Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Madison Brake, I’m 16 years old and a Grade 10 student at Templeton Academy, where I am an active member of the Student Leadership Team. During my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, reading, and engaging in many outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and skiing. In addition to these hobbies, I also spend a lot of my time volunteering, as it is something that I find much joy in doing. I regularly volunteer at a local Long Term Care facility, and I also volunteer as a tutor for many students in various subject areas. I have always enjoyed traveling and discovering new places, which is one of the many reasons why I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to attend the Shad program!

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

There are an endless number of reasons why I would like to participate in the Shad program, but I am most excited about meeting and forming friendships with like-minded people who have similar interests and dreams as I do. My entire life, I have always had a profound passion for learning and have constantly looked for ways to be the best that I possibly can be. Participating in a program like Shad is a great way for me to do so! I believe that this program will also prepare me for university and the challenges that may come with it. Overall, attending the Shad program will be a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and expand my knowledge by learning things from a new perspective.

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

What truly sparks my curiosity in STEAM and entrepreneurship is the incredible potential that both of these fields hold to create a positive impact on our world and society. The excitement of problem-solving and seeing your very own visions come to life is what drives me to pursue these fields. By doing so, I would someday like to contribute with ideas and innovations of my own to help better both the world and our society to make a real difference in people’s lives.  

Q: How do you envision your future?
There are many possibilities for how the future may look for me. But, regardless of the path I choose for my future, my ultimate aspiration is to help make a positive change in the world. Although many things could bring about positive change, I am currently hoping to pursue a career in medicine. More specifically, I envision myself engaging in some type of clinical research that works towards advancing treatments and cures for diseases and disabilities. Working in clinical research will allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives, which is exactly what I wish to do. 

Want to meet the other Indigenous Scholars? Read their stories