Since 2012, the $100+ million scholarship fund that is the Schulich Leader Scholarship has been providing up to 100 undergraduate scholarships each year to Canadian universities. One outstanding senior from SMUS is nominated for this scholarship per year and now, Maya Achuthan becomes the school’s first-ever selected recipient of the award.
The scholarship selects students who can be the next great leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It also acknowledges the combination of academic excellence with contributions in leadership, charisma and creativity. Those with an entrepreneurial-focused mindset are also typically among the chosen recipients.
Being a head prefect, member of the rowing and track team and co-head of the school’s Economics Club are just a few of the things that Maya lends her leadership to at SMUS. The Schulich application process reviews these types of contributions among reference letters, multiple essays and academic reports.
“It was a long process with some intense questioning,” described Maya, who joined SMUS in Grade 10 from her hometown in Edmonton, Alta. “I’ve known about this scholarship for the last four years, as I had the opportunity to participate in the Canada-Wide Science Fair, and the Schulich Foundation and Youth Science Canada are really closely aligned. It was just a dream that I even got to apply.”
Getting the Call
Fast forward to April 2024 and Maya got the good news broken to her surrounded by her peers.
“I got a call from UBC while in my homeroom and I initially thought there may have been an issue with my application,” said Maya recounting the day she got ‘the call “I remember being absolutely speechless when I found out that they were actually calling to tell me they had selected me for Schulich for an Engineering scholarship worth $120,000. The news was definitely overwhelming, and it was amazing that all my friends were there to celebrate with me.”
That $120,000 is the highest amount Schulich gives out, destined for those pursuing engineering degrees. Those recipients pursuing a degree in science receive $100,000. There are 20 partner universities and Maya got her dream choice and can now attend without financial barriers.
“Covering the costs of university has always been something I wanted to do by myself,” adds Maya, who plans to attend the Vancouver UBC campus and stay in residence. “It’s such a huge weight off my shoulders and I can just focus on becoming an engineer and doing what I love to do.
The Engineering Pursuit
Becoming an engineer is a mild way to put the aspirations of a SMUS student who in Grade 12 alone participated as a member of the Student Ambassador program, the Marine Club, the Sustainability Council, the SMUS Talks Club, the Economics Club and headed the Prefect Council. Maya has all eyes on UBC’s Biomedical Engineering program and has big goals beyond university to use her entrepreneurial mindset and passion to change the world in the space of biotechnology.
“While I’ve been on Vancouver Island, the world of sustainability and the impact of youth activism has just been made so clear to me,” says Maya, who gives credit to her pursuit in this field to her technology entrepreneur parents Ajay and Priya. “In a growing field like biotech, we are hearing so much about the incredible technology. I want to explore the world of sustainability and improve our world from that lens and (winning the Schulich award and attending UBC) is a perfect launch pad for me to do that.”
Closing the SMUS chapter
Maya humbly credits the support and guidance of University Counselling’s Ruth McGhee and her rowing coach and science teacher Susanne Walker Curry for her success in the application process.
“I had the honor of observing Maya excel as both a competitive rower and a dedicated student in the classroom, where her integrity, discipline, passion, and drive were evident,” said Walker Curry. “Equipped with invaluable soft skills from her athletic endeavors, Maya's commitment to learning and aptitude for grasping complex concepts position her to make a meaningful impact in the world of engineering.”
Maya was also quick to acknowledge the school’s part in her recent success, most notably the opportunity for her to learn and grow as a leader.
“Leadership is so important at SMUS. We are constantly learning about how to be leaders, affect change and get things done. That’s ingrained in the school culture and when you’re running for leadership opportunities or doing clubs, fundraisers or beach cleanups, there’s always a sense of people wanting to get involved. The school helps push you out of your comfort zone in order to do that. If it wasn’t for those opportunities and the people at this school, none of this would be possible.”
While it has been well over a month since she’s known about receiving the scholarship, Maya is still processing how big of an impact being a Schulich Leader is. She also modestly acknowledges the path she’s setting for future SMUS winners.
“It’s still a little surreal. It’s starting to hit me now. In the whole process I was a little lost because I didn’t have anyone to reach out to that had already won. I’m really excited because this will hopefully encourage a lot of other SMUS students to put their application in.”
While Maya may be leaving SMUS and turning a leaf, it’s clear that SMUS will always be part of her future.
“I’m so excited about how to take everything I have learned at SMUS and go into UBC and try to have the same amount of impact I’ve had here.”
