At (coming) 23, he is young relative to other young men. Some may still be in University at that age.Has Patrick said anything about what his plans are with his competitive skating after this season? He is still so young. I hope he continues for another cycle.
I remember reading in an International Figure Skating Magazine article (I think it was done shortly after the 2010 Olympics) that Patrick enjoyed studying economics because you have to use a totally different part of your brain for it than you use for skating. It provided him with a good way to get a break from skating. I have no idea if he stills wants to pursue economics or not. Whatever he chooses to do, he has the drive and the work ethic and the positive outlook to accomplish his goals.
As a non US citizen, I assume he would have to pay full-fee in the U.S. so it makes sense to return to Canada to further his education. It is likely what his parents would want him to do eventually. Asian parents value education. One of my friends made her daughter complete a University course before she was allowed to further her interest as a pastry chef. She is now a pastry chef with a degree in mathematics (weird combo).Skatefiguring said:A, or the, major consideration with Patrick is his university education, which he could not afford in the US (Colorado Springs at the time he decided to postpone it.) If he trains in Canada or can register with a Canadian university with classroom and online courses, maybe he can combine his studies with a competitive skating career
Patrick could very likely obtain a sports scholarship at an ivy league institution. Many of our Canadian athletes especially golfers, soccer and hockey players get these scholarships. In fact the university talent scouts come up regularly to check out the players.
My impression too. Without a scholarship, studying in an ivy league university as a non-US citizen will cost an arm and leg. His family has already spent so much money in elite skating training for their son. IMO, it makes practical sense to return to Canada for further studies if further education is what he has in mind. It would also allow him to contribute to skating in the Canada.Patrick commented in the interview in China a couple of years ago that there were no scholarships for a figure skater but lots for major (what I call commercial) sports like football and hockey.
Remember how we laughed when he talked about toying with the idea that he may wish to be a politician that he will really need to learn how to lie through his teeth for a forthright, what you see is what you get personality like Patrick. And yes, that would be refreshing.Or he could be a computer nerd or a car mechanic. He even indicated an interest in politics. That would be refreshing and a welcomed alternative to the current crop.
There are very fine universities in Canada-do any of them have competitive skating programs?
I think so too. He's a gifted athlete. I heard he plays golf and tennis relatively well. He ski, rock climb and mountain bike so that is very telling of his love of the outdoor and sports.I have a hard time imagining Patrick very far from sport.... whatever form of career that might take.
There are very fine universities in Canada-do any of them have competitive skating programs?