Alisha Haseeb has been granted the TD Community Leadership Scholarship, an esteemed $70K award for exceptional grade 12 students who are dedicated to making a difference in their community while pursuing their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Alisha’s reaction to being chosen for this prestigious scholarship and how her involvement in the Shad2021 program has influenced her journey towards success by reading on below.

Q: What does it mean for you to win this scholarship?

I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship in providing me with an opportunity to pursue post-secondary education without the significant financial burden of tuition and living expenses. This has allowed me to spend my time engaging in activities that I am passionate about, including volunteering and community engagement. 

Q: What do you envision yourself doing after you finish your undergraduate studies? How will your studies help you to continue to influence change in the world?

I hope to become a healthcare practitioner after I finish my undergraduate studies, which will provide the foundation for me to better understand the healthcare landscape and identify barriers to accessing care. I hope to use this knowledge to advocate for greater equity, particularly for underrepresented communities. 

Q: How did your Shad experience influence the path you’ve chosen?

Shad showed me that STEM education is far more expansive than I had previously thought. This sparked an interest in public health in medicine and the role of STEM in that possible career path. It also taught me how to think critically about a problem through the design project and work in a collaborative atmosphere to provide a novel solution. The project motivated me to pursue opportunities at university where I can work with others in a similar capacity. 

Q: What advice do you have for those about to enter the Shad 2023 program?

When attending Shad, I experienced imposter syndrome. While it can be difficult to be surrounded by such incredible youth, you deserve to be there and are just as incredible, though it might not be as evident at times. It is completely normal to be critical of yourself and you are not alone in the way that you feel. Use Shad as an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and see what you are capable of achieving!

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Read interviews with each of the other 3 Shads who were awarded the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership.