Aaronc

Sunday May 31st, 4:00 p.m.

           Cheers of excitement and sighs of relief are finally released as the final round of this year’s Canadian Geographic Challenge comes to a close. Over the past few months, these final five competitors all put their geography skills to the test as they worked their way up from the regional, to the provincial, and finally the national round of the competition. Facing off against geography enthusiasts from across the country, they would find themselves pushed to the limits of their knowledge as they engaged in virtual trips around the globe, analyzed different biomes, and completed nerve-wracking assessments along the way.

        Signing out of the two-hour long live competition, however, it is safe to say that this chapter has reached its end. But for Aaron Chung, a ninth grade student here at St. Augustine CHS, the geography journey has just begun. After placing third in the national finals and winning a bronze medal (as well as a $1000 prize!) he has big plans for the future. We sat down with Aaron to give you the inside scoop on his experience, as well as any advice that he might have for future geography challengers!

What was that initial “spark” that fuelled your incredible passion for geography, and inspired you participate in this year’s Canadian Geographic challenge?

  • I’ve always had an interest in truly getting to know and understand the complexities of our world at large. Our planet is filled with the most beautiful, diverse, and fascinating places, from the oldest of landform regions to the grandest of cities. For me in particular, my interest in geography stemmed from a challenge between me and a friend to memorize and explore the capital cities of every country around the world. As I worked toward navigating my way around maps and globes, I discovered that there really is so much more to geography than what we see on the surface. Geography brings together science, history, and math, helping us to further our understanding of our planet’s multifaceted nature while connecting it to current issues at large. What really acted as the starting point for my journey with the Canadian Geographic challenge was my time spent with Reach for the Top, where, with the encouragement and support of my teachers, I took the first step and decided to participate in the competition. 

What was your favourite memory from your geography journey as you progressed all the way to the national level? 

  • My favourite part of the challenge was being able to complete the fieldwork round of the Nationals, where I was able take a virtual trip through various biomes through the use of Google Earth. From making climate graphs on different regions to analyzing their geographic features, I was able to take a look at the world of geography from a completely different perspective. We, as contestants, were really encouraged to venture beyond the “map” and into the landscapes of the regions themselves, analyzing aspects that I never would have considered otherwise. As well, it was  always so motivating to receive such kind messages of encouragement from my teachers and classmates. Their words of support gave me strength and inspired me to put forth 100% effort in every round I completed. 

“Geography brings together science, history, and math, helping us to further our understanding of our planet’s multifaceted nature while connecting it to current issues at large.”

This is your first time participating in the Canadian Geographic challenge on both the provincial and national levels. What new challenges did these experiences present? 

  • For me, it was certainly challenging to balance both academic and extracurricular activities while preparing for the next few rounds of the competition, which were obviously more content-heavy. Over the next few months, it was necessary for me to adhere to a strict schedule that would leave me with enough time to complete my school work while also preparing as best as I could for the provincial and national rounds. Setting up for the live finals was also a bit of a challenge, as I was experiencing technical difficulties the night before! Luckily, everything worked out for the best, and I was able to log-on the next morning to greet all of my fellow geography students with confidence. 

You placed third in the National Finals of the competition. What was your initial reaction upon discovering that you placed within the top five rankings and would be proceeding to the final round? 

  • When I was first notified that I had made it into the top five rankings of the competition and would be participating in the live round the next day, I was both surprised and excited for this new opportunity. After a few jumps for joy and some celebratory moments with my family, however, it was back to work for me. I had to prepare twice as hard for tomorrow’s round, in hopes of doing as best as I possibly could. 

“It was always so motivating to receive such kind messages of encouragement from my teachers and classmates. Their words of support gave me strength and inspired me to put forth 100% effort in every round I completed.”

What are some of the most valuable lessons that you uncovered throughout your time preparing for and engaging in the competition? Did you do anything differently?

  • For one, I definitely realized the value of videos as a source of learning material. Not only are they engaging, but they also contain in-depth information that makes studying both fun and informative. This entire experience also taught me to break free of my shell and pursue my interests, rather than falling back on self-doubt and personal excuses. As they always say, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, so I’m glad I took this one. 

Do you have any advice for fellow geography enthusiasts who may be interested in writing the challenge next year?

  • My advice for fellow geography students would be to prepare well and study for the event, while also taking the time to step back and enjoy every moment along the way. This will be an unforgettable experience, so be sure to make the most of your journey. 

Congratulations to Aaron on this amazing achievement! We can’t wait to see where your passion for geography leads you next!

In the meantime, you can watch the round online at: 25th Annual Can Geo Challenge!

Interview by: Zinnia C.