STUDENT-ATHLETE STORIES: BUSY IS GOOD FOR JACK LI

Each Thursday, varsityblues.ca will highlight a U of T student-athlete and their academic pursuits. Each of these students achieved first class honours with an AGPA of at least 3.50 in the previous academic year. These are our Student-Athlete Stories, presented by Egg Farmers of Ontario.

From academics to clubs and varsity sport, U of T men's volleyball student-athlete Jack Li aims to stay busy. Coming to Toronto by way of Tianjin, China and high school in Dubai, this is something the neuroscience major has adapted to now in his third year with the Varsity Blues.

"I think it was tough in my first year, but this year, my personal motto is 'busy is good'. I'm always busy and while previously I would procrastinate my work as long as possible, I've adapted and really try to get my work done early. I think I understand that work is unavoidable, so I'll set out times in my day to just go to Robarts [Library] and grind it out."

(Li going back to serve during the 2024-25 season at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport | Photo by Seyran Mammadov)

This grind has been rewarded as the 6-foot-5 outside hitter received U SPORTS academic all-Canadian honours for the second straight season, recognizing honour roll student-athletes who compete on a U SPORTS team.

"I think being awarded as an academic all-Canadian has my favourite memory academically," specified Li. "It felt like my hard work in my studies was finally recognized."

(L to R: U of T Vice-Provost of Students Sandy Welsh, Jack Li, and KPE Vice Dean of Programs, Ashley Stirling at the 2024 Academic Breakfast | Photo by Seyran Mammadov)

The grind also includes other communities on campus as Li has somehow found time to involve himself in several clubs such NAUS (Neuroscience Association for Undergraduate Students), NEPHEX (Neuroscience, Physiology, and Human Extremes) and plans are in place to join UTEFR (University of Toronto Emergency First Responders).

Yet, Li points to another piece of the grind, a summer internship, as one of the pivotal reinforcements of his decisions so far.

"I chose neuroscience since I always knew I wanted to study medicine. This was reinforced after I shadowed a neurologist in the summer after my first year, where I was able to see the life of a neurologist in a hospital. My dream is to be a doctor, although I'm not sure exactly what specialty. I hope that my program will help me build a solid foundation to prepare me for a career in medicine."

(Li at Goldring Centre in November 2025 | Photo by Barry McCluskey)

Known for his quiet and reserved nature, Li keeps it simple for those looking to join the grind at U of T.

"It's definitely tough, but if you put in the work, it's very rewarding."

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