A top-notch student, track and field athlete, and student intern, Scott Dixon was recently named one of UAlberta’s Academic All-Canadians, an honour that recognizes his achievements both in the classroom and on the track.
When it comes to getting the most out of your undergraduate experience, Scott Dixon is an expert. A top-notch student, track and field athlete, and student intern, Dixon was recently named one of UAlberta’s Academic All-Canadians, an honour that recognizes his achievements both in the classroom and on the track.
“Academics and athletics share several similarities,” said Dixon. “They are both challenging and fun, and they are both experiences that connect you to many awesome people, as you work through those challenges together.”
Dixon’s specialty is hurdles and long sprints—a sport that requires athletes to have strong endurance, great time management, and an eye on the prize. During his undergraduate career, Dixon is also benefiting from work-integrated learning through the Science Internship Program. His internship is with PBR labs, an Canadian analytical laboratory. And his newly minted status as an Academic All-Canadian acknowledges his excellent grades.
When asked how he manages to do it all, Dixon emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system.
“The support I’ve received so far at UAlberta has really been what’s allowed me to do all of those things in the first place,” he explained. “Balancing these things has been challenging for me. Without the support and patience of friends, family, coaches, and academic advisors I do not think I would have even attempted many of the things I have achieved.”
Hear more from Scott Dixon about his undergraduate student experience.
Tell us about your experience as a varsity athlete.
My varsity sport is track and field. Specifically, I specialize in hurdles and long sprints. I find time management to be the key to managing the combined load of athletics and academics. Finding the time and energy to study after a hard practice, or practice after a long day, can be difficult. Rewarding myself with time to relax is the primary way to motivate myself to study and train. Academics and athletics share several similarities. They are both challenging and fun, and they are both experiences that connect you to many awesome people, as you work through those challenges together.
Tell me about your work-integrated learning experience as an intern with PBR labs.
My day to day experience at PBR labs has been very educational. I have been there for more than two months and I am still becoming familiar with the things done in the lab. I believe this kind of experience is helpful in bridging the gap between the things we learn in class and the real world. Working in a small business setting brings a new perspective to the way I have learned science so far in my undergraduate career.
What advice would you give to your fellow students?
For those considering athletics, I would highly recommend doing it if the opportunity is presented to you. The experience you get is well worth the challenge it presents. Training and competing at the Usport level is an experience I would not be able to get anywhere other than varsity athletics.
For those considering internships, I would recommend looking into SIP. The opportunity to work for a year in a relevant field while maintaining your status as a student is very valuable.
What makes UAlberta a great place to study, work, and play sports?
The support I’ve received so far at UAlberta has really been what’s allowed me to do all of those things in the first place. My advisors are very approachable and patient, regardless of all the questions I’ve had. The coaches on the track and field team are always ready to help me when I need it and push me to go further when I might not have thought it possible. Of course, the friends I’ve made on the track team and through my academics have also been invaluable to the experience I’ve had at UAlberta so far.
The Faculty of Science has many ways to enhance your degree. Learn more about our experiential and work-integrated learning programs.