Gurnoor Minhas
LORAN 2019 | SHAD FELLOW
Q: How did you feel when you received the news?
A: I remember looking down at my phone as I walked out of the hotel and saw that I had a missed call from the Loran Foundation. I immediately called back and I went into complete shock as I heard the good news. Suddenly, it felt like everything had changed. After spending the weekend meeting so many other amazing finalists, I was extremely surprised and proud of myself!
Q: How significant is it for you personally to become a Loran Scholar?
A: Being a Loran Scholar will allow me to study in a new region and I look forward to exploring a new part of Canada and even the world, through the variety of global summer internship options offered. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to pushing myself outside of my comfort zone over the course of the next four years.
Q: What are you hoping to do after graduation? Do you have a long term goal in mind in terms of the kind of change you’d like to make or be part of?
A: I hope to pursue an undergraduate degree in business and look forward to applying this knowledge to a cause that I am passionate about. My overarching goal is to be involved with a non-profit or social enterprise and work towards finding innovative solutions to global problems. Finally, I want to give back to my community and help to ensure that other students have access to similar opportunities.
Q: Do you believe your time at Shad had an impact on your Loran Award?
A: At Shad, I was lucky enough to meet 55 like-minded students who inspired me to strive for excellence and push myself. The support of both the staff and other fellows at Shad Memorial allowed me to explore new interests during my time in Newfoundland and helped me gain self-confidence. I believe that these experiences at Shad have shaped who I am as a leader, and I would not be where I am today without my involvement in this program.
Q: What advice would you give an incoming Shad 2019?
A: I would advise all incoming Shads to use this program as an opportunity to discover a new province or region in Canada. Not only will you have access to the network as a whole, but you will have the opportunity to learn more about different areas of Canada and immerse yourself in a new culture.
