8 Questions With 2021 Loran Scholar Eman Shayeb

The Loran Award is one of the biggest and most prestigious awards in Canada. This year, thousands applied but only a small number of outstanding Canadian students were selected as a 2021 Loran Scholar. Each one receives up to $100,000 to explore and develop their talents as they pursue their undergraduate studies.

We talked to Eman Shayeb, a 2021 Loran Scholar from Ross Sheppard High School in Edmonton, AB about solidarity with the community, meeting new people, and being authentic in your applications.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am a 17-year-old Muslim Palestinian living in Edmonton, Alberta! I will hopefully be going into Engineering Science at the University of Toronto, and I hope to minor in a humanity like Women’s Studies. I founded a community organization called HEAR for Them, which stands for Hygiene Education and Resources for Them, in order to distribute menstrual products to all those who need them. I also really like making art, and have been painting since elementary school!

2. What was your reaction when you found out that you were named a 2021 Loran Scholar?

It was a bit unreal to me, so I took some time to digest it, and now that it’s really hit me I’m quite excited.

3. What is the most meaningful leadership experience you’ve had so far?

I think that all leadership experiences are meaningful in their own way, but being a part of HEAR for Them is definitely one of the most meaningful experiences to me because of all the effort that it takes and the way that it has brought so many of us together!

4. What motivates you to give back to your community?

I think that solidarity with my community is just how I’ve been raised. For me, finding strength in community is not an extracurricular nor an activity, but a method of survival. Giving back means being a part of a self-sufficient community where we all have each other’s backs. I am also inspired by activist movements around the world, and I like to connect with them to ask questions that would help me with community efforts here.

5. What part of the Loran program are you most looking forward to?

There is a lot about the Loran that I look forward to, primarily the social component like making friends with other scholars, and getting to have a mentor throughout my time in university. I’m also looking forward to the Loran summers because I’m excited to experience new fields and areas that I may not have previously considered.

6. What are you most looking forward to about university? What do you hope to get involved in there?

I’m really excited to learn from the more experienced activists in Toronto, and I’m also really excited for my classes, since they will mostly be math and science focussed! The variety of clubs that I can join at my university is something that I’m looking forward to as well.

7. What advice do you have for other students applying to become a Loran Scholar or to any other scholarship?

I would say to just go for it and apply. Worrying about how your application is perceived will just hinder you. Try to be as authentic as you can in your application.

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself still working in the mathematical sciences and making art, while also being as involved as I can be in my community!