Edwin Liew is the newest educational consultant to join the Options Solutions team. He is available to meet with clients at both of our West Vancouver and South Granville Street offices. If you would like to schedule an appointment with him, call us at (604) 922-8456 or send an email to info@options-wp.chhdev.com
1) What led you to apply for a position at Options Solutions? Having worked as a university guidance counsellor and career advisor for over 12 years, I knew I wanted to continue helping high school students with planning for a career and seeking the right post-secondary education programs that best fit them. Choosing the right courses and preparing well for university or college can be a daunting and complex task. With my extensive knowledge and expertise, I hope to be able to assist students in making the right choice as they continue their studies in higher education, paving the path to a rewarding career
2) How would you describe your first month at Options Solutions? The professional consultants at Options Solutions have been tremendously welcoming and supportive in helping me get started. My first month at Options Solutions has been truly fulfilling and rewarding as I was able to transition smoothly to helping students and their parents with career planning and university or college applications. As a valued member of the OS team, I was able to contribute my experience with the PSAT and SAT by giving some useful, test-taking tips on our blog, and assist with our writing and application workshops. I have been privileged to attend this year’s UBC Counsellor’s Event, the Canadian Universities Event, and host a number of university visits at our West Vancouver office, which included the University of Victoria, University of Calgary, Bishop’s and Concordia universities. Hearing about the undergraduate program updates first hand and connecting with the student recruitment representatives in person have helped me to stay current with the latest admissions requirements and the new courses on offer.
3) What inspired you to go into education? I have always been curious about learning and the ways of learning. I did not come to realize what ‘life-long learning’ meant until I went into teaching. When I started out at UBC as an undergrad, I wanted to apply and share the knowledge I learned in a way that would directly benefit those who thrive on it, or even have a thirst for it. One summer, working as an ESL teaching assistant at the UBC English Language Institute, I discovered that special connection which fuels the teaching-learning process when I was leading a current affairs class. The way I approached the lesson brought on natural, unprompted discussions, focussing on the specialized vocabulary, written conventions and layouts that were key to successful Western news reporting and editorials. The students were picking up essential language points to improve their English usage because being able to talk about the news in an intelligent manner and give their opinions mattered to them. I was surprised at how as a facilitator I was able to make an impact on how information was learned. From there, I found my passion in teaching and went on to earn a B.Ed. degree in Secondary Science and Math Education and an M.A. in English Language Teaching. Throughout my career in Education, I have enjoyed being the Head of ESL at Richmond Secondary School and an English lecturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where I conducted research in language education. My vested interest in this field has also led me to recently complete the BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association course in order to gain more theoretical and practical knowledge about BC schools and to keep up-to-date on the emerging trends in learning..
4) What advice would you give to high school students today? I would advise students in their senior years of high school to think about some program choices at the post-secondary level well before Grade 12 by having an earnest discussion about their career plans with their family and friends. Students in Grade 11 can start to identify their subject strengths and work hard to improve their performance in those courses they struggle with. To be well informed about their university program options, students can do research and attend university information sessions when available. Armed with this knowledge, students should find it easier to select Grade 12 subjects that cater to their strengths, and this would open up more academic pathways come time for university choice and application. Research is key!
