Tell us a little about yourself.  

My name is Kyle Haynen, and I am a 16 year old Grade 10 student at Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am a member of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek and take pride in my Indigenous heritage and community. In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar and listening to music. I also enjoy playing video games and spending time with friends and family.  I like spending time outdoors and walking my dog.

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

I think Shad is a great opportunity to learn about future career paths and explore different areas of STEAM that I may want to pursue after high school. I’m looking forward to gaining experience in post-secondary life and learning from different backgrounds and perspectives. I am also excited about the chance to live away from home for a month to develop my independence and challenge myself with new experiences and hands on projects.

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

I’m interested in the endless amount of new things to learn in the STEAM field and how innovation can be used to solve real world problems. I will use this time to explore different career pathways and opportunities to help me better plan for my future.

How do you envision your future?

I envision a future where I continue to push myself, learn new things, and take advantage of opportunities that help me grow both personally and academically. I hope to pursue a career that aligns with my interests and allows me to make a positive impact in my community. As a member of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinabek, I would like to use my education and experience to contribute to the success and well-being of Indigenous communities while continuing to develop my skills and knowledge throughout my life.