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.