Tell us a little about yourself.  

My name is Oluwadumininu Louis Laraiyetan but most people know me as Dumi (Do Me). I am a grade 11 student at Fredericton High School, Fredericton, New Brunswick. I am a jovial teenage boy who loves God and enjoys bringing positive energy to people around me. I am originally from Nigeria and moved to Canada in 2023, which has been an exciting and growing experience for me.

I enjoy singing, solving problems, sport (basketball, squash, and table tennis) and playing musical instruments like the guitar and piano. I also love good food, and one of my favourite simple treats is waffles because they are easy to make and always enjoyable.

Why are you excited to participate in Shad? What are you most looking forward to?

I heard about Shad through my school and later did a bit of personal findings. While going through the Shad Instagram, I noticed all the activities that were carried out during the program and learned how engaging and impactful the program is. I look forward to participating in all the activities like building robots and engaging in meaningful discussions with my peers.

What sparks your curiosity or interest in STEAM and/or entrepreneurship?

My interest in STEM began during my elementary school years in Nigeria, where I had the opportunity to represent my school in various mathematics and science competitions. Those experiences helped me develop a love for problem-solving and critical thinking, and they showed me how exciting it can be to use knowledge and creativity to tackle challenges. Since then, I have been especially drawn to subjects that involve calculations, logical reasoning, and finding solutions to complex problems. As I have grown older, my interest in mathematics and science has continued to strengthen, and I enjoy learning how these subjects can be applied to real-world situations.

From a young age, I have always dreamed big and aimed high. When people asked me what I wanted to be in the future, I would often say that I wanted to be successful, well-known, and financially independent. While my understanding of success has matured over time, my ambition remains the same. Today, I see STEM as a pathway to achieving my goals by allowing me to develop innovative solutions, make a meaningful impact on society, and build a rewarding career. I am excited by the possibilities that STEM offers and look forward to exploring how my passion for mathematics, problem-solving, and creativity can further help me in reaching my future goals.

How do you envision your future?

I visualize a future where I am using my skills in mathematics, problem-solving, and engineering to make a positive impact in the world. I hope to attend university and pursue a degree in a field that combines my love for calculations, innovation, and building solutions to real-world challenges. I want to be part of projects that improve people’s lives and contribute to the advancement of technology and society.

Beyond my career, I hope to continue growing as a person, strengthening my faith, and inspiring others through my actions and achievements. I aspire to be successful, financially independent, and someone who makes a meaningful difference in my community. Most importantly, I want to use the opportunities I am given to help others and create a future that I can be proud of.