1 minute read
Mia Battad '19
PROFILE OF A GRADUATE
MIA BATTAD ’19
For her outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements throughout Senior School, Class of 2019 Alumnae Prefect and Balmoral Hall School Lifer Mia Battad received a Schulich Leader Scholarship to pursue studies in computer science at University of Manitoba.
“Schulich Leader Scholarships are the largest STEM scholarships in Canada,” states Seymour Schulich. “With 50 outstanding students selected in Canada each year it is all but guaranteed that this group represents the best and brightest Canada has to offer.
“These students will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale.”
“Mia demonstrates the boundless capabilities of women leading in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM),” University Guidance Advisor Jennifer McDonald says. “She volunteered in Junior School classrooms to assist students as they explored physics and simple machines with confidence. With the Middle & Senior School robotics clubs, she applied her knowledge and mentored teams as they developed their skills.”
adds Dr. Patricia Mitchler, who teaches physics at Balmoral Hall School.
The decision to apply for the prestigious scholarship was a difficult one, Mia recalls, noting that she had to find confidence to believe in herself.
“It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like that, to commit to an application process, and there is always a considerable chance of failure,” shares Mia, a National AP Scholar (Canada). “Prior to submitting the application, I wondered if I should have called Mrs. McDonald to tell her that I had decided not to apply after all.
“It was a busy time of year, and so I thought, ‘Oh well, it isn’t a big deal, since I probably won’t get it anyways, maybe, I’ll just focus on other things,’ but there are some things you have to commit to.
“I learned an important lesson,” she says, of overcoming her doubts.
