Whitecaps FC and BCIT are proud to present the Community Captains scholarship program. Sean Choi is one of five deserving high school students who have been awarded a $1,000 RESP to put towards their post-secondary education, as well as a Whitecaps FC matchday experience and in-stadium recognition for their achievement.
When Sean Choi was offered the chance to shadow his dentist on a public health project in the Yukon, he didn’t hesitate for a second.
Choi, a recent graduate of Sardis Secondary School in Chilliwack, is an aspiring doctor. While he had already volunteered at his local dental clinic sorting patient files and answering phone calls, he knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to get out of his comfort zone and learn from a professional in a new environment.
So, Sean set off and travelled to a rural region of the Yukon during the unbearably cold winter.
“Before I went on my trip, I never knew about what was going on in other parts of the country,” Choi said.
“There are lots of First Nations patients there who are unable to receive health care because there is a lack of health care infrastructure.”
Witnessing firsthand the challenges of living in an isolated area put things into perspective for Choi.
“Here, we have access to great health care and it’s very quick,” he said. “Over there, you have to take a helicopter ride to receive care. It really opened my eyes to the needs around the country and the world.”
During his time in the Yukon, Choi helped direct patients, organize dental tools, and also helped build a new dental clinic.
“Shadowing my dentist and doing volunteer projects really inspired me. I learned what he’s doing in a country where there is a need for many patients who lack access to health care,” Choi said.
“I’m really glad that I had the opportunity to help the patients in the Yukon. It helped me find my passion for the future.”
Choi graduated high school earlier this year and now plans to study biochemistry and medicine. After university, his goal is to join Doctors Without Borders, travelling around the world and helping people in crisis following emergencies and disasters.
Choi's efforts to make health care accessible for all, particularly those in less fortunate and isolated communities, make him an exceptional Community Captain.
For more information about Whitecaps FC and BCIT present Community Captains, click here.
