Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Laura James, I am 16 years old and I go to school at St. Jerome’s in Vermilion Alberta. I have played many sports in my life, including hockey, which I have continued for 11 years. I enjoy pretty much any activity that involves being outdoors or being active. For indoor activities, I do a little bit of crocheting and I like reading.  

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

I am very excited for everything that I am able to experience at Shad, but I am mainly excited to meet new people and make friends! I have grown up in a small town my whole life, so I am very excited to meet people from all over Canada who have different experiences. I am also looking forward to being in a new community and learning new skills. 

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

I would say the most interesting part of STEAM to me would be the things you are able to learn and how it could make a big impact on yourself as well as others. 

Q: How do you envision your future? 

I do not have a set plan for the future yet, but I am really interested in getting a degree in psychology and then going to school to become a pediatric occupational therapist. I enjoy helping others, and being able to make a child’s life easier is something that I know I would love. I would also love to travel for a year and visit as many countries as possible!