"I grew up watching my grandfather invest."  

Third-year Varsity Blues men's lacrosse midfielder Graham Dicken recalls exactly what it was that drew him to studying commerce at the University of Toronto. 

"Whenever I was at his house, the financial news was always on the TV, and when we were in the car, it would be playing on the radio. Naturally, I developed an early interest in the markets and, around the age of 16, I became more actively engaged." 

It was at this point that the Edmonton native and his grandfather would begin to meet every Sunday and, over a cup of coffee, discuss market fundamentals and share their "Top Picks". This has since evolved to regular texts and even developed into some friendly competition. 

"His influence definitely sparked my curiosity about how markets and firms operate, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in economics at the University of Toronto," said Dicken. 

A Varsity Blues academic excellence award recipient, Dicken didn't begin his U of T journey feeling as though he had an immediate handle on the subject, despite his familiarity. 

"When I first arrived in Toronto it originally felt like one of the most challenging periods of my life," described Dicken. "I had just moved to a new city where I didn't know anyone, joined a varsity team with 25 unfamiliar faces, and felt like I was starting a little behind my peers academically. There were moments I questioned whether I even belonged at a school like U of T." 

Determined to build that foundation, Dicken dove head first into every aspect. He built detailed weekly and monthly schedules outlining exam dates, assignment deadlines, practice and travel times. He prioritized his workload and determined the best way to utilize his time on the long bus rides to and from away games with the lacrosse team. Through all of the long hours of studying, this work ethic and passion allowed him to build the foundation he needed. 

"That moment of growth is easily one of my proudest and most meaningful academic memories at U of T," said Dicken. "By the end of the year, I had made the Dean's List and received the Varsity Blues Academic Excellence award, all while balancing the demands of being on a varsity team. For some, those accolades might just be another line on a transcript – but for me, they symbolized everything I had overcome." 

From the humble beginnings of hanging out at grandpa's house to studying at one of the Top 20 institutions in the world for economics, Dicken faces each hurdle head-on. 

"It hasn't always been easy, but the experience has shaped me in ways I never expected. You're not just earning a degree here - you're developing the resilience, discipline, and mindset to succeed anywhere." 

Looking ahead, Dicken sees wealth management as the next chapter in his journey. 

"I think it's a unique career because it allows me to do something I'm genuinely passionate about, while also helping others achieve their financial goals," said Dicken. "If I can help someone retire early, gain financial freedom, or have more control over their life choices, that would be incredibly rewarding. It's rare to find a career where success is so mutually beneficial."