Logan’s story

What drives the success of a Rhodes Scholar and Major Entrance Scholarship recipient?

Logan’s story
CategoryStudent
NameLogan Graham
FromVictoria, BC
ProgramEconomics, Honours

Lifelong entrepreneur. Major Entrance Scholarship winner. Rhodes Scholar.

You founded the UBC Social Enterprise Club in your first year and led it in your second. What is the goal of this club and why did you establish it?

I started the club because I was passionate about social enterprise but I didn’t see enough for students in the area. Social enterprise combines two of my biggest interests, social impact and business, in a fundamentally effective way. I think it’ll be one of the biggest driving forces of innovation and change in the next thirty years. Luckily, since we started the UBC Social Enterprise Club, social enterprise has exploded in popularity, and I like to think that we’ve played a role in that for the thousands of students we’ve reached at UBC.

 

What are some of the business ventures you established? Are they still active?

It started when I was 15. I was interested in a summer study abroad program at Oxford. I didn’t have $10,000 to pay for it so I started an estate management company and a home care business. A year later I had enough to cover it all.

The business I launched two years ago, however, is the venture I’m most excited about: Yunus&Youth, a fellowship for young social entrepreneurs, no matter where they are in the world. We take young entrepreneurs — like a 21-year-old building a business to provide free wi-fi across Zimbabwe. We pair them with a mentor, train them with experts, and connect them to a support network. One of our biggest supporters has been Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. And because we’re passionate about social impact business models, in the long run, we like the idea of being a self-sustaining business.

 

What do you feel is a key quality among students awarded the Major Entrance Scholarship?

To pick just one: fullness. By that I mean every Major Entrance Scholarship student shares a devotion to use their talents and to develop themselves to the fullest. But they don’t do that because they feel they have to, or because they should; they do that because they have a deep intrinsic motivation to explore and serve the world.

 

How has the Major Entrance Scholarship helped you fulfill your academic dreams?

It has been a big driver. Whether that’s from being surrounded by exceptionally talented people or from reinforcing the idea that anything is possible, it has elevated my bar and pushed me to surpass it. Financially, I like the metaphor of a car with a self-replenishing fuel tank: you don’t have to stop for gas, or worry where the next station is, you can just focus on finding what destination your passionate about, and exploring the different routes.

 

What are you planning on doing after your degree?

Following Oxford – the theme of what I want to do is social impact, technology, and business. It’s variable. I’m fascinated by companies like Palantir, Theranos, and 23andMe. However, Oxford and the Rhodes Scholarship are particularly good for exposure to policy and think-tank approaches and I’d like to see those while there. I’m taking it step by step, and right now, I’m fascinated by the power of data; I’m spending this summer as a data scientist in Silicon Valley.

 

What do you take with you from UBC to Oxford?

At UBC I’ve learned the value of short, intense periods of study. Some of my best memories were learning experiences I initiated myself that were supported by UBC: from learning to code in 3 months with five brilliant friends, to completing the Strategy Consulting Mentorship Program, or launching a biotech company in my last semester. Oxford, and grad school, move fast; UBC has brought out the power of self-drive.

 

What advice would you give to a student considering coming to UBC?

If you’re in the middle of making your decision: reach out. The majority of deeply valuable experiences in my time at UBC came from talking to my mentors, people who inspired me, and random encounters. All of whom I worked hard to reach out to and connect with. The primary role of a university in the 21st century isn’t to deliver teaching, or produce research – it’s to make great people collide. Do that before to get a taste of UBC, and learn from the best sources about what it’s like.

Latest Stories

Previous
Sophie H. on the Okanagan campus

Exploring cultural theory and social change

UBC Okanagan Arts student Sophie on the power of a Cultural Studies degree
student

Exploring cultural theory and social change

“It is one thing to identify what is wrong with this world, but it’s another to see how people are managing to live and finding joy within it. Because this is where the changes are happening.” - Sophie H., Cultural Studies

Choosing research in Nursing at UBC Okanagan

How Nursing student Dresya is tackling late detection of breast cancer to improve patient outcomes.
student

Choosing research in Nursing at UBC Okanagan

"The program pushes me to redefine what it means to be a 'nurse' daily. There has not been a day where I have not learned something new. Whether it is delving into the pathophysiology of a disease or acquiring a new clinical skill, the learning never stops. In my experience, the program at UBC Okanagan also understands the profound importance of people in nursing. It pushed me to look beyond mastering the scientific basis of nursing, and incorporate the patient's lived experiences into the care I provide." - Dresya D., BSN

Helping Indigenous communities through Nursing

How Ashley made the career change from marketing to nursing, with the aim of making a positive difference within the Indigenous community.
student

Helping Indigenous communities through Nursing

"Once I complete my schooling, my aim is to work closely within the Indigenous population. My passion lies in patient-centered care and ensuring cultural safety, and I'm eager to make a meaningful impact in these areas." - Ashley H., Bachelor of Science in Nursing

An artist's journey to building community

How UBC Okanagan Fine Arts student Ziv fosters community among UBC's international students as an International Peer
student

An artist's journey to building community

"As an International Peer, I aim to introduce the supportive and inclusive environment UBC has for new students to thrive in. I hope to foster a sense of community and belonging among the international student population, because building connections and relationships is crucial to a positive university experience." - Ziv W., Bachelor of Fine Arts

Having a blast getting to know UBC Vancouver

Bachelor of Science student Kayree on taking part in Jump Start Vancouver, Imagine Day and Collegia
student

Having a blast getting to know UBC Vancouver

"Jump Start helped me transition into university life by introducing me to people that took the same classes as me. The orientation leaders for Jump Start also did an amazing job touring us around UBC despite it being so big. I got used to the map of campus within a week." - Kayree R., Bachelor of Science

Getting ready for university

How Academic Essentials prepared Rajalakshmi for life at UBC Vancouver
student

Getting ready for university

"[Academic Essentials] was a great way to get a taste of university life and explore different aspects of academic work. I was able to see how the same content taught to me can be approached and understood in different ways. The feedback and support from the peers and mentors in the program helped me feel more confident in what I knew, while allowing me to learn and grow." - Rajalakshmi N., Bachelor of Applied Science

Finding confidence as a first-year student

How UBC Okanagan’s Orientations helped Soumil feel comfortable and confident before classes started
student

Finding confidence as a first-year student

“Jump Start was incredibly helpful in helping me to make friends before school began. Through the program, I was able to meet a lot of new people who were also incoming first-year students. We participated in a variety of activities and events together, which helped us to bond and get to know each other better. By the time classes started, I already had a solid group of friends who I could turn to for support and advice.” - Soumil C., BSc in Computer Science

Making lifelong friends at Jump Start Okanagan

How UBC Okanagan’s Orientations helped Marvin prepare for the transition to university
student

Making lifelong friends at Jump Start Okanagan

“I loved my experience being in Jump Start. Being surrounded with possible classmates and creating inseparable bonds and long-lasting fun memories was my largest take-away. Being a part of Jump Start allowed me to adjust and figure out the campus very quickly. I would highly recommend joining Jump Start for all incoming students.” - Marvin L., Bachelor of Management
next