Loran Scholar 2024: Sadie MacDonnell
Q: What does it mean for you to win this scholarship?
Winning this scholarship opens me up to a world of opportunity. In addition to the financial support which will allow me to focus entirely on my education, the Loran Scholars program will allow me to make so many meaningful and valuable connections.
Q: How might this scholarship change your undergraduate experience?
I think being a Loran Scholar will definitely change my undergraduate experience for the better. Being a Loran Scholar means having an entire community of people ready to help you achieve anything you can put your mind to. Having these resources at my fingertips will definitely improve my experience over the next four years.
Q: What do you envision yourself doing after you graduate? How do you plan to continue to be of service in your community?
Next year, I’ll be at McGill University getting a Bachelor of Science. I’m planning to major in Psychology. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I want to continue to give back to the communities that I’m a part of! I plan to continue to be involved in the arts and theatre and will continue to speak on the importance of arts programming in schools. I’ll also always continue to give back to my Indigenous community in any way I can. Whether that’s speaking out on issues facing Indigenous populations, or planning different fundraising events, I want to continue to use my voice to help others.
Q: What lessons did you take away from your Shad experience? Were any of them helpful through the Loran selection process?
The amazing thing about Shad is how indescribable the entire experience is. I truly believe Shad changed how I see and interact with the world around me. It made me more confident, more self assured, and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. And it did all this without me even noticing! Everything I learned at Shad was so helpful throughout the entire Loran selections process, I truly don’t think I would have been selected as a scholar or even made it to Nationals if I hadn’t gone to Shad.
Q: What advice do you have for those about to enter the Shad 2024 program?
My advice to anyone doing the Shad 2024 program: enjoy it! Shad is truly a once in a lifetime experience and it goes by so quickly. Try to stay present and soak up each day and new experience as they come, and take lots of pictures! You’ll be glad to have them when you get home.
Want to meet the other 2024 Loran Scholars? Read their stories
