Beyond Tomorrow Scholar Ivan Correa McIntosh said basketball shaped his childhood.
“It was a way to keep me out of trouble,” he said.
The sport — and one of his coaches — shaped who he has become. His coach instilled a sense of discipline within the team and fostered a habit of communication among the players.
“If it wasn’t for basketball, I don’t think I would be where I am right now,” said Correa McIntosh.
He said his coach helped him recognize the important things in his life and the act of not taking things for granted.
Growing up, Correa McIntosh said he was raised by a single mother and two sisters, and that when he was not at home or in class, he was in the gym playing basketball.
Beginnings
Born in a small neighborhood located near the northwest end of Toronto called Jane and Finch, Correa McIntosh was taught about his Columbian heritage by his family. He recalled his grandmother instilling a strong sense of moral integrity in him at a young age.
Correa McIntosh said that growing up, he was a “bookworm.”
“I was always into school. I love science,” said Correa McIntosh. “But I didn't consider university until later on.”
He said four people influenced him to attend UBC: his mother, stepfather, basketball coach and guidance counselor.
His guidance counselor played a key part in the logistical aspects of pursuing post-secondary education, helping him with applications and references, said Correa McIntosh.
With her help, he became part of UBC’s Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program. Launched in September 2021, the program celebrates Black Canadian scholars who bring a diverse experience of academics, community involvement and leadership experience.
As a first-generation university student, one of his main reasons for coming to UBC was to break his family’s generational barrier of staying inside North York and venture outside the province.
“One of the main reasons why I wanted to come here was because a lot of my family [have spent] their whole lives … within like a very specific region of Toronto,” said Correa McIntosh. “I want to break a little barrier, generationally, and venture off outside of Ontario.”
As a Beyond Tomorrow Scholar, he hopes that his scholarship can serve as a reminder to his younger sisters and members of his community that they can pursue academics along the same path he has.
“Being a part of the Beyond Tomorrow Scholarship sheds light on what you can do, growing up in a community like I did,” he said.
At UBC, Correa McIntosh is pursuing a chemical engineering degree and said he’s interested in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Looking ahead
For Correa McIntosh, transitioning from high school to first year was an extremely overwhelming process. He recalled being in a dark place at times, having anxiety over course exams and worrying about small things.
“Reflecting on my state of mind from last year and my state of mind now, it’s a complete 180,” he said.
Nearing the end of his first term in second year, he feels a lot happier and well-adjusted than he was in first year.
For other students struggling with adjusting to university or stress in general, he highlighted the importance of finding an outlet and not letting go of hobbies that one enjoys doing. In his first year, he stopped engaging in activities he enjoyed, like basketball. Looking back, he recognizes that basketball was not only a passion of his, but it was also a stress reliever.
“Not letting go of the things you enjoy doing or the things that help you relax is super important.”
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