Q: How does it feel to be named a Schulich Leader?
Being named a Schulich Leader is an incredible honour for both me and my family. When I first received the news, I had to re-read the email just to make sure I wasn’t mistaken. Once it sank in, I was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. This scholarship not only lifts a huge financial burden off my shoulders but also gives me the opportunity to be part of a network of amazing, driven individuals. For that, I’ll be forever grateful.
Q: What motivates your passion for STEAM/Entrepreneurship?
My passion for STEAM and entrepreneurship comes from a curiosity about how things work and how they can be improved. I’m inspired by Le Petit Prince, where a child’s drawing of a snake swallowing an elephant is mistaken for a hat. To me, that captures the essence of entrepreneurship: seeing beyond the obvious and imagining new possibilities. I keep a notepad of ideas sparked by everyday problems, and when I have downtime, I love diving into research to explore how I could turn those ideas into reality. This process of observing, learning, and building fuels my creativity, and motivates me to keep finding ways to make a difference.
Q: At Shad we are leaders in social innovation, how do you plan to use #STEAM4Good?
Shad has taught me the importance of designing with empathy. Through our design challenges and workshops, I learned to approach problems by first understanding the needs of real people. I hope to use #STEAM4Good by creating solutions that address real-world issues, whether in accessibility, sustainability, or community well-being. I want to build things that not only work well but also feel right for the people using them.
Q: What lessons would you share with incoming Shads?
“Comparison is the killer of joy.” This advice was shared by Matt Gorbet, a special guest at my Shad campus, and it’s stuck with me ever since. In the age of Reddit, Discord, and Instagram, it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. I remember scrolling through the Ontario Grade 12 subreddit, worrying if I’d get into my dream schools. I saw so many incredibly talented students sharing their grades, extracurricular activities, and anxieties. It made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough. That pressure pushed me to work harder, but it also started to eat away at my confidence. What I’ve learned is that a bit of pressure is healthy because it pushes us to grow, but constant comparison can become toxic. Everyone’s path is different, and success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, focus on what you can do, what you’ve already achieved, and how far you want to go. At Shad, you’ll be surrounded by brilliant, passionate people, but don’t let that intimidate you. Let it inspire you. You’re there for a reason, and your perspective matters just as much as anyone else’s.
