The Real Stories That Impressed the Loran Scholarship Judges

Age: 20

School: Université de Montréal

Program: International studies

Scholarship amount: $100,000

I’m from Rouyn-Noranda in Quebec. I was in my second year of CEGEP, studying humanities, when I learned about the Loran Award from my friend, who had won it the year before. We met while volunteering for Lab22, a non-profit that supports the development of environmental innovations that help local communities. 

The application process for the Loran is long and rigorous. First, applicants answer questions about two main activities that they’re involved in. I wrote about Citoyenneté jeunesse, an organization that amplifies the voices and opinions of young people. I’m the chair. I also wrote about cheerleading and coaching young kids, which I’d done for a long time. You have to get a recommendation letter from someone in your community—I got one from my MP, for whom I’d been working.

In late October, I was invited to take part in pre-interviews, where applicants are asked three questions by video. You have 10 to 15 seconds after each question to think about your answer and then record it in a 60-second video. I was asked to describe a time something I organized didn’t work out as I planned. I talked about planning events for my CEGEP’s queer association. Very few people came to the events at first, so we decided to focus on hosting just one or two activities per semester and promoting the association to recruit new members.

In mid-December, I was asked to take part in semifinals, which consist of four 15-minute online interviews, but I was attending COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, in Dubai. The committee was really understanding. I did a 15-minute interview with two interviewers when I returned. 

The last stage was finals, which took place near the end of February. They fly 90 finalists out to Toronto for interviews, and only 36 get the scholarship. I had one interview with a co-chair of the foundation, four individual interviews, a panel interview and a lunch. I was speechless when I got the call about the committee’s decision. All I could manage to say was, “I’m really happy.” 

Now, I’m enrolled in international studies at l’Université de Montréal. I’m considering teaching at my old CEGEP when I graduate, or working with a climate, political or youth NGO. I may also run for office one day.