Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Julia Klassen, and I am a 16-year-old student at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic High School in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Throughout my life, I have been dedicated to both academics and athletics. I have competed in ringette and lacrosse at high levels while maintaining Honour Roll standing in school. These experiences have helped me develop discipline, resilience, and strong time-management skills. Outside of school and sports, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and value the relationships that shape my everyday life. As a proud Métis student, I value both my European and Indigenous heritage and the sense of community, resilience, and connection that comes with it. Through volunteer tutoring with Indigenous students, I have had the opportunity to support others while gaining a deeper appreciation for the impact of mentorship and education. I have also been fortunate to travel and experience different cultures and ways of life, which has broadened my perspective and strengthened my appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make each person unique.
Why are you excited to participate in Shad? What are you most looking forward to?
I am most excited to participate in Shad because of my passion for learning and my desire to meet new people. The opportunity to combine these two interests in one experience makes Shad especially appealing to me. I look forward to connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas, and learning from their unique perspectives. I hope the program will challenge me to grow both academically and personally while helping me develop new skills and confidence. Above all, I am excited for the opportunity to gain experiences and knowledge that will have a lasting positive impact on my future.
What sparks your curiosity or interest in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?
My interest in STEAM and entrepreneurship comes from my passion for mathematics, biology, and chemistry, especially when they relate to understanding the human body and advancing healthcare. I enjoy learning new concepts and seeing how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. What interests me most is the potential for innovation to improve patient care and shape the future of medicine. As someone who hopes to pursue a career in healthcare and eventually open my own practice, I am excited by the opportunity to combine scientific knowledge with leadership and creative problem-solving. STEAM and entrepreneurship stand out to me because they encourage people to think beyond existing solutions and create meaningful change. I am eager to continue learning, developing new skills, and exploring ways that I can contribute to improving the lives of others through healthcare.
How do you envision your future?
When I envision my future, I see myself working as an anesthesiologist and making a meaningful impact in the medical field. During my studies, I hope to be involved in research opportunities in labs and contribute to work that deepens understanding of health and improves patient care. I am especially interested in the possibility of being part of discoveries that could help address serious medical conditions and improve treatment outcomes. In the long term, I hope to establish my own medical practice or clinic, where I can provide care to patients and contribute to my community in a direct and meaningful way.
