Nikki Rana, an incoming Systems Design Engineering student at the University of Waterloo (UW), has been awarded the prestigious Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship, valued at $100,000 over four years. Nikki, a Cambridge native, is one of just ten students across Canada to receive this recognition, awarded for her academic achievements, volunteer work, and potential for future impact.
The scholarship came as an unexpected but life-changing moment for Nikki, arriving on her birthday. Reflecting on its significance, she shared:
“The scholarship really gave me the privilege of choice. It meant I didn’t have to choose between commuting three hours daily or staying on campus. I could live at UW, join extracurriculars, and focus on my studies without the burden of loans or a part-time job.“
Nikki’s passion for engineering started early, largely due to her exposure to UW through her two older sisters, both alumni of the university. As a child, she would accompany them on campus, absorbing the vibrant engineering atmosphere.
“I loved walking through the engineering buildings, seeing solar panel cars and design projects. It felt like home,” she recalled.
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In high school, she deepened her love for STEM through various programs, including online STEM camps, Engineering Science Quest (ESQ), and volunteering with ESQ.
“It was an amazing experience to see how these skills can be applied beyond the classroom,” Nikki noted.
Beyond her academic life, Nikki has been committed to community service, particularly teaching coding and math to young girls, and serving on her local youth council.
“Volunteering has always been a priority for me. It’s about giving back and inspiring other young girls to pursue STEM,” she emphasized.
Nikki’s success story is not just her own but deeply intertwined with her family’s journey. Her parents moved from Pakistan to Canada, seeking better opportunities for their daughters. This scholarship is a testament to their hard work and sacrifices.
“This accomplishment is not just mine; it’s my parents’ too. Their sacrifices have made everything possible,” she said with pride.
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She recalls her father’s emotional reaction upon hearing the scholarship news.
“He started crying, saying how proud he was. It was an unforgettable moment,” she added.
As Nikki prepares for her first semester at UW, she offers simple but impactful advice for future students:
“Achieving your goals is about consistency. You don’t need to do something extraordinary every day—small, consistent efforts lead to big achievements.”
She’s excited to dive into campus life, particularly engaging with women’s engineering groups and experiencing new student adventures.
“I can’t wait for all the new experiences, even being chased by geese on campus!” she joked.
This scholarship, awarded by Rogers Communications, is part of a broader initiative to support exceptional students in their academic pursuits. In addition to the $100,000 Legacy Scholarship, Rogers offers other financial awards like the $26,800 Future Leader Scholarship and entrance scholarships of $2,000. These initiatives aim to reduce financial barriers for students, enabling them to focus on their studies and contributions to society.
Nikki’s inspiring journey shows that with determination, passion, and the right resources, students can achieve their dreams. ScholyHub is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you unlock opportunities in education, whether you’re local or coming from abroad. Stay connected with ScholyHub’s latest updates to discover scholarships tailored to your needs and start your journey toward academic success.