Applications close in:

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Applications close in:

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Applications close in:

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Don't miss your chance to join Shad2026!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Sydney, and I am a grade 11 student from Owen Sound, Ontario. If I were to describe myself in only one word, I would say I am a philomath. I am always striving to learn, create, and grow, and have a wide range of interests, from ecology to languages to science. In addition to academics, I enjoy hobbies such as playing the piano, painting, and reading. Something I feel strongly about is getting involved in the community, so I always try to integrate that into my interests. For example, I just recently participated in a regional envirothon competition due to my interest in promoting sustainability, and my team and I will be moving on to provincials. This passion for community involvement also relates to my job. I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor at my local YMCA, where I am able to get involved with my community and help shape the next generation.

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

I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate in Shad that this scholarship has provided me. This is an amazing program and offers so many opportunities that I am eager to take advantage of. For example, throughout this year, I have begun looking at different possible university programs, and I believe that Shad is a great time to experience what that next step in my life may look like. I will be attending lectures, participating in university level courses, and exploring important issues with my peers, all of which I hope will reflect the university experience. I am also excited to meet people with the same interests as myself, all with a thirst to learn.

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

The reason I am so interested in STEAM is because it represents such a broad range of disciplines. I believe that STEAM programs are a great way to determine your likes and interests, which will help narrow my focus, and direct me towards a specific path in post secondary. 

Q: How do you envision your future?
With regards to my future, I have many goals. For example, I want to travel and experience the diverse cultures of the world. Over time, however, I have come to realize that, though having specific goals for your life is necessary, it is really your general aim that matters. The biggest goal I have is to leave something behind after my time; to live a meaningful life and leave the world better than I found it.


Want to meet the other Indigenous Scholars? Read their stories

Early Bird Advantage

Be among the first 650 students to submit your application before Nov. 3rd, 2025, and lock in your top choice campuses!

Spots are limited! Don’t miss out!

Early Bird applies to the first 650 completed applications submitted by Nov 3, 11:59 PM (ET). Guarantee applies only if accepted into the program, and placement will be made at one of the applicant’s Top 10 campus choices. Shad reserves the right of final interpretation.