At Shad, discovery often starts with curiosity—and for Madison, that curiosity became a catalyst for her dream career. Madison Zanette arrived at Shad with a mix of excitement and nerves, not knowing that the next 26 days would change the course of her life. She came looking for a challenge but left with something far greater – a bold vision for her future, a national network of friends and mentors, and the scholarship that would launch her dream career in biomedical engineering. “Shad was truly life-changing,” she says. “It didn’t just give me skills; it opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”
Shad’s immersive mix of STEAM, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving proved to be a turning point for Madison. More than just a confidence booster for a self-described introvert, the experience helped her hone communication, collaboration, and innovation skills that will be essential in her future career.
One of the most transformative moments of her time at Shad came with the Design & Entrepreneurship Challenge, where her team tackled the question: How can we help Canadians implement green energy into their lives?
“A light bulb just immediately went off in my head,” she recalls. “Our idea was to develop playground equipment, like merry-go-rounds and zip lines, fitted with hand-crank generators to produce electricity for schools in need, which we called Kineti-Kids. It was such a creative way to blend engineering with sustainability.”
That project not only taught her how to think creatively through an innovation lens, but also became the centerpiece of her winning application for a $15,000 McMaster University scholarship available only to Shad alumni – one that also comes with a guaranteed research co-op position. “I feel like that project really set me apart,” she says. “Even though it wasn’t directly related to the medical field, it showed the innovative thinking engineers need to thrive.”
This fall, Madison will begin McMaster’s Integrated Biomedical Engineering program, drawn by its unique combination of health sciences and engineering.
“What really sold me on the program was a class where you’re paired with someone who has a disability, and you get to design and engineer something to help them,” she explains. “I’m looking forward to building a career where I work behind the scenes developing technology that doctors can use to help patients. That’s where I can make the biggest impact.”
The scholarship has afforded Madison the room to engage with her undergraduate studies without the financial stress so many post-secondary students contend with.
“The Shad alumni scholarship to McMaster has opened so many opportunities for my undergraduate education. Often students carry around the burden of tuition fees, and this scholarship will just allow me to have a smooth transition into university. I’ll feel more able to focus on my studies, free of some of that stress that comes with tuition, residence, and dining fees.”
Beyond the scholarship opportunities, one of Madison’s biggest takeaways from Shad was the people she met. From inspiring program staff and mentors to peers from every corner of the country, she now has friends who share her drive to make a difference.
“I met so many amazing people who think big, just like I do,” she says. “We supported each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other every single day. These are connections I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Now, as part of Shad’s network of more than 25,000 alumni worldwide, Madison knows those connections will be a source of collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity for years to come. She’s quick to point out that Shad was instrumental in opening new doors, not just for the scholarship, but for the network and experiences that came with it.
“Shad was truly life changing. It not only opened the door to this incredible scholarship, but it also made me more confident, gave me a taste of university life, and showed me the power of connecting with people who are just as passionate as you are,” she says.
Her advice for any student considering the program?
“Do it. You never know how many opportunities it’s going to open up for you. I met incredible friends, learned from inspiring mentors, and got this scholarship that will shape my entire career path. Shad doesn’t just end when the month is over, it keeps providing opportunities long after.”