Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Annika Paré, and I am a Grade 11 student living in Oakville, Ontario. Although I currently live in Ontario, I often visit my family in Comox, BC, and I am proud to be a member of the Kʼómoks First Nation. I enjoy dancing both competitively and culturally, listening to all kinds of music, hiking, and playing soccer. While academics are a major focus in my life, I also value maintaining a balance between school, extracurricular activities, athletics, and spending time with friends and family. I am passionate about lifelong learning and am always looking for opportunities to challenge myself, broaden my perspective, and grow both academically and personally.
Why are you excited to participate in Shad? What are you most looking forward to?
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend Shad. For several years, I have actively sought out experiences that push me beyond my comfort zone and allow me to grow both academically and personally. When I first heard about Shad from my peers, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I am excited to immerse myself in a university environment, learn alongside students from diverse backgrounds, and explore new perspectives in STEAM and entrepreneurship. Most of all, I am looking forward to collaborating with curious and motivated students from across Canada and building connections that extend beyond the program itself.
What sparks your curiosity or interest in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?
What draws me to STEAM is that it encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving all at once. I enjoy every discipline within STEAM, but what interests me most is how they intersect. I love applying knowledge from multiple fields to better understand complex challenges and explore innovative solutions from different perspectives. Growing up with strong ties to the Comox Valley and Kʼómoks First Nation has also shaped my interest in environmental science. I am interested in how scientific knowledge, innovation, and stewardship can work together to protect ecosystems and support communities. Entrepreneurship also appeals to me because it combines creativity with action. It provides an opportunity to transform ideas into meaningful change, whether by addressing community needs, solving real-world problems, or creating something entirely new.
How do you envision your future?
Since I was about five years old, I have dreamed of studying environmental science at UBC. While I remain open to exploring new fields and opportunities, I believe my future will involve science, engineering, or another discipline focused on understanding and improving the world around us. I hope to build a career that allows me to contribute to environmental sustainability while remaining connected to my community and culture. Beyond my career, I hope to live in British Columbia, close to my nation and family connections. I envision a future that balances meaningful work, lifelong learning, strong community ties, and eventually a family of my own–along with a few dogs.