Academic Medal of the Governor General of Canada - Silver Medal (Undergraduate) Ben Sharp (BSc ’26) is a prime example of academic excellence.
During his time at the University of Lethbridge, Sharp participated in an applied study as a teaching assistant – an experience that allowed him to step into a mentorship role and strengthen his research and communication skills.
His top piece of advice to fellow students is to “treat university like it’s a full-time job”, which offers a glimpse into the mindset behind his success. Through hard work and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, Sharp has truly earned the Academic Medal of the Governor General of Canada - Silver Medal (Undergraduate), which signifies his commitment to high academic achievement.
Meet Ben.
Medal won: Academic Medal of the Governor General of Canada - Silver Medal (Undergraduate)
Program: Bachelor of Science | Major: Kinesiology
Describe your ULethbridge experience in three words.
Enlightening. Exploratory. Rewarding
What drew you to your program or field of study?
My passion for sport and my goal of pursuing medicine led me to study kinesiology. I grew up skiing and mountain biking, but I also had a deep interest in science. I began my academic journey studying astrophysics at the University of Alberta, but I quickly learned that program wasn't for me and I pivoted to pursuing medical school. A Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology was a perfect fit for me because it allowed me to explore my interests in science and sport while also helping to prepare me for medical school.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
This past year, I had the opportunity to participate in an applied study as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course. Through the applied study, I was able meet more students within the same program as me, act as a mentor to those students and explore some of my own research. It was an enlightening experience that I am thankful I got to participate in, and it has also piqued my interest in pursuing a master's degree before medical school.
Did you have an experiential learning opportunity, such as a practicum, research, co-op, applied study, residency, or other project that deepened your work?
I was able to participate in the aforementioned teaching assistant applied study this past year. A friend and I conducted a scoping review and worked as teaching assistants for an exercise physiology course in kinesiology.
Were there any courses, professors, or experiences that changed your perspective?
Dylan Brown is the instructor for the exercise physiology class for which I was a teaching assistant, and he was my applied study supervisor. Getting the chance to work with him as a teaching assistant helped me further develop skills I otherwise would not have had the chance to work on.
I had the chance to take on a leadership role to help students, improve my communication and develop my research skills through the applied studies project. The applied study that Dylan offers is a unique experience and I am thankful that I got the chance to participate in it.
Did you receive any scholarships, awards or bursaries during your studies? How did having financial support impact your education?
I received the President's Scholarship and the Louise Mckinney Scholarship almost every year that I attended ULethbridge. Having these scholarships was a major contributor to my success. Along with the money that I had saved, the scholarship money made it possible to be in school without working. I was able to focus more on my studies and not worry about finances. I know not many people have the same experience, so I am thankful that I did get these scholarships.
What does this academic recognition mean to you?
This recognition is a validation of all the hard work that was put in over the years. While I did work to manage my time between school and a social life, school was anything but easy and sacrifices were still made for the sake of doing well. Graduating with this award means that all of the sacrifices and hard work were worth it.
What is the most important lesson you learned during your time at ULethbridge?
Try new things and get out of your comfort zone whenever possible. When a new opportunity presents itself, make sure you take advantage of it. If it makes you uncomfortable, then embrace that, because chances are you are improving something or gaining a new skill.
What are your plans for the future?
I am hoping to pursue medical school following this degree. My goal is to study family medicine and become a family physician back in my hometown.
What advice would you give to those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge? What would you tell your first-year self?
It's not the most glamorous advice, but treat university like it's a full-time job. If you have the time and schedule to make it work, put your 8 hours in a day. Wake up, go to classes and work in between them. Get ahead on assignments or start studying early. Doing this helped me to get ahead, not compromise on sleep, and I would always have the afternoons free unless I had a late lab.