and participating in cross-cultural discussions, events, and social media initiatives, both online and in person. These sessions not only build students’ fluency and confidence but also deepen their intercultural understanding. In recognition of volunteers’ contributions, they receive benefits such as Volunteer Certificates and bonus marks applicable to one CHIN-titled course during the same term.
If you’re interested in becoming part of this enriching program, stay tuned to the CLP website at here.
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