Parlez-nous un peu de vous.  

Hello! My name is Zina Akwiwu. I am a Grade 10 student from Ontario attending Assumption Catholic Secondary School. I would say that I am a curious student who loves challenging myself and learning as much about the subjects I study in my classes. Some things I enjoy doing in my free time include art in interesting forms, reading, running, cooking, and rollerblading!

Pourquoi avez-vous hâte de participer à Shad ? Qu'attendez-vous le plus avec impatience ?

I am excited to participate in Shad this summer because of the unique experience it offers. As someone who is naturally curious, I am looking forward to exploring new aspects of STEAM I may not have had much experience with before. Overall, being away from home with other driven students, taking on new challenges, and learning together is an experience I think will be exciting and rewarding when looking back on. I believe Shad will develop my collaboration, determination, and problem-solving, as well as stimulate my mind in a unique way! I have also not had the chance to explore much of Canada, so being able to see a new province is amazing! 

Qu'est-ce qui éveille votre curiosité ou votre intérêt pour le STIAM et/ou l'entrepreneuriat ?

My curiosity in STEAM comes from the constant challenge and variety it offers. I like to explore, and I enjoy the challenge of not fully understanding something at first, then putting in the work to figure it out and then being able to explain it to others. Subjects such as science and math especially keep me engaged because there is always another subject or concept to learn. Additionally, my involvement in outside programs such as science fairs, where I investigated forensics with the topic “Are Fingerprints Inherited”, as well as my involvement with Pursue STEM with Leadership by Design and the University of Toronto, have served to drive my interest in STEM beyond my personal fondness of it.

At the same time, I am drawn to the creative side of STEAM. I have always enjoyed art. I like seeing my skills grow in the mediums or programs I enjoy toying with, such as drawing, painting, digital animation, paper mache, and craftwork. I also enjoy using platforms like Procreate, CapCut, and some Adobe programs. Entrepreneurship interests me for the same reason. Taking the “Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset” business class in my grade 9 year was what initially captivated my interest in business and significantly grew me in numerous aspects of my character, such as my writing and creativity. Because of my positive experience in that class, I am taking business each year of high school onward.

Comment envisagez-vous votre avenir ?

I envision my future in a field where I can keep solving unique problems each day. I am interested in studying management science and engineering as a major, hopefully at Stanford University. It combines math, economics, computer science, and organization theory to solve real-world problems and improve systems. I like that the work is about breaking down systems, finding inefficiencies, and using analysis to improve decision-making, while also working in multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with others. Overall, it feels like a path where I can keep learning, thinking creatively, and turning problems into solutions.