The Rotary Club of Toronto Scholarship Lunch
Friday, September 09, 2016
2016 Recipient Amna Majeed
 
Guest Speaker:  Andrea Tirone
Location:  The National Club, 303 Bay Street
Host: Scholarship Committee
 
This Year's Scholarship Winner:  Amna Majeed
 
Biography
 
My name is Amna Majeed and I am entering my first year in the Life Sciences Program at the University of Toronto – St. George Campus. I hope to major in Human Biology and Psychology, while completing a minor in French. To me, one of the most important traits is to be well-rounded and to expand one’s perspectives. For this reason, I chose a variety of courses this year including Chemistry, Physics, and the Trinity One Program. I enjoy being an active part of the community, and throughout my four years at UofT, I hope to be a part of many volunteer and leadership initiatives, while partaking in sports and the dramatic arts. In the future, I wish to be a specialty surgeon, and all of these experiences will definitely help me to grow as a person.  University is going to be an exciting adventure, and I want to make the most of it – by exploring my interests, making new friends, and trying to be the best version of myself. 
 
 
      Guest Speaker:  Andrea Tirone Biography
 
In 2004, Andrea Tirone was asked to participate in the District 7070 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), through which she found out about Rotaract. Since becoming a member of the University of Toronto Rotaract Club 12 years ago, Andrea has served as President, District Rotaract Representative, Rotaract Representative to the RI Committee on Interact and Rotaract, and as Co-Chair of the International Rotaract Conference - Interota.
 
Outside of Rotaract, Andrea was selected as a 2008-2009 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to South Africa and has attended 7 Rotary International Conventions. In July 2015, Andrea joined the Rotary Club of Toronto and now serves as the Vice Chair of the International Service Committee at the club level, and as District Chair of Interact, Chair of Young Professionals in Rotary and as a member of the District Global Grants Scholarship Committee.Rotary is Andrea's passion because it's her family. Her best friends are from her days in Rotaract or as an Ambassadorial Scholar - whether they were Rotaractors themselves or people she encountered through her Rotary experiences. Rotary has touched every aspect of her life and in turn she is forever committed to trying to do the same for others. Andrea knows that it is possible to do good work through this organization and that she is supported in the work she does while working alongside the world's most compassionate and giving volunteers. 
 
 
Previous Year Recipients: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
 
 
Poova Patel-2015
My name is Poorva Patel and I am a first year student at the University of Toronto – Scarborough Campus. Currently, I am enrolled in the Biological Sciences Program hoping to do a major in Neuroscience or Neurobiology.  This area of study focusses on the physiology of the brain and nervous system.  There is still much to learn about the nervous system, so neurobiological science is a rapidly growing area of research.  I am taking a variety of courses including Chemistry, Biology, Psychology and Statistics as a solid foundation for this area of study. The most important thing I have learned in my first year is to take opportunities and try to explore all my interests instead of confining myself to do, strictly, what is necessary.  I am learning that I have other interests beyond Science that will broaden my perspective and will lead to more personal and professional growth.  University isn’t just about earning a degree and gaining knowledge; it is about gaining my independence and discovering who I am and my potential.
 
 
 
John Chen-2014
My name is John Chen and I am in my second year at the University of Toronto – St. George Campus. I started my first year in the Engineering Science Program in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. Over the course of that year with more research and knowledge, I decided my area of interest is in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Specialist Program in the Faulty of Arts and Sciences. I was able to transfer all of my credits and started my second year in September 2015. During this transition, I have appreciated the help and guidance of my Rotary mentor Mr. Charles Dillingham who has provided useful and insightful life and career advice.
 
 
Naresh Sritharan-2013
My name is Naresh Sritharan and I am presently enrolled in my third year at the University of Toronto – Scarborough. My major course of study is in Human and Physical Geography with a double minor in Applied Statistics and Psychology. My area of interest is education and I hope one day to become a teacher. The most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of managing my time well. Good time management is an essential tool for success at university. It was important for me to learn how to manage my time in order to complete my studies, prepare papers and also to allow for my part-time job, friends and family. I have learned how to manage my time with shifting priorities throughout the school year and look forward to entering my fourth year of study in September 2016.
 
 
 
Souleik Kheyre-2012
My name is Souleik Kheyre and I am in my fourth year at the University of Toronto – St. George Campus. I am pursuing a double major in International and Employment Relations and a minor in African Studies. I joined the U of T Rotaract Club in my first year and have enjoyed the projects we have sponsored as well as the opportunity to participate in the Rotary Club of Toronto activities as well. I feel my principles and values align with the Rotaract and Rotary principles and values and I will continue my membership into the future. I have also enjoyed working with youth in various communities which led me to help found a youth magazine titled Victory. It focuses on human rights, health tips, school tips and advocates against youth violence within Toronto.
Over the past two summers I worked with St. Stephen’s Employment & Training Centre’s Summer Jobs Service program assisting students looking for summer employment. I helped them develop their resumes, cover letters and interview skills. As a youth growing up in the Jane-Falstaff community, I experienced difficulty securing employment. Now, as a Peer Research & Outreach Worker, I am looking forward to collaborating with youth in my community to understand and reduce barriers to employment.