Tell us a little about yourself.  

I am from Nanaimo BC and currently go to Nanaimo District Secondary School. In my community, I founded the teen book club which is where teens meet, read, and have engaging conversations about books. I captain my soccer team. I perform on stage in musicals, plays, and dance showcases at my school and in my community. I went to Shad York in 2025, and it was the best summer I’ve ever had. 

What does this scholarship mean to you? 

This scholarship means that for the next four years of my life, I get to learn from and grow alongside some of the kindest, brilliant, and passionate people I’ve ever met. I don’t have words to express how excited I am to be a part of this community and how ready I am to get out there and learn in ways I never would’ve thought possible. 

What do you hope to do after you graduate, and how do you see yourself contributing to your community? 

After I complete my undergrad in Engineering at UBC, I hope to work as a mechanical engineer, specifically in the space exploration industry. I am excited to see how my passion for contributing to my community will converge with my passion for space. 

What did you take away from your Shad experience, and did any of those lessons come up during the Loran Scholar selection process? 

Shad taught me how to take risks whether it’s trying new ideas during DE projects, asking questions in lectures, or even talking to someone for the first time. You learn so much this way and Shad really helped me discover how to use this skill in my everyday life. 

What would you want to say to someone just starting the Shad 2026 program? 

At Shad you will meet some amazing peers from all over Canada whether they’re in your committee, DE group, or someone you randomly sat next to one mealtime. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from people with a whole range of experiences and perspectives. So, allow your curiosity to take over and ask as many questions as you can. I aimed for one a day whether it was after a speaker presentation or someone’s Shadspeak or when I wanted to get to know another Shad. While it can be scary asking questions helped me learn so much and cultivated many friendships throughout the program. Fully commit to the Shad experience… it’s worth it!