Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. 

She:kon! Hello! My name is Adeline. I am 16 years old and in grade 11. I attend Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School, a high school located in Cornwall, Ontario. I am proud to be a Mohawk from Akwesasne. I asked my closest friends to describe me in one word, so that you could get to know me from another perspective. They said I was bubbly, authentic, and kind. I grew up off-reserve, then recently moved back on-reserve with my family. Living on-reserve brings me a sense of home that cannot be found anywhere else. I have always shown interest in STEAM, especially in the sciences. In particular, I am interested in Biology, specifically genetics and evolution.  

Q: Why do you want to participate in the Shad program/What are you most looking forward to?  

I am so grateful to have this opportunity because I am open to new experiences where I will learn new things and meet new people. I love being around youth with the same interests and drives that I have. This is my first time participating in such a program, so I am excited to jump into the unknown and learn more about STEAM! 

Q: What motivates or sparks your curiosity in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?  

My curiosity in STEAM is built from curiosity in general. I have always been open to learning everything I possibly can about topics that interest me. My motivation comes from my family; they always encourage and support all my ideas and interests. 

Q: How do you envision your future? 

If you were to ask me this question when I was 11, I would have said I want to be a teacher. If you were to ask this question 3 years ago, I would have said I want to be a surgeon specializing in the cardiovascular system. Today, I will answer the question with “I don’t know”. Those three words aggravate and annoy some people, but to me, they say a lot about a person. It shows that they have so many amazing options and opportunities that they are just unsure of what path to take. I am still interested in being a teacher, a surgeon, a pediatrician, or a physiotherapist, but I have time to decide. All that I am certain of for my future is that I will work hard and with passion, whichever path I choose to take.