Damilola Ola-Adigun’s story extends far beyond the typical hospital setting. Her journey as a registered nurse began shortly after graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a testament to her fierce determination.

“I don’t think that I am the smartest person in the room,” she admits, “but I think that I work really hard.”

This confident mindset, combined with her extensive knowledge of women’s and children’s health, naturally led her to the demanding yet rewarding world of NICU nursing. In her first two years caring for critically ill newborns, Dami experienced a profound shift in perspective.

“It has made me appreciate life, motherhood, and parents so much more after seeing the other side of birth,” she explains. “It is really rewarding to get to meet parents with different journeys, [who come] from different environments.”

In a field that demands precision and endurance, Dami ‘s intense days and nights at the hospital underscored the vital importance of empathy. “You have to share empathy,” she says. “People give birth every day and they think they are going home [with their newborns] but instead they have to stay with me. Nursing is caring, nursing is helping, and nursing is giving a hand.”

“[Being a travel nurse] expedited my growth as a person and as an adult,” she reflects. “I learned to sit with the silence as it gave me the resources to explore myself.”

Dami worked as a temporary nurse in America, specifically in Texas and New York, before setting her sights on a master’s degree. She’s currently completing her thesis, exploring the experiences of parents within the pediatric system.

“I am the first person in my family to pursue a master’s,” Dami proudly states. “I strive really hard to get everything that I have and where I have gone has been a result of my education.”

As Dami reflects on everything that has led her to where she is now, she realizes that for her, and for most people, growth begins at the end of our comfort zone. “In order to lead you need to be a learner,” she advises, “and to be a learner you have to understand what you’re not good at and build (…) be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

Damilola Ola-Adigun’s journey is a compelling reminder that dedication and empathy are powerful catalysts for both personal and professional fulfillment.

Over a decade has passed since Narthaanan Srimurugathasan was awarded a Future Aces scholarship. While the specifics of the awards ceremony may have faded with time, his “feeling of gratitude” remains vivid. To this day, he keeps the Future Aces Creed close — a tangible reminder of the scholarship’s enduring significance.

Narthaanan was drawn to geography as a high school student at Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, envisioning a career in geological engineering. However, when his initial university program emphasized mining over his interest in tectonic activity, he made the courageous decision to pivot.

With courage and curiosity, he changed direction, first exploring general science, and eventually finding his passion in pharmacy at the University of Toronto. Although today, he works in healthcare, he maintains that “nothing is a closed door. I think other opportunities still exist if I choose to still pursue them.”

While pharmacy may not have been his initial high school aspiration, Narthaanan finds deep satisfaction in his work.

“Thinking about the interventions I’ve made in managing a patient’s medications and its impact creates a lot of job satisfaction, which doesn’t always happen in other roles.”

This sense of making a difference extends to his non-direct patient care work, where he witnesses the broader impact of his interventions.

A key aspect of Narthaanan’s previous role — one he greatly valued — was the opportunity to mentor pharmacy students in their hospital rotations. He prioritized skills-based learning, believing that “by focusing on skill development, it will allow one to grow as an individual.” He also emphasized that critical thinking skills are particularly important, given their versatility in different roles and work environments.

Similar to his involvement in high school extracurriculars, Narthaanan actively participated in leadership roles throughout pharmacy school, engaging with organizations at the university, provincial, and national levels. This inherent drive to lead, along with his experience navigating a pharmacy residency during the pandemic, ignited his current ambition: an MBA.

Why should a clinical pharmacist pursue an MBA? For Narthaanan, it’s about expanding his horizons and amplifying his impact. Recognizing that many leadership positions favour a master’s degree, he strategically chose an MBA for its versatility in the realm of healthcare leadership. His vision extends beyond a clinical pharmacist; he aims to become a healthcare leader and advocate, leveraging his pharmacy background as a valuable foundation.

Narthaanan’s journey offers important advice for young people navigating their own paths—embrace lifelong learning. 

“It’s hard in grade 12 to choose a career path and stick to it. There’s so little that you know about the world and there’s so little that you know about yourself.”

He encourages everyone to “embrace whatever opportunity you get because you never know if you’ll get that opportunity again.”

Humility is a lesson that we can all learn as society when you consider that not everyone has the same privilege or opportunities as the other. This became crystal clear to 2015 Future Aces Scholar Katie Chen through her experience working in various countries.

“There’s a lot of things that one takes for granted growing up in a certain environment or, growing up in a certain culture and you go to a different place and all of these things you’ve taken for granted are not the case.” 

Growing up as a Chinese immigrant in Toronto, Chen’s perspective broadened when she left consulting at McKinsey & Company and embarked on a career with Save The Children and The Behavioural Insights Team. Her work took her to various countries around the world and that’s where she developed “this deep fulfilling sense of purpose, which [she] didn’t feel earlier on.” 

“It really is a lesson in humility,” Chen reflects, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the privileges we often take for granted. From access to essentials to the sense of security, Chen‘s travels have shined a light on the diverse perspectives of reality from around the globe. Yet, under all the differences, she finds a common ground in the experiences we share as a community – laughter, connection, and the simple joys in life. 

“It’s really given me a good dose of humility and perspective, but it’s also really given me hope about humanity as a collective. I think despite the differences, there are also so much we have in common with people all over the world.” 

Chen continues to embody the Future ACES Creed and still resonates deeply with her till this day. Particularly the attributes of Service, Achieve, Attitude and Courage.  

Service

On a micro-level she feels it is important to mentor the younger generation to share her expertise and advice, and to also volunteer. Whereas on macro-level, she felt that switching from the private sector to the social sector would help meet her goal of closing the global opportunity gap. She expresses this deep-seated belief: “This sort of service to humanity and service to people around the world is something that I really believe in.” 

Courage

She believes it took courage when she uprooted herself multiple times to live and work in different countries. She believes that experiencing different cultures firsthand is essential to effectively support communities. She considers that these leaps of faith were fundamental to her personal and professional growth, stating, “It requires a little bit of courage to make that first jump outside of your comfort zone, but after that you sort of realize the amount of growth that comes from it, and it becomes a lot easier to make subsequent moves outside of your comfort zone. 

Achieve

Chen views achievement as a process of dreaming and progressing throughout life’s journey. “I’ve always loved, I’ve always been a dreamer,” she states. She clarifies, “It’s not about necessarily like meeting a goal and then just being, okay, I’ve achieved. But how do you sort of continue to push and continue to dream to do more.”    

Attitude

She firmly believes that “attitude” centers on kindness, both towards oneself and others. She emphasizes that self-kindness is the foundation for extending kindness to those around us. As she states, “I think that when you have this attitude of kindness towards others. It just makes life so much more sunny and positive for both yourself and for other people.”

Chen may still be early in her career, she has very learned valuable lessons throughout and has three key pieces of advice for aspiring leaders: 

1. Find the mission that you are passionate about. She emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s passion and that it may take time while connecting it with her own experience of not finding her path in International Development until her third year of undergrad. She shared that it took a couple of years after graduating finally found her career path. She states, “Once you find that mission, I think it makes life so much more meaningful.” 

2. Find the right mentors. She highlights how “the right mentors can really help you think on how you think about your personal life, how you think about your professional life, and how you think about the type of leader you’d like to be.” She credits mentors with playing a critical role in shaping who you are and the leader you can become, both personally and professionally.

3. Take risks. “A life that is comfortable is also a life that is unremarkable”, she says.  Stressing that taking risks is necessary to develop the capacity to grow, think bigger and effect change. 

Chen’s work is driven by a profound sense of purpose: to create opportunities so that people can thrive in their own communities. Inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, she finds deep fulfillment in contributing to something larger than herself.

“It’s much more meaningful to dedicate or think about other people than to think about yourself.”

The Future Aces program played a significant role in shaping Kush Patel’s values and aspirations, as its early integration into his school was supported by the principal.

From his initial involvement in middle school to receiving a scholarship later on, the program’s emphasis on service, empathy, courage and attitude has guided him through his academic and professional career, leading to his residency in anesthesiology. 

Drawing from his experience in medicine, Patel emphasizes several crucial attributes from the Future ACES Creed: 

Empathy & Service

Patel emphasizes that empathy and service go hand-in-hand as fundamental attributes in healthcare, requirements for serving the community and caring for individuals during vulnerable times. In his words, “serving the community that I’m a part of, I’m able to take care of people in times that they’re not at their best and may be going through hardships.”

Courage

The practice of medicine, especially in specialties like anesthesiology, demands courage. Anesthesiologists often encounter critical situations where they must make swift, informed decisions. Patel states, that it is challening to make nuanced decisions under time constraints in order “to optimize individualized care because the needs are different” for each patient. It is a profession that requires one to take courage.

Attitude

In demanding professions like medicine, a positive attitude is crucial for navigating life’s challenges, mitigating burnout, and fostering resilience. Patel reflects on this, saying, “our outlook on life and how we perceive it really does help lay the foundation; [it] helped shape my journey early on [and] set myself up for success.”

When reminiscing about his journey, he recognizes a significant evolution in his perspective, particularly regarding what drives his passion for healthcare.

“At first I would’ve said [the driving force to becoming a doctor] was the fascination I had with the pharmacology and the biology of things, the interaction of different diseases, but I think that has changed with time,” he notes.

Now, “it’s the one-on-one interaction I have with the people, whether it’s my colleagues, whether it’s the people I’m caring for because I think human connection is what really drives us forward, and so I would say that is probably the biggest joy that I get from the work that I do.”

Drawing from his own experience of being introduced to the Creed during middle school, Patel’s advice to aspiring leaders emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community.

He recommends finding “skills that you’re good at or skills you want to work on, like-minded people to support you, and you pursue it because you really enjoy it; then that in itself can be a driving factor to your leadership.” He acknowledges the challenges of leadership but stresses:

“if you just put yourself out there and try things that you like, then you will probably naturally find success. And even if you don’t, the fact that you’re doing it…takes courage. And that’s part of, again, the Future ACES Creed.”

These attributes, cultivated through experiences and reflection, form a foundation for a fulfilling and impactful life, both within and beyond the realm of medicine. While still appreciative of the leadership recognition he received, Patel reminds young people that “you don’t necessarily need an award and recognition to be a leader,” asserting that true leadership stems from believing in oneself.

When Dr. Vivian Tsang received the Future Aces Scholarship in 2014, it meant far more than financial support. For her, it was a symbol of belief — in her abilities, her potential, and her drive to lead with purpose. “The scholarship was a reminder of hard work and recognition,” she recounts. That encouragement helped shape a path that has since blended medicine, innovation, and service.

Dr. Tsang is a psychiatry resident in the final year of her residency, poised to become a specialist in the field. Her ambitions extend beyond the traditional clinical setting. Alongside her medical training, she is pursuing groundbreaking research in psychedelic-assisted therapies — a promising approach for mental health conditions that haven’t responded to traditional treatments.

Her journey into medicine hasn’t been solely about treating patients; she is driven by a desire to develop solutions. “I love starting something from scratch and then completing it and seeing the fruits of my labour,” she explains. That mindset naturally led her to research, where she discovered a “channel through which I could enact change” and problem-solve using a first principles approach within her clinical work. Whether it’s research or other endeavours, this strategy is a recurring theme in her career.

Dr. Tsang’s impact extends far beyond healthcare. Her journey as a community leader began in high school, when she founded the Hope Initiative Foundation, inspired by her own experience with bullying in elementary school. What began as a school club offering small acts of kindness has grown into a national youth-led charity. Today, the foundation empowers young people across Canada to become change makers in their own communities.

She stresses the importance of providing youth with the autonomy and support to “enact change in their own community in a way that makes sense for them and in a way that they care about.”

Witnessing the transformative impact of youth engagement in community initiatives has inspired her to encourage aspiring leaders to recognize their own capacity for change.

She firmly believes that engaging in service not only benefits others but also empowers individuals — reinforcing their ability to make meaningful contributions to the world.

For Dr. Tsang, being a physician was never the destination — it’s part of the toolkit she uses to create broader systems change. She’s committed to addressing inefficiencies within the healthcare system, using creativity and resourcefulness to improve patient care and healthcare delivery.

Dr. Tsang’s journey — from scholarship recipient to medical researcher, social entrepreneur, and youth advocate — is a powerful example of how young people can turn passion into purpose, and vision into impact.

Discipline, Consistency and Accountability – These are all lessons that Sergio Ráez Villanueva stands by and passes on to the next generation. “I’m passing the torch along and helping coach the next young generation.”

Ráez Villanueva is currently a long-distance runner who also helps coach youth athletes in the Mississauga Track & Field Club in endurance and long distance running. This is the same club where Sergio started running when he came to Canada.

“I see these athletes and see me in their shoes when I was first starting competitive running.”

Despite the challenges growing up in Mississauga as an immigrant, it did not stop him from making an impact amongst youth. Today he coaches youth to be independent, but more importantly so they can have fun and enjoy the sport, showing up to practice because they want to be here to improve.

“That applies not only to running, but to anything in life. We always try to put it a step beyond,” he says. “We talk a lot about running obviously being a running practice, but there’s a lot of transferable things beyond that.”

Aside from coaching youth, Ráez Villanueva is also a Research Coordinator at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre focusing on Oncology research, dealing with data collection from clinical trials, stakeholder communications, and advocating for patients’ health.

“After graduating from university and having an opportunity to take on this role, I thought it would be a good experience to broaden my horizons. If I’m going to learn something different, let it be something that’s fairly different but still related in the Sciences field.”

Since then, he has been working his way up to now recently being a manager in research planning.

Ráez Villanueva was awarded a Future Aces Scholarship back in 2015. Fast forward ten years later, and he still lives by two of the scholarship’s attributes today; and even applies them in his coaching, work, and day-to-day life:

Service

To him, it’s about using your skills and experience as an athlete to give back to the younger generation who are getting into sports and developing a healthy lifestyle. “A lot of the things we do should be with the idea and goal of bettering the common good.”

Attitude

Ráez Villanueva emphasizes on approaching things with a positive perspective no matter how complicated and busy life gets. He expresses how important it is to approach things with an optimistic attitude. He says that this positive energy can affect those around you. “We have to approach these things with a positive attitude because ultimately it’s contagious,” he says. “It should be a positive atmosphere so that that attitude component is key to maintain positive relationships with your fellow coaches, or your fellow athletes, or your fellow co-workers, or whoever you will be interacting with.”

The Future Aces Scholarship’s creed is what drives him to do the work that he is passionate about, seeking for different ways to return the favour to others. He re-emphasizes that coaching is a way to give back to younger athletes getting into running and active living. Ráez Villanueva also applies this to his work on research, as the team he works with ultimately aims to provide a service to patients.

“A lot of the things we do is ultimately for the betterment of our cancer patients, these are patients that need care and are seeking alternate treatments for their cancers. We try to help patients to see if they can benefit from an alternate treatment for these advanced cancers that they may have. Also to help contribute to research in knowing if a treatment is not as good, or if another treatment is a little better.”

From his personal experience, he encourages the next generation to keep an open mind and to branch out your skills. “You’re going to get the knowledge and the theory in school but, especially for the workforce, it’s good for employers to see that you’re more than just that. They want to see that you have some practical skill too be it in research or in anything really. As long as you’re putting your knowledge to use.”

Thomas Dedinsky’s journey is a powerful example of how curiosity, opportunity, and support can shape a young person’s future. From experimenting with different interests in high school to launching a career in tech with one of the world’s largest companies, Thomas’s path demonstrates the difference that the right encouragement—and support — can make.

“The Future Aces Scholarship gave me financial support to go to university.”

The funds helped ease his transition from high school to post-secondary education, allowing him to focus on what really mattered—discovering his passions and building a career with purpose.

His involvement in youth enrichment programs during high school helped him build a strong connection to the University of Waterloo even before applying. His positive experiences with hands-on learning helped him feel confident in his decision. “I always enjoyed trying new things and seeing how they worked,” he says. This mindset led him to the university’s Waterloo Unlimited program and ultimately to a degree in computer engineering.

With an interest in both chemical and computer engineering, he was drawn to the combination of software and hardware development, and excited about the opportunities offered through Waterloo’s co-op program, Thomas saw computer engineering as the perfect fit.

“The co-op placements gave me a strong sense of direction and showed me how what I was learning could be applied in real-world situations.”

He emphasizes that the co-op placements provided a clear sense of direction, showing him how his academic learning translated into practical applications. The opportunity to sample various fields in short bursts helped him quickly identify what he enjoyed and what he didn’t. His last two internships were especially crucial, as they solidified his decision to shift away from hardware and embedded systems and focus instead on software.

Today, Thomas is a Software Development Engineer at Amazon, where he designs technology solutions using Amazon Web Services (AWS). He focuses on functionality, maintainability, and cost-efficiency—key skills in the tech industry. But what drives him most is the opportunity to grow.

“I try to learn something new or accomplish something each week. It makes me feel like I’m doing something meaningful—and doing it well.”

Looking back, Thomas credits Future Aces Foundation for playing a key role in helping him get to where he is today. And he offers this advice to young people just beginning their journeys:

“You might still be discovering what you want. That’s okay. It’s always worth trying new things and figuring out what type of person you want to be.”

Thomas’s success is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the value of investing in young people. Thanks to the support of the Future Aces Foundation and its donors, students like Thomas are not only finding their paths— they’re shaping the future.

Primary care is more than just treating illnesses; it’s about fostering health, well-being, and strong communities. Fatima Boulmalf, a 2014 scholarship recipient, shares her perspective as a family physician through her experiences and insights. She emphasizes the importance of making a difference on a micro scale, the therapeutic alliance between doctor and patient, and the rewards of witnessing positive change firsthand.

Dr. Boulmalf, who has been practicing independently since 2022, initially entered medicine with “idealistic goals” of changing the world. While that desire to make a difference remains, her focus has shifted to the “micro scale”. She believes that “one of the best ways to change the world is to make people feel better”, and that doesn’t necessarily start by solving large societal problems that improve the well-being of individuals. By focusing on the community as a micro ecosystem, she is able to ensure people in the community are “healthy, well, happy and are taking care of themselves and by extension are taking care of the people around them”.

The idea is that improving individual well-being creates a ripple effect within the community. The impact of primary care extends beyond the individual and is described as a “cascade effect,” where improved individual well-being contributes to healthier relationships and stronger communities. She describes helping one individual feel better, allows for that individual to go home and show up as their best self for their family; kids and spouse. By helping one person be well, she is helping a whole family be well. This tangible impact is a source of great reward and a core reason for Dr. Boulmalf’s passion for primary care.

Primary care physicians address both the physical and mental health of their patients, and Dr. Boulmalf recognizes the inextricable link between the two. She emphasizes the importance of developing a therapeutic alliance with her patients; she states that “it’s built on trust and a mutual understanding”. While physicians bring medical knowledge and expertise, she believes it is important to tell her patients “you are the expert on your body”. Because medical knowledge and evidence are always evolving, she feels that as a physician she brings that medical knowledge to the relationship, but ultimately a patient should make decisions about their care based on their own understanding and personal values. Dr. Boulmalf strives to “empower” her patients, helping them to improve their lives, health, and well-being.”

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dr. Boulmalf acknowledged the devastation it caused, the consequences of which are still being managed. However, she believes its important to highlight the positive outcomes:

“There was definitely a lot of sense of community and people taking care of each other, and those things are definitely positives.”

Her “half cup full” approach allows her recognize the hardships but also identify the unifying spirit that arose during the pandemic.

“We were kind of all on boat, so to speak, and there was a sense of community that come out of that, we really had to take care of one another to minimize transmission.”

Dr. Boulmalf’s firsthand experience volunteering in public health, where she was involved in vital contract tracing efforts, provided her with a unique vantage point. She witnessed the remarkable ways in which communities rallied, particularly the inspiring initiatives undertaken by young people to support those most vulnerable.”I did see a lot of young people and students really try to step up to the plate and bridge that gap with our elderly, so that was really lovely to see,” she recounts. From programs designed to deliver groceries and medications to the doorsteps of isolated seniors, the younger generation demonstrated a profound sense of responsibility and care.

Dr. Boulmalf acknowledges the significant challenges and the potential long-lasting impact the pandemic has had, particularly on vulnerable populations who may have faced disruptions in primary care and preventive medicine. It is precisely for this reason that she believes it is crucial to shine a light on the positive initiatives that emerged.

“It’s very important that no matter what’s going on, we always put a limelight on all the really meaningful and powerful initiatives, especially that our youngsters are implementing.”

Dr. Boulmalf’s caring and positive attitude, integral to her medical approach, makes her an exceptional family physician. Her emphasis on community, both in her perspective on primary care and her reflections on the pandemic, exemplifies her deep-seated care for the wider community. Simultaneously, her optimistic outlook and focus on the pandemic’s positive aspects showcase her inherent positivity attitude. Dr. Boulmalf’s dedication to fostering individual health within the context of community well-being underscores her exceptional attributes as a family physician.

When Sunint Bindra first learned he’d received a scholarship from the Future Aces Foundation, he was sitting in his high school classroom, unsure of what the future held.

“It was definitely a weight lifted off my shoulders,” he recalls. “It meant I could spend more time preparing for the journey ahead.” 

That journey would take him to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he pursued a dual major in computer science and economics – and immersed himself in a world of learning, leadership, and service. Now a consultant in McKinsey & Company’s Private Equity practice in Boston, Sunint reflects on his path with humility and clarity.

“The scholarship reminded me that people were rooting for me.”

Through Systems At Dartmouth, Sunint’s intellectual and extracurricular interests converged around the idea of building systems that create opportunity. He was a Social Impact Scholar, captain of the debate team (a passion since middle school), an athlete on the taekwondo team, leader of Dartmouth Blockchain, and a teaching assistant for quantitative economics and an MBA course at the Tuck School of Business. He immersed himself in academic research labs across biomedical engineering, finance, and quantum computing – earning several academic publications and presenting his work at cross-disciplinary conferences.

“I’ve always felt drawn to finding the overlap between people’s dreams and what society needs.”

That conviction crystalized in Develop for Good, a nonprofit where he served as founding CFO. The organization connects underrepresented students with tech professionals to deliver pro bono digital projects for nonprofits. “Each project was a win-win-win,” he explains. “Students gain real-world experience and mentorship. Professionals gave back to the next generation. And nonprofits receive digital infrastructure – mobile apps, websites, data visualizations – they otherwise couldn’t access.” Since its inception, Develop for Good has supported over 3,500 students through semester-long programs. Eighty-four percent of participants identify as underrepresented in tech. The organization has saved $11 million in development costs for partner nonprofits.

“It’s about designing a flywheel of opportunity, equity, and impact that keeps compounding.”

For Sunint, service isn’t a side project – it’s how he understands systems. He serves on the Emerging Leaders Board of Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, which delivers integrated medical, behavioral, and case management services to more than 11,000 homeless individuals annually across 25+ clinics and shelters. In this role, Sunint contributes to advancing delivery models, supporting operational strategy, and exploring innovative approaches to scale impact across underserved populations.

“What struck me most is how they center humanity,” he shares. “Their mission isn’t just to treat symptoms – it’s to treat people, with the dignity they deserve.”

He recalls a recent conversation with Dr. Jim O’Connell, the organization’s President and Co-Founder. “He’s been doing this work for decades, and speaking to him about the evolution of homelessness, health policy, and care from the ’80s through today was humbling. It was a powerful reminder that grassroots efforts – when persistent, deeply empathetic, and thoughtfully designed – can move mountains.” Sunint also serves on a federal youth advisory council, a nonpartisan board that represents youth voices across the nation. “It’s about making sure we don’t overlook lived experiences when designing policy.” In this role, he’s advised national leaders on youth development, economic inclusion, and technological innovation.

“When you have a seat at the table, you also have a responsibility: to ask who’s missing, what the second- and third-order impacts are, and whether we’re truly building for everyone.”

Today, at McKinsey, Sunint advises investors and executives across industries like software, infrastructure, and healthcare.

“The day-to-day may look different,” he says, “but the goal is the same: help others make high-stakes decisions with real-world consequences. When you care about what you’re building, everything starts to align.”

What motivates him is a desire to help shape systems that work better for more people. “Honestly, I don’t know the alternative – not doing this work isn’t who I am,” he says. “The world is an amalgamation of dreams – a robotics lab, a community clinic, a jazz conservatory. Someone imagined each of them, and built them.”

“I want my work – whatever form it takes – to contribute to that shared fabric. To intersect with others’ aspirations. To help shape a future that’s more equitable, more possible.”

His advice to aspiring changemakers is pragmatic and uplifting:

“Figure out what excites you, and start. The hardest part is the beginning. Once you move past that initial inertia, it gets easier. Don’t wait for permission – there’s space for you to build something new.”

Choosing a career path can be overwhelming. There are so many options, and it’s something many young people struggle with. If you’re feeling lost, you’re not alone. 2014 Future Aces Scholarship recipient Kelly He Sun, shares her insights on how to navigate career choices

The journey begins with self-reflection and a broad outlook. It’s important to recognize that a career is not necessarily a rigid, unchangeable path; there’s room for exploration and evolution over time. Start by considering your interests and what skills you want to develop. It’s also important to think about the kind of life you envision for yourself after you finish your education. Do you want to live in a big city or travel? What kind of income do you hope to earn? You can use frameworks to guide your thinking – for example, “SWEET” (Strengths, Wants, Expectations, Environment, Type). 

“Think about what your interests are in the near term, dabble in [those interests] and  think about [which work or education experiences] would set you up well.” 

Internships are incredibly valuable for gaining hands-on experience. They can help you build skills and figure out if a particular career path is right for you. Even entry-level internships or volunteer positions can provide valuable learning opportunities. Focus on developing skills that will be useful and impressive to future employers .

“For me, I did several internships back at university (…) I wanted to learn how to send professional emails and use Excel and PowerPoint. It’s important to break [your interests] down to smaller pieces and tackle it bit by bit, trust the process and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvement. Through my internship [in finance], I realized it wasn’t likely the right path for me, but it was amazing to be able to explore that.”

Throughout your journey you will face challenges and obstacles. You may hear “yes” and “no” – but ultimately it’s your path to own.  

“People might tell you something is not possible or discourage you. But just because it might not be right for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s not right for you(…) just because you heard a “no” the first time, doesn’t mean you will hear a “no” the second or the tenth time.” 

Kelly attended Western University and Ivey Business School in London, Ontario. Her professional background is primarily in consulting, with some experience in finance. She was a former Project Leader at BCG (Boston Consulting Group), where she started her career in Toronto before moving to New York in 2022. Previously, she interned at Goldman Sachs Chicago in Sales & Trading. Since mid-2024, Kelly has taken a step back from consulting to explore the rapidly expanding and dynamic creator economy. She now runs @kellycareermode – creating content focused on various career-related topics, including interviewing skills, job performance, soft skills, and more.