Ishaan Sidhu is a Business Economics and Law student at the University of Alberta who views his academic journey through the lens of high-performance discipline and strategic foresight. Balancing a rigorous courseload with a background in competitive athletics, Ishaan has cultivated a mindset that treats challenges as opportunities for iterative growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. In this discussion, we dive into how Ishaan leverages his history in sports to build internal resilience, his economic philosophy on protecting wealth and multiplying career freedom, and his approach to networking as a means of unlocking "unspoken" real-world knowledge.

Ishaan attributes much of his academic focus to his "internal governor," a voice of discipline forged through the repetitive and often unglamorous training required in competitive sports. By adopting a "next shot mentality" from basketball, he has learned to detach himself from the emotional weight of public defeat or academic setbacks, treating past failures as sunk costs that should not impede future performance. This athletic background also dictates his approach to professional collaboration; rather than trying to force "buy-in" from others, Ishaan focuses on setting a consistent standard of effort, knowing that dependability and unglamorous work eventually compound into trust and greater responsibility within any team environment.

Regarding financial literacy, Ishaan shifts the focus from simple earning potential to the strategic protection of capital and the power of compounding. His study of economics has taught him that true wealth is built by managing risk and maintaining a long-term perspective, rather than just trading time for a high salary. He differentiates between calculated risks and gambles by assessing the survivability of the downside and the potential for the upside to open new doors. Ultimately, he views financial stability as a tool for career optionality, allowing young professionals to bypass immediate cash flow needs in favor of high-growth opportunities that provide greater long-term value.

In the realm of networking, Ishaan moves beyond the surface-level exchange of business cards to seek out the "unspoken" context of how economic and legal theories are applied in the real world. He prioritizes relationships with individuals whose actions align with their aspirations, valuing genuine exchange and mutual accountability over transactional interactions. Perhaps his most significant realization is the power of the "student identity," which he views as a golden ticket that grants access to high-level professionals who are often eager to mentor the next generation. By approaching these figures as a curious learner rather than a competitor, Ishaan has found that the undergraduate years are a unique window for building a foundation of mentorship and insight that textbooks alone cannot provide.

Through the intersection of physical discipline, financial intelligence, and intentional relationship-building, Ishaan Sidhu demonstrates how a holistic approach to student life can prepare one for the complexities of the professional world. His journey underscores the importance of the "internal governor" in maintaining consistency, the role of financial literacy in securing personal freedom, and the necessity of proactive networking to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. As he continues his studies at the University of Alberta, Ishaan remains focused on the "next shot," trusting the process and the small, right decisions that lead to long-term success.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Today I went to the University of Alberta to ask students on their purpose. Everyone had such beautiful answers.

I am positive that with hard work and determination we can all fulfill life's purpose. There is so much meaning and beauty in this life.

I believe in you! Keep on going!

KEEP IT LONG TERM!

Lana Antonio is a woman whose life is a masterclass in the art of living with purpose. Whether she is navigating the clinical demands of her role as a dermatology nurse or spearheading initiatives through her non-profit, People Helping People, Lana remains anchored in a deep-seated commitment to advocacy and inclusive change. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a vibrant force in the creative and modeling industry, where she utilizes her platform to foster genuine human connection. Her journey is defined by a unique ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and the arts, proving that whether one is healing skin or telling a story through a lens, the ultimate goal is to uplift and see the humanity in others.

In the realm of mental health, Lana’s perspective is uniquely informed by her daily work in dermatology, where she witnesses firsthand how physical conditions can fracture a person’s self-esteem and social identity. She challenges the traditional stigma that views physical self-care as vanity, arguing instead that appearance is a vital component of confidence and a legitimate gateway to opportunity. Beyond the clinic, she is a vocal advocate for dismantling the misconception that seeking mental health support is a sign of weakness. By comparing mental health check-ins to the casual way we discuss the flu or physical ailments, Lana champions a culture where therapy and resource-sharing are normalized. Her personal commitment to boundaries and self-compassion serves as a reminder that rest is not a luxury to be earned, but a fundamental requirement for anyone dedicated to pouring into the lives of others.

When it comes to her creative output in modeling and digital spaces, Lana views the camera as a tool for storytelling rather than a pursuit of mere aesthetics. To her, modeling is an act of honoring the labor and dreams of designers, while the production itself serves as a source of collaborative inspiration that fuels her own mission. She navigates the often-performative nature of social media by grounding herself in radical authenticity, frequently asking herself if her choices would remain the same if societal judgment were removed. This mindset allows her to use her "creative lens" to challenge harmful beauty norms, a philosophy deeply reinforced by her medical background which reminds her that all bodies are diverse and fragile. By prioritizing alignment with her own values over the pressure to be liked, she creates a digital impact that is as intentional as it is visually compelling.

Lana’s dedication to advocacy for inclusive change is best exemplified through the evolution of her non-profit, People Helping People. What began as a childhood impulse to buy toys for others matured into a structured organization born from a successful winter donation drive for Edmonton’s unhoused population. For Lana, true inclusivity is a practice of quiet, consistent advocacy and, most importantly, the act of listening to the lived experiences of marginalized communities. She highlights the systemic failures that occur when solutions are designed without consulting those in need, particularly noting the lack of accessible mental health resources for the unhoused and the barriers faced by trans individuals in the creative industries. She encourages anyone looking to start their own journey in advocacy to begin with the small, actionable step of analyzing their own biases and fostering empathy within their immediate circles.

Ultimately, Lana Antonio’s story is one of integration, melding the precision of medicine with the vulnerability of the arts to create a life of service. Her work reminds us that advocacy is not always about grand gestures; it is found in the uncomfortable conversations that break down barriers and the intentional choices we make to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. By living authentically and leading with empathy.

KEEP IT LONG TERM!